YOUR WEEKLY NEWS & UPDATES
Fall is finally here, not the drizzly cold weather we've been having, but the kind of Fall we Minnesotans stick around for. So get those shorts back out and stop in for your favorite warm weather beverage. We hope this won't be the last hurrah. Plus, we are changing gears here at the shop as the seasons change. We are starting to bring in new whiskies, more red wine, cool new premixed beverages for your tailgating parties, and yummy cream liqueur sippers for your liquid dessert pleasure. Check out our "New & Exciting" section below.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY'S FREE WINE TASTINGS
We are still picking the wines for the Tastings Friday (4-8pm) and Saturday (3-7pm)
We will post the lineup to Facebook prior to the tasting.
STAFF PICKS FOR THE FALL WARM UP
Patti's Pick:
Domaine Rouge Bleu, "Mistral" CDR Villages, 2015
As some of you know I recently went to France for a month to pick grapes for Domaine Rouge Bleu. While there, I experienced the notorious Mistral wind (which is great for staving off rot in the vines). It almost blew me over while I was picking, but I managed to keep my footing. The wine named after this famous wind, will however blow you away for the value. Here's what you get: small production, biodynamic practices (=garrigue), hand harvesting, old vines situated in the stony soil of ancient riverbed, minimum of 24 months in used French oak, minimal sulfite addition, not to mention family values...need I go on? Mistral is their signature cuvée, a classic Southern Rhône blend of GSM with a touch of Rousanne showcasing the complex expression of their old vines and the terroir. This wine is dark fruited with warm spices and good structure, serve it slightly cooled (around 62°F) with mushroom dishes, wild game, cheese or just share it with your favorite person. Make this your new weekend warrior. -$21.99
Doug's Pick:
The Fableist Merlot "395", 2016
The collaboration between Currt Schalchlin from Sans Liege and Andrew Jones from the widely fun wines of Wonderwall and Field Recordings created this concentrated expression of Paso Robles Merlot. Aromas of tea, blue berries, and soil lead the charge, yeilding a Merlot with a direct nod to Bordeaux while still maintaining enough roundness and plushness to please new world wine drinkers. The creepy-crawly label makes this a great candidate for any upcoming parties at the end of this month. -$21.99
Ray's Pick:
Peirano Estate Old Vine Zinfandel, 2015
Crazy Value!! Continuing with my earlier trend, I am trying to source you the greatest sub-$15 wines we have in our shop. This time we are drinking an Old vine Zinfandel coming from vineyards over 100 years old, and all of the fruit is hand picked. You don't get this attention to detail for this price point!!!! -$11.99
Dave's Pick:
Gillmore Red Blend, "Mariposa" 2014
Looking for something unique and satisfying? Good because I have something for you. The Gilmore wines, like many small production wines, are born out of a passion for the vine. The grapes are dry farmed and grafted onto 50 year old Pais rootstock. The wine itself is elegant with intriguing and subtle flavors of dusty blacktop, green peppercorn and tart red fruit. The blend is decidedly non traditional with Syrah and Merlot. The final result is surprisingly refreshing with a bright acidity thanks to its mountain location. -$18.99
Patrick's Pick:
Copertino Riserva, 2009
Off the beaten path (literally, coming from the rural Salento Peninsula, in Italy's heel of Puglia) I'm recommending this week that you try this big, rich, and intense expression of the local grape varietal, Negroamaro. Perfect for a juicy burger, the opening aromas will slap you with leather, cigar leaf, and smoky earth. But allow the wine 20 minutes (Air! I need air!) to soften from soil to fruit and you will take in dried prune and black stewed fruit nicely balancing the grip.
Legendary wine maker Severino Garofano has set the standard in letting the Negroamaro grape express itself in all it's glory by limiting production to only the best years and making it about the grape, as this Cooperative ages the wine only in stainless and, then, years and years in the bottle before determining release. This 2009 vintage is testament to that and is a great deal in your search for wines off the beaten path. -$17.99
NEW & EXCITING
WINES
Pierre Gelin Fixin Rouge 1ER Cru Clos Napoleon 2015
Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 1ER Cru Vaulignot 2016
Marcel Richaud Cotes du Rhone Terre des Galets
Brooks 'Runaway Red' Pinot Noir 2016
Paolo Bea Montefalco Rosso Riserva "Vigneto Pipparello" 2010
Paolo Bea Montefalco Sagrantino Secco "Vigneto Pagliaro" 2010
Coltibuono Vin Santo 2010 - 375ML
Nikolaihof Riesling Vom Stein Federspiel 2013
Ott Gruner Veltliner Am Berg 2014
Ott Gruner Veltliner Der Ott 2015
J.L. Chave Mon Coeur Cotes du Rhone 
Bedrock Lorenzo's Heritage 2014
Anthill Farms Tina Marie Vineyard Pinot Noir 
Clos Mogador Manyetes Vi de Vila Gratallops Priorat 2014
La Vinya del Vuit Gratallops Priorat 2014
Emilio Moro Malleolus 2011
Marie Courtin Efflorescence 2013
J.L. Chave St. Joseph Clos Florentin 2015
J.L. Chave Hermitage Rouge 2013
Berton Vineyard Metal Label Moscato Frizzante
Brokenwood Winery Hunter Valley Semillon 2015
Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Riesling 2015
Chambers Rosewood Muscat NV 375ml

SPIRITS
Coquerel Calvados Fine Calvados 375ML
Black Maple Hill Oregon Straight Bourbon 95 Proof
Black Maple Hill Oregon Straight Rye 95 Proof
Boodles Mulberry Gin