Resolutions 2009!

"Top 10 Reasons to NOT Give up Wine for the New Year"

Every January we see a trend in the Wine Biz. May it be everyone is receiving their credit card balances in the mail or people are trying to dry out after the holidays we cannot say, but one thing is for sure…people for the most part stop buying wine! So let me see if I can help you decide what to kick & what to keep for your New Year's Resolution or Resolution's.

1. Drinking Red Wine with fried foods may counter act the effect of the fat attack. Studies find that people who drink wine daily have lower body mass than those who indulge occasionally; moderate wine drinkers have narrower waists and less abdominal fat than people who drink liquor. That right there is a 2-for-1 on your resolutions!

2. Cancer runs in your family? Resveratrol (antioxidant) helps prevent cancer by limiting tumor growth. Red wine is high in flavonoids (a type of polyphenol), which are antioxidants. One of the most studied antioxidants is resveratrol, which comes from grape skins and seeds. Antioxidants help prevent certain molecules, known as free radicals, from damaging cells.

3. Wine drinkers less likely to get common cold. An investigation revealed that men and women who drank more than 14 glasses of wine each week had a 40% reduction in colds compared with people who drank no alcohol. The association was stronger for red wine and the same findings were not true for people consuming other alcoholic beverages, the report indicates. On average, the men had 1.1 colds per person per year in that time, while women averaged 1.7 colds per person per year. Bottoms ups!

4. Wine is expensive & you are cutting down on your spending this year. So not true, at The Wine Cellar we have wines to fit everyone's budget & a monthly Newsletter with discounts. Also if you buy in bulk you save an additional 5 to 10% on the already marked down items.

5. Too many calories in alcoholic beverages. It is all about portion control & moderation…Red wine 3.5oz - 74 calories… White wine 3.5oz - 70 calories.

6. Forgetful? Wine could preserve your memory. When researchers gave memory quizzes to women in their 70s, those who drank one glass of wine or more every day scored much better than those who drank less or not at all.

7. Just breathe… Researchers have found that men who drink an average of four to seven glasses of red wine per week are only 52% as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer as those who do not drink red wine, reports the June 2007 issue of Harvard Men's Health Watch. Men won't need another reason...

8. Have a Uterus? Australian researchers recently compared women with ovarian cancer and cancer-free women; they found that roughly one glass of wine a day seemed to reduce the risk of the disease by as much as 50 percent. Think Prince will sing a song about that?

9. Would you rather eat spinach once daily or drink a glass of wine? On average, women who drink moderately seem to have higher bone mass than abstainers. Alcohol appears to boost estrogen levels; the hormone seems to slow the body's destruction of old bone more than it slows the production of new bone.

10. Well I believe we covered everything but the most important part…Wine is Delicious! How could you live without it?

Pair it with a meal, loved one or a night alone nothing makes you feel as Fine as Wine!

Cheers!

Jennifer Scarborough - Wine Know
The Wine Cellar
205-979-2151

Cellar Selections October 7th - 15th

Weekly Cellar Selections ~ October 7^th – 15^th

Wine Tasting at The Wine Cellar this Thursday October 9^th from 5 to 7p.m. $5 per person. Aaron Gallardo of Latino Wines will be helping us kick-off Oktoberfest with some groovy wines from Germany. If you think German wines are all sweet & white please come by Thursday night so you can taste some fabulous wines to celebrate Oktoberfest. Hope to see you all here!

St. Christopher Gewurztraminer, Rheinhessen Reg. $12.99 now $9.99
An aromatic white wine with finely structured and flowerful bouquet. Dominating taste, ripeness, body and a mild acidity.

Schlink Haus Riesling Kabinett, Nahe Reg. $14.99 now $10.99
A delightfully fruity Kabinett of superior quality. Harmoniously balanced, made of fully ripened grapes. Fragrant, fine fruit and a light sweetness.

St. Christopher Piesporter Goldtroepfchen Riesling Spatlese, Mosel Reg. $16.99 now $12.99
A beautifully fragrant, medium-bodied wine with upfront fruit that continues to develop on the palate. Hints of peaches and green apples that are balanced with crisp acidity to give it a clean, fresh finish.

Schloss Koblenz Ingelheimer Kaiserpfalz Portugieser Reg. $14.99 now $10.99
A medium-bodied young red wine. 100% produced of the "Portugieser" grape. Semi-sweet with a residual sugar content of 25 gr/L. Goes well with red meat and game.

Schlink Haus Dornfelder - Sweet, Nahe Reg. $14.99 now $11.99
A delightfully fruity red quality wine that is full-bodied with flavors of blackberries.

October Event Schedule all $5 per person from 5 to 7p.m. All in store unless stated.

9^th – Aaron Gallardo with Latino Wines – OKTOBERFEST!

16^th – NO TASTING

23^rd – Lauren Wiersma with MBC-United & City Hall Diner

30^th – TBA

November Event Schedule all $5 per person from 5 to 7p.m. All in store unless stated.

6^th – NO TASTING HERE – VIVA VESTAVIA AT HOLLYWOOD POOL'S & SPA CALL 823-5011 FOR TICKET INFO

13^th – John Poor with Johnson Brother's

20^th – 3^rd Annual Turkey Tasting with Colleen Moore, Leigh Monroe & Frank Hanson

27^th – NO TASTING/CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING

December Event Schedule all $5 per person from 5 to 7p.m. All in store unless stated.

6^th – 4^th Annual Super Bubbly Tasting!

11^th – David Lawrence, wine maker & fabulous Birmingham native will be here to taste us on his wines! This is also our last tasting of 2008.

15 Wines Still on Special!

Conquista Torrontes, Argentina Reg. $8.99 now $6.99

Maso Canali Pinot Grigio, Italy Reg. $19.99 now $12.99

Three Rivers Meritage White, Columbia Valley Reg. $21.99 now $16.99

Pirie South Sauvignon, Tasmania Reg. $21.99 now $18.99

Three Rivers Late Harvest Gewurztraminer Biscuit Ridge, Columbia Valley Reg. $16.99 now $12.99

Banfi Centine Rose, Italy Reg. $12.99 now $9.99

Emiliana Natura Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile Reg. $12.99 now $8.99

Jungle Room Red, California Reg. $16.99 now $11.99

Breton Lorinon Crianza, Rioja Reg. $21.99 $14.99

Three Rivers Merlot, Columbia Valley Reg. $19.99 now $14.99

Guelbenzu Azul, Spain Reg. $21.99 now $18.99

Three Rivers Winery Syrah, Columbia Valley Reg. $26.99 now $19.99

Terre Rouge Mourvèdre, Sierra Foothills Reg. $25.99 now $19.99

Owen Roe Abbot's Table, Oregon Reg. $25.99 now $23.99

Stag's Leap Winery Petite Sirah, California Reg. $38.99 now $32.99

The Wine Cellar
790 Highway 31 · Vestavia Hills · Alabama · 35216
205·979·2151 phone 205·979·2149 fax
Store Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
We are located 2 ½ miles north of I-65 on Highway 31 in the Vestavia Hills City Center (Publix Shopping Center)
www.thewinecellar.info www.myspace.com/wine_seller http://thewineknow.blogspot.com

Just in!

Get jump started on your Holiday shopping!
It might be early but these won't hold out until December.

2004 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley $69.99
Only 2 cases available! Get them now because I do not plan on having these come December.
The 2004 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a refined and complex wine that combines subtlety and depth. It has a dark ruby color with a deep red edge and displays aromas of fresh blackberries, violets, cola, nutmeg and licorice. In the mouth, the wine has a juicy attack and offers great expression of fruit and spice on the mid-palate. Its fruit-driven finish is long and elegant. Properly cellared, this wine should give drinking pleasure through 2023.

2005 Forman Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $92.99
Good moderately saturated red-ruby. Very pretty aromas of raspberry, currant and violet, along with some smoky oak. Juicy, fruity and minerally; in a more vertical, less fleshy style than the young 2006, but showing lovely precision of fruit for a wine that's still youthfully tight. Today the tannins are a bit obtrusive and the wine's sweetness and volume are still hidden, but its firm spine suggests that this will reward five to seven years of cellaring.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/Jun 08 Rated: 91 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 93 points

2005 Dominus Estate Proprietary Red, Napa Valley $139.99
Only 6 bottles available until next year!
Dominus 2005 is dark red, almost deep crimson in color. The nose is dense and compact, filled with dark berries, blond tobacco, black cherries and cacao. The entry is both, powerful and supple, spherical in quality. Perfectly ripe, the enveloped tannins are firm, round and elegant. Black fruit and licorice linger throughout the evolution in mouth, well-balanced and harmonious. A superb vintage! The 2005 blend consists of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. This wine clearly has tremendous aging potential. We recommend decanting the wine prior to serving, to allow it to develop its full potential.

To order call 205-979-2151 for guaranteed availability.

The Anchorage

Landmark Homewood restaurant may close after lease expires Sept. 1

Anchorage a 67-year landmark

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

KIM BRYAN

News staff writer

The Anchorage, a 67-year landmark among businesses lining Homewood's 18th Street South, will close soon after Sept. 1 if restaurant owner Denton Scott and building owner William Shaia are unable to reach an agreement.

"It came as a total surprise when Mr. Shaia said he wasn't going to renew the lease," Scott said. "Things were fine when we talked back in January. I believed we had a verbal agreement until about a month ago."

Shaia's attorney, Wheeler Smith of Homewood, said Tuesday he remains hopeful the situation can be resolved. Though Smith said he could not give specifics, he praised the philosophy of the Shaia family, which owns several Homewood businesses.

"The Shaia family makes an effort to maintain their properties in Homewood for the greater good of Homewood," Smith said. "They are very conscientious and want first-rate tenants."

Scott said that Shaia, of Osprey, Fla., and a relative of Ken and Leo Shaia of Homewood, called just after Scott had bought out his former partner, R.T. Lee, Scott said.

"Mr. Shaia said his attorney would be handling the new lease," Scott said. Scott said he met with Smith, who presented a new lease that included a monthly rent increase from $2,500 to $3,000.

Scott was prepared to sign the contract, he said. But Shaia requested a personal meeting with Scott around May, Scott said.

Shaia produced an addendum of nine items, such as painting and repairs, for Scott to address, which Scott said he answered in writing.

"But Mr. Shaia came in the restaurant soon after, and with no mention of the addendum proposal, said he wasn't going to renew the lease."

Scott and Lee had bought the restaurant in July 2005, Scott said, adding he would not have considered buying Lee out had he known there was a possibility the lease wouldn't be renewed.

"At that point, it became personal, and I asked him (Shaia) to leave," Scott said.

Scott cannot afford to move to another site after spending reserves on buying out his partner, he said. He expects to lose a hefty investment, though he preferred not to say how much.

Smith's take is brighter for the scores of regulars who start their days at the Anchorage with breakfast and lively discussions about the latest current events.

"We have been working to try to reach an agreement that would serve both parties, and we are continuing to negotiate," Smith said. "It is a sad situation."

A version of this story appearing Tuesday on The Birmingham News' Breaking News Web log on al.com drew a stream of comments. Many people expressed disappointment to learn the restaurant was closing, including a property owner interested in talking with Scott about relocation prospects.

E-mail: kbryan@bhamnews.com

My New Wine Tasting Bar!

I just had to have this bar when I saw it online. I thought it would be more professional & draw in more customers. I hope I am right!

When it came in I was a little disappointed that it wasn't as red as it shows in this picture. It is red, believe me, just not as bright. Red as red can be under stain & God knows what else.

I have a feeling I am going to be super freaky about spills & what not...yes I know it is a BAR! Funny thing is when suppliers or wine reps would spill wine on the old table they would freak out & scurry off to find a napkin. Now it will be me! So I bought a Quart of Polyurethane this morning, $16.59 at ACE, & I plan on putting a coat on the top today. Maybe tomorrow too.

It has two large cabinets for glassware & storage. Three draws on top for wine keys & such. As well as three racks for wine. Fairly efficient if you ask me. I do love this Bar & hope you come see it really soon...Thursday's wine tasting 5 to 7p.m. will work!

This is the actual color. Not bad just not red like my walls. It's cool though, I will survive! Anyone have an Alan Wrench?

Wine Tasting Thursday Night!

Wine Tasting this Thursday night the 15th from 5 to 7p.m. We will be featuring Satterfield's Restaurant out of Cahaba Heights, yeah me! Satterfield's is located behind The Summit & is one of Birmingham's finest Restaurants! They will be sampling some of their Tapas menu items at The Wine Cellar. Great Chef's & great wine knows like myself make this place entertainment for your tongue!


Colleen Moore from International Wines will be tasting us on some oldies but goodies as well as some new wines to Birmingham! Daniel Schuster & Pirie wines, Pinot Noirs & Riesling blends. I don't know if we can stand all the excitement & with heavy rain too!

Father's Day is June 15th! Don't give the same old TIE gift! Give him something lasting & tasty from The Wine Cellar! A Gift Certificate, Gift Baskets, Cellar Club or just a bottle of Vino will be enough for Dear ol' Dad to think he is Father of the Year! Without him you wouldn't be here...right?
Plan ahead & call today! 205-979-2151

Special Tasting April 22nd - Chateau Potelle & Gravity Hills

Weekly Cellar Selections ~ Chateau Potelle & Gravity Hills

One Day Sale! April 22^nd

Wine Tasting at The Wine Cellar this Tuesday, April 22^nd from 5 to 7p.m. $5 per person. This Tuesday April 22nd we will have a special Guest, Clarisse Fourmeaux of Chateau Potelle Winery & Gravity Hills. Trust me fellas you do not want to miss meeting this lovely lady! On this night we will be featuring wines from Chateau Potelle Vineyards & Gravity Hills at a special One Day Sale price. Mudtown Eat & Drink will be our honored Restaurant featured this evening. Hope to see you all here!

~About Chateau Potelle & Gravity Hills~
Marketta and Jean-Noël Fourmeaux came to California in 1980 as Official Wine tasters for the French government. "We came to spy," jokes Marketta. In reality, they were here on official business--to taste California wines and learn about all aspects of California winemaking philosophy and vineyard management.

After six months and tasting 2000 wines, they sent a telegram back home saying "looks good, we stay". They returned to France, packed up their two young daughters, Mariette and Clarisse, and moved to California in 1983.

Marketta Fourmeaux is the Chateau Potelle winemaker. By being hands-on in every aspect of the wine from growing to bottling, Marketta has built her winemaking reputation on consistency, style and elegance. The combination of her skills and the Estate hillside vineyards have created extremely distinctive and dramatic wines that have brought Chateau Potelle to the top of the wine world. Because of Marketta's sense of perfection, Chateau Potelle has earned its place as a top ranked producer of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Chateau Potelle Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Mendocino Reg. $16.99 now $12.99
A beautiful tropical bouquet with hints of guava, kiwi, plantain and key lime refreshingly greet you with this 2006 Sauvignon Blanc. It truly has one of the most aromatic noses to date. The amazing nose is just the beginning, with a crisp and bright flavor that continues from first taste to last. With an elegant balance and creamy finish this wine is a chef's delight. Cheese (especially sharp!), sushi and anything spicy, are all excellent compliments to this Sauvignon Blanc.

Chateau Potelle Winery Riviera Rose 2006, Paso Robles Reg. $15.99 now $12.99
There are several ways to make a Rose. They make it in the Old World Rhone Valley style. Potelle lets the grapes go to full maturity to achieve the ripe, delicious flavors. This Riviera 2006 is extremely aromatic with a round and ample mouth-feel. It finishes dry and fruity. I cannot count the number of people we have turned onto Rose wine because of the quality and taste of this Riviera.

Chateau Potelle Winery Chardonnay VGS 2005, Mount Veeder Estate – Napa Valley Reg. $41.99 now $40.99
Entirely fermented with its own natural yeasts, the wine is unfined and unfiltered. That painstaking winemaking method protects the terroir and its delicate nuances making Chateau Potelle Chardonnay VGS unique and different and a favorite for many restaurateurs and wine lovers. Brilliant yellow-straw color, the attack in the mouth is fresh and crisp, very lively, with loads of apple and citrus turning very fast to the richer, deeper fruit nuances of melon and peach. The nose is extremely complex due to the length of the fermentation that allows all the elements to blend harmoniously to create the unique style of Chardonnay VGS.

Chateau Potelle Cabernet Sauvignon VGS 2003, Mount Veeder Estate – Napa Valley
Reg. $57.99 now $55.99
~ The truck from Cali might not make it here in time but…PRAY that it does! ~
2003 is truly a child of California: fully ripe with a rich bouquet of red berries at first. Spices and vanilla and coffee and liquorices coming right after to create a complex and intriguing and elegantly balanced nose that makes one coming back to it several times. The attack on the palate is full and the mouth-feel is rich and dense and the wine has a good presence in the mouth with a nice weight without being heavy. You feel the structure and the well rounded tannins.

Gravity Hills 2004 “Base Camp” Syrah, Paso Robles Reg. $17.99 now $12.99
At only a 20° slope, it’s the vineyard workers’ favorite block – a siesta compared to the rest of the property. That’s why we call it Base Camp. We start with a vibrant, expressive clone from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, handpick only the ripest clusters, and give it 14 months in French oak barrels. The result is a juicy, fruit-driven wine with charm to spare.

The rich red color, brilliant as jewel, invites you to plunge in and do the backstroke. A cornucopia of red fruit and spices rushes up to greet your nose. Take a sip, and the velvety-smooth body caresses your palate as flavors tumble over one another in succession – strawberry, black cherry, plum, blueberries, licorice, white pepper, leather - continuing on to an extra-long finish. Down, boy!

Gravity Hills 2005 “Tumbling Tractor” Zinfandel, Paso Robles Reg. $17.99 now $12.99
A delightful wine with elegance and complexity that’s lacking in some of the super-ripe, alcoholic Zins from the area. Sniff the exuberant bouquet of raspberries, blackberries, cinnamon and ginger. Feel the ample roundness in your mouth, with layers of fruit, spice and oak continually unfolding. Savor the long, balanced finish.

Pasta, Osso Bucco, pan roasted chicken, beef or lamb stew, duck, red meat, Chinese food, Thai food… go for it! A very versatile wine!

Gravity Hills 2003”Killer Climb” Syrah, Paso Robles Reg. $39.99 now $28.99
After the final indignity of being pressed and fermented, the Syrah, a clone of Hermitage, is rewarded with an 18-month rest in 100% new French oak barrels. Think of it as finishing school. The result is a serious, deep, complex wine. In the glass, it’s opaque, almost black. Full-bodied, with well-structured tannins, the layers of ripe, red berries combine with minerals and earth, smoked game, black pepper and leather. A wine this intense requires substantial food. Skip the fish and opt for duck, lamb, game, or a good ole’ American steak. Killer Climb should age beautifully for up to ten years. It’s also delicious now. Help it open up by splashing it into a decanter before serving. Then give it mouth to mouth.

Gravity Hills 2004 “The Sherpa” Zinfandel, Paso Robles Reg. $39.99 now $28.99
Beautifully inviting color coming from the very small and thick skinned red berries we get on that block of GH. The bouquet starts with a bright and fresh nose of raspberry immediately followed by a very intense and deep nuance of red fruit and spices. That nose is so typical of the lushes California Zinfandel.
In the mouth, the wine expands and fills it up pretty fast. It is round, ample and rich with a nice velvety character. The fruits come at first, the spices follow and then both blend in the finish. The oak delivers some nice flavors of vanilla which add to the overall complexity and tone of this true California child.

April Event Schedule all $5 per person from 5 to 7p.m. All in store unless stated.
Tuesday the 22^nd - Special Guest - Clarisse Fourmeaux of Chateau Potelle & Gravity Hills with Mudtown Eat & Drink

Thursday the 24^th No Tasting

May Event Schedule
May 1^st – Leigh Monroe with Pinnacle Imports pouring Crios Wines – Perfect for Mother’s Day!

May 8^th – Lauren Wiersma of MBC-United pouring Cape Mentelle & Green Point Wines

May 11^th – Mothers Day! We have Riedel glass sets, gift baskets & bubbly for that wonderful woman you call MOM! No we are not open this day, plan ahead!

May 15^th – Colleen Moore with International Wines TBA

May 22^nd - Colleen Moore with International Wines TBA

May 29^th – No Tasting

~ Did someone say…Riedel? We have it! ~

~ Interested in actually KNOWING what you’re talking about with Wine? ~
Email me for details on how you can obtain lasting knowledge & credentials!

If you actually need another reason to shop here, please read this personal endorsement!
http://dishinwiththedivas.blogspot.com

What is Mudtown Eat & Drink?
We’re LOCAL! If you’re looking for a local eating establishment to support, we’re it. Our latest advertising campaign claims an amazing menu. We think it is. More importantly, the guests who dine with us for lunch and dinner seven days a week tell us so. We’re proud and grateful of the praise. Judging by the response to a new menu rollout in early June, we continue to be on the right track of making people and their tastebuds happy.

Even though we named a restaurant after dirt, the food is fantastic, fresh and fun. The beverages are cold and unique. The atmosphere is inviting and comforting. As you walk in to Mudtown, you will feel the prevailing friendly spirit, smell the enticing aromas from the kitchen and anticipate a quality dining experience served by people who genuinely appreciate you stopping by.

Coming soon to Mudtown Eat & Drink, Meals-to-go! If you are a Pharmaceutical Representative or just in need some ideas for office lunches, group lunches or anything else catered Mudtown is an established Catering service as well. Visit http://www.mudtownalabama.com/catering.pdf for details!
Mudtown Eat & Drink
3144 Green Valley Road
Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
(205) 967-3300 store
http://www.mudtownalabama.com

The Wine Cellar
970 Highway 31 · Vestavia Hills · Alabama · 35216
205·979·2151 phone 205·979·2149 fax
Store Hours: Monday thru Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10a.m. to 4p.m.
We are located 2 ½ miles north of I-65 on Highway 31 in the Vestavia Hills City Center (Publix Shopping Center)
www.thewinecellar.info www.myspace.com/wine_seller http://thewineknow.blogspot.com

Cellar Selections April 16th - 23rd

Weekly Cellar Selections ~ Wines from Moldova, huh?

Wine Tasting at The Wine Cellar this Thursday, April 17^th from 5 to 7p.m. $5 per person. Just to clarify all tastings are held at The Wine Cellar unless specifically mentioned they are elsewhere. This week we have Adrian Drapkin of Ingenium Wines pouring from our current Cellar Selection & Jennifer Claborn, Owner of City Hall Diner, sharing some of her wonderful menu items. If you have never been to City Hall Diner you have got, I repeat, got to come sample her fabulous food at my tasting to see for yourself. Hope to see you all here!

If you actually need another reason to shop here, please read this personal endorsement!
http://dishinwiththedivas.blogspot.com

Moldova…huh?
Moldova is one of the top 10 grape- and wine-producing countries in the world. Although relatively unknown in the west, Moldova's winemaking industry has long been respected in Eastern Europe and Russia. The country's wine industry is currently engaged in significant expansion and modernization, with 85% of its wines produced for export and over 15% of the country's annual budget based on viticulture.

A favorable geographical position and a wonderful climate have attracted people here from the earliest times. In the Republic of Moldova winemaking dates back more than 2000 years to the time of Greek and Roman settlement. With such a long history, it is not surprising that the country's inhabitants practice the winemaker's art with special pride. Even the shape of Moldova is reminiscent of a bunch of grapes, a special symbol for this fertile, winegrowing nation.

On the territory of Republic of Moldova there are 4 special zones of natural viticulture: Northern, Central, Southern and South-Eastern, those are divided in 19 wine viticulturists – wine-making centers. The most well known are: Cahul, Taraclia, Codru, Romanesti, Ciumai, Purcari, Hancesti, and others. The total area of vineyards is about 110 thousands hectares.

Moldova shares the same line of latitude with Burgundy, France (47 degrees north of the Equator) which together with the proximity of the Black Sea help provide short, relatively mild winters and long hot summers which make this land ideally suited for wine production. Grapes ripen in well-groomed rows on sunny, vineyard-covered hills. These grapes are considered a special gift of nature—they soak up the heat of the sun, fertile soil, cool rain, and the generous care of the hands that tend them. The resulting vintages are natural, rich and complex, and are rapidly expanding to new markets.

~ Now let's make a deal! ~

2005 Sauvignon Blanc Graystone Winery, Moldova Reg. $10.99 now $7.99
Sauvignon Blanc is produced from carefully selected, hand-picked grapes of Sauvignon Blanc, grown in the Carbalia vineyards situated in the valley of the river Salcia Mare, in the south of Moldova. Color: pale yellow-green. Bouquet: intense varietal aroma, dominated by a typical fruit and berry character. Taste: a wine of medium body, well structured and fresh because of its acidity. Its intense concentration of fruit manifests itself in an elegant sweetness on the palate. Excellent as an aperitif, with chicken, shellfish or caviar.

2005 Pinot Gris Graystone Winery, Moldova Reg. $10.99 now $7.99
Pinot Gris is produced from carefully selected, hand-picked grapes of Pinot Gris, grown in the Carbalia vineyards situated in the valley of the river Salcia Mare, in the south of Moldova. Color: golden with a green nuance. Bouquet: tender, with honey and flowers flavor. Taste: noble, harmonic combination of oiliness and good retroactivity. Best served with light appetizers, fish with sauce.

2005 Pinot Noir Graystone Winery, Moldova Reg. $10.99 now $7.99
Pinot Noir is produced from carefully selected, handpicked grapes of Pinot Noir, grown in the Corten estate in the valley of the river Lunguta, in the south of Moldova.

Color: ruby with overtones of garnet. Bouquet: flavors of red fruits, especially red cherries, blended with notes of vanilla. Taste: full bodied, presents a perfect balance between the fruit from the grapes and the wood. It is warm and round with a long ending. Recommended with white or red meats, various cheeses.

April Event Schedule all $5 per person from 5 to 7p.m. All in store unless stated.
Thursday the 17^th - Arian Drapkin with Ingenium Wines & City Hall Diner

Tuesday the 22^nd - Special Guest - Clarisse Fourmeaux of Chateau Potelle & Gravity Hills with Leigh Monroe of Pinnacle Imports & Mudtown Eat & Drink

Thursday the 24^th No Tasting

~About City Hall Diner~
They are a casual restaurant, located in Vestavia Hills, serving wonderful seafood, salads, sandwiches and daily specials. Their menu has something that will appeal to everyone. They have a full bar and make all of our desserts. You can see their menu online at www.cityhalldiner.com Phone 824-3655

~ Interested in actually KNOWING what you're talking about with Wine? ~
Email me for details on how you can obtain lasting knowledge & credentials!

The Wine Cellar
970 Highway 31 · Vestavia Hills · Alabama · 35216
205·979·2151 phone 205·979·2149 fax
Store Hours: Monday thru Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10a.m. to 4p.m.
We are located 2 ½ miles north of I-65 on Highway 31 in the Vestavia Hills City Center (Publix Shopping Center)
www.thewinecellar.info www.myspace.com/wine_seller http://thewineknow.blogspot.com

Cellar Selections April 9th - 16th

Weekly Cellar Selections ~ April 9th – 16th

Wine Tasting at The Wine Cellar this Thursday, April 10^th from 5 to 7p.m. $5 per person. Just to clarify all tastings are held at The Wine Cellar unless specifically mentioned they are elsewhere. This week we have Donald Roth with Alabama Crown pouring from our current Cellar Selection. Hope to see you all here!

s|k|n stands for Screw Kappa Napa, another division of Sebastian Vineyards.

2005 s|k|n Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc Reg. $13.99 now $10.99
Pale in straw color, with mango, orange blossom, and grapefruit soda aromas. In the mouth, classic, rich, grassy Sauvignon Blanc flavors collide with key lime pie, lemon drops, and tart green apple. The silky mouth-coating body of this wine is perfectly balanced with bright acid.

This wine will pair with both lighter foods such as grilled seafood over mixed baby greens, and a citrus fruit and fresh mozzarella salad, or hardier fare such as fettuccini alfredo with asparagus, fresh peas, and eggplant or chicken and shrimp Pad Thai.

2006 s|k|n Napa Valley, Chardonnay Reg. $13.99 now $10.99
Light straw in color, the nose of this wine is reminiscent of lavender honey, guava, and lemon custard. In the mouth, the driving flavors of this Chardonnay are Meyer lemon sorbet, orange blossom, and apricots finishing with delicate oak notes and a rich mouthfeel from sur lees aging.

This Chardonnay will be perfect alongside a generous bowl of fettuccini topped in a pesto cream sauce, or pan grilled halibut with a butter herb sauce and toasted almonds, or roasted chicken and vegetable soup with buttermilk dumplings.

2006 s|k|n Napa Valley, Zinfandel Reg. $13.99 now $10.99
Deep Purple in color, our Napa Valley Zinfandel has aromas of mint, black tea, blackberry preserves with subtle notes of white pepper, menthol, and violets. The flavors are reminiscent of dark berries, black olives, cedar, hazelnuts, and soy sauce.

I would serve this Zin alongside a pan grilled flatiron steak cut along the grain with sautéed carrots and creamed spinach, smoked turkey and andouille sausage jambalaya, or barbequed spare ribs and potato salad.

2005 s|k|n Napa Valley, Merlot Reg. $13.99 now $10.99
Dark ruby in color, with a nose of blackberries and plum preserves with hints of oak, cinnamon, and toasted walnuts. Our Napa Merlot has flavors of bittersweet chocolate, cloves, and mocha coffee, with hints of licorice and raspberry, and finishes with toasty French oak notes.

Serve this Merlot alongside a rich wild mushroom sauce over penne pasta with Pecorino Romano, roasted lamb shanks drizzled with pomegranate molasses over Yukon gold mashers, or Carne Asada tacos with mango salsa and Chipotle-corn cakes.

2005 s|k|n Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon Reg. $13.99 now $10.99
Dark garnet in color, this wine has a nose of tobacco, blackberries, and fresh figs with hints of black truffles and shoyu (light soy sauce). It delivers classic Cabernet flavors of currants, blackberries, cherry preserves, black pepper, and cocoa with hints of marjoram, cloves, and earth.

A great evening needs only a porterhouse steak and a bottle of this Cabernet. This is a big wine that will stand up to big food, such as roasted lamb, venison, or elk along-side green beans with toasted almonds and a balsamic reduction and white cheddar cheese polenta.

April Event Schedule all $5 per person from 5 to 7p.m. All in store unless stated.

Thursday the 10^th – Donald Roth with Alabama Crown

Thursday the 17^th - Arian Drapkin with Ingenium Wines & City Hall Diner

Tuesday the 22^nd - Special Guest - Clarisse Fourmeaux of Chateau Potelle & Gravity Hills with Leigh Monroe of Pinnacle Imports & Mudtown Eat & Drink

Thursday the 24^th No Tasting

*Coming soon to Mudtown Eat & Drink, Meals-to-go! If you are a Pharmaceutical Representative or just in need some ideas for office lunches, group lunches or anything else catered Mudtown is an established Catering service as well.

Mudtown Eat & Drink
3144 Green Valley Road
Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
(205) 967-3300 store
http://www.mudtownalabama.com

Cellar Selections April 2nd - 9th

April 2^nd – 9^th

Weekly Cellar Selections ~ Saving Green

Wine Tasting at The Wine Cellar this Thursday, April 3^rd from 5 to 7p.m. $5 per person. Just to clarify all tastings are held at The Wine Cellar unless specifically mentioned they are elsewhere. This week we have Colleen Moore with International Wines pouring from our current Cellar Selection. Remember April is Green Living month so drink Parducci wines. Not only will you be saving a little Green on Earth, you will be saving a little Green in your Wallet too! Hope to see you all here!

Parducci: the first winery in the US to be Carbon Neutral!

Parducci is locally owned and operated in California's Mendocino County. They are committed to Sustainable Winegrowing practices that yield top quality grapes and wines while protecting the environment and supporting their communities and local farmers.

ü Locally owned and operated

ü Grapes from family farms

ü Protecting the environment

ü Solar power

ü Earth-friendly packaging

ü Carbon neutrality

2006 Parducci Chardonnay, Mendocino Reg. $12.99 now $9.99

With 93% of this Chardonnay stainless steel fermented it has crisp, clean aromas and flavors of apple, melon and citrus. Parducci focused on obtaining balanced, ripe fruit flavors in sourcing the grapes and making the wine. Enjoy this rich dry white wine with salmon, chicken, creamy soups and white sauced pasta.

2006 Parducci Pinot Noir, Mendocino Reg. $13.99 now $10.99
This Pinot Noir offers aromas of fresh spearmint, dark berries and ripe plums, with a hint of cocoa. Its spicy, minty, ripe berry flavors are full and rich on the palate, picking up a savory chocolate tone in the finish. Enjoy this rich red wine with salmon, ham, and fine cuts of red meat.

2004 Parducci Merlot, Mendocino Reg. $12.99 now $9.99
This 2004 Merlot has complex aromas of sweet black cherries and plums with hints of leafy mint tea. The flavors key on cherries, with a tea-leaf spiciness adding savor and zest. This dry red is a fine match for herb-roasted chicken with plum sauce, grilled beef on arugula or smoky chili.

2005 Parducci Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino Reg. $12.99 now $9.99

This Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of currant, plum and vanilla. Grapes from each of Mendocino County’s inland vineyard areas complement one another in this bottle. Enjoy this rich dry red wine with hearty chicken dishes, beef and lamb, and red sauced pasta.

2004 Parducci Petite Sirah, Mendocino Reg. $12.99 now $9.99

Petite Sirah is a Mendocino specialty, and Parducci was one of the first wineries to bottle this varietal. Dark ruby in color, with aromas of cherry, blackberry, mint and chocolate, this big red’s spicy dark fruit flavors pair well with marinated tri-tip mushroom, risotto and hearty stews.

~Okay, so not Parducci but well worth trying…

2002 Celler Marti Fabra Seleccio Vinyes Velles Reg. $19.99 now $14.99

A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from Ampurdan Costa Brava, Spain

91 points – Robert Parker “From a vineyard planted in pure slate, the 2002 Seleccio Vinyes Velles is an unfined/unfiltered blend of 60% old vine Grenache (50-80 years), and the rest Carignan, Tempranillo, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. An intense, fragrant bouquet of raspberry and blueberry jam intermixed with a liquid minerality jumps from the glass of this deep ruby/purple-colored 2002. The beautiful aromatics are followed by a medium-bodied, elegant, precise, well-delineated, fresh, lively red. This singular effort demonstrates the potential of this little-known Spanish viticultural region. Drinking well now, it should age nicely for 5-6 years. Wow! What a discovery broker Jorge Ordonez made with these terrific wines from a sub-appellation of Ampurdan in the Costa Brava. Could Costa Brava be the next Priorat?” Drink from 2005 – 2011.

April Event Schedule all $5 per person from 5 to 7p.m. All in store unless stated.
Thursday the 3^rd - Colleen Moore with International Wines

Thursday the 10^th – Donald Roth with Alabama Crown

Thursday the 17^th - Arian Drapkin with Ingenium Wines

Tuesday the 22^nd - Special Guest - Clarisse Fourmeaux of Chateau Potelle & Gravity Hills with Leigh Monroe of Pinnacle Imports

Thursday the 24^th No Tasting

The Wine Cellar
970 Highway 31 · Vestavia Hills · Alabama · 35216
205·979·2151 phone 205·979·2149 fax
Store Hours: Monday thru Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10a.m. to 4p.m.
We are located 2 ½ miles north of I-65 on Highway 31 in the Vestavia Hills City Center (Publix Shopping Center)
www.thewinecellar.info www.myspace.com/wine_seller http://thewineknow.blogspot.com

Privacy Policy: If you received this email it is because you listed your email with us as someone who wants to know about events or specials. To Unsubscribe please email vwinecellar@bellsouth.net

Cellar Selections March 26th - April 2nd

March 26th – April 2nd

Weekly Cellar Selections ~ Spring Time Wines

Wine Tasting at The Wine Cellar this Thursday, March 27th from 5 to 7p.m. $5 per person. Just to clarify all tastings are held at The Wine Cellar unless specifically mentioned they are elsewhere. This week we have Colleen Moore with International Wines pouring from our current Cellar Selection & 3 more, you have to come to find out what. Our featured restaurant is Mudtown Eat & Drink. Hope to see you all here!

2006 "next" by King Estate, Washington Riesling

Reg. $15.99 now $13.99
King Estate Vineyards has for years dazzled us with their wonderful wines, come try their new creation "next". This is sure to be the "next" generation of cutting edge wine making. Aromas of peach, orange blossom, lemon, white pepper, and perfume.
Mouthfeel of white peach, honey, lemon zest, apple, guava, and apricot. Make this your "next" bottle!

2006 Adelsheim, Willamette Valley Auxerrois (oak-sair-wah)

Reg. $21.99 now $19.99
DNA testing has shown that Auxerrois, like Chardonnay, Aligoté, Gamay and 10 other varieties, is a cross dating from medieval times between Pinot noir and an ignoble variety called Gouais Blanc. It is also the name of a duchy surrounding the town of Auxerre near Chablis, but the variety has disappeared from that area and all other parts of Burgundy. In fact, there are probably less than 500 acres of it planted in the world. Its early ripening has allowed it to flourish in Luxembourg (even achieving Premier Cru status), but in Alsace, the variety is now treated as a second-class citizen, consigned to blends often with Pinot Blanc. In the US, we know of only two producers.
There are aromas of juicy apple, pear, white peach and honey in the nose of this wine. In the mouth these fruits reappear together with subtle flavors of fennel and tarragon. With its perfect textural balance of acid, alcohol and fruitiness, the wine has body and length on the palate, yet remains fresh. Auxerrois is wonderful on its own as an apéritif, or with many courses at the beginning of a meal. It would pair beautifully with crab salad, for instance, or cured salmon with tarragon dressing.

2006 "next" by King Estate, Oregon Pinot Noir

Reg. $22.99 now $20.99
King Estate Vineyards has for years dazzled us with their wonderful wines, come try their new creation "next". This is sure to be the "next" generation of cutting edge wine making. Aromas of bright Bing cherry, strawberry, oak char, and pomegranate.
Mouthfeel of black cherry and strawberry, light oak. Make this your "next" bottle!

2006 Adelsheim, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Reg. $31.99 now $28.99
With its wide variety of origins and clones, this wine displays both red and black fruit aromas (cherries and raspberries), on the nose and the palate. In addition, one finds a light touch of brown spices (nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice) and even a little black pepper. True to our house style, it is elegantly textured with satiny, polished tannins showing in the finish. Pair it with salmon or ahi, veal or pork, poultry (think duck) or beef, and/or hearty vegetarian entrees.

April Event Schedule all $5 per person from 5 to 7p.m. All in store unless stated.

Thursday the 3rd - Colleen Moore with International Wines
Thursday the 10th - TBA
Thursday the 17th - Arian Drapkin with Ingenium Wines
Tuesday the 22nd - Special Guest - Clarisse Fourmeaux of Chateau Potelle & Gravity Hills with Leigh Monroe of Pinnacle Imports
Thursday the 24th No Tasting

What is Mudtown Eat & Drink?

We’re LOCAL! If you’re looking for a local eating establishment to support, we’re it. Our latest advertising campaign claims an amazing menu. We think it is. More importantly, the guests who dine with us for lunch and dinner seven days a week tell us so. We’re proud and grateful of the praise. Judging by the response to a new menu rollout in early June, we continue to be on the right track of making people and their tastebuds happy.
Even though we named a restaurant after dirt, the food is fantastic, fresh and fun. The beverages are cold and unique. The atmosphere is inviting and comforting. As you walk in to Mudtown, you will feel the prevailing friendly spirit, smell the enticing aromas from the kitchen and anticipate a quality dining experience served by people who genuinely appreciate you stopping by.
Coming soon to Mudtown Eat & Drink, Meals-to-go! If you are a Pharmaceutical Representative or just in need some ideas for office lunches, group lunches or anything else catered Mudtown is an established Catering service as well. Visit http://www.mudtownalabama.com/catering.pdf for details!
Mudtown Eat & Drink

3144 Green Valley RoadVestavia Hills, AL 35243

(205) 967-3300 store

http://www.mudtownalabama.com

The Wine Cellar

970 Highway 31 · Vestavia Hills · Alabama · 35216

205·979·2151 phone 205·979·2149 fax

Store Hours: Monday thru Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10a.m. to 4p.m.We are located 2 ½ miles north of I-65 on Highway 31 in the Vestavia Hills City Center (Publix Shopping Center)

www.thewinecellar.info www.myspace.com/wine_seller http://thewineknow.blogspot.com

Cellar Selections March 12th - 19th

March 12th – 19th
Weekly Cellar Selections ~ Cline Cellars
Wine Tasting at The Wine Cellar this Thursday, March 13th from 5 to 6:30p.m. $5 per person. Just to clarify all tastings are held at The Wine Cellar unless specifically mentioned they are elsewhere. This week we have Donald Roth with Alabama Crown tasting us on wines from our current Cellar Selection. Our featured restaurant is City Hall Diner serving samples of their Coq au Vin. Hope to see you all here!

2006 Cline Cellars Viognier
Reg. $15.99 now $13.99
This varietal comes to us from the Northern Rhône Valley in France. Presumed to have arrived from Dalmatia and transported to the Rhone 2,000 years ago by Romans. There are only 2,000 acres of this variety in California at this time.Cline Viognier shows big peach and apricot flavors mixed with citrus and floral notes. The wine is a powerhouse of flavor and is full-bodied so it will make and excellent match with flavorful foods like Mediterranean Stew and spicy Mexican dishes.

2006 Cline Cellars Syrah
Reg. $10.99 now $9.99
Syrah is a fantastic grape to work with in the cellar. The deep red-purple color explodes and fascinates each time it is poured into a glass. Its origins stem from the Rhône Valley. The cracked black pepper aromas complement the black cherry fruitiness of this vintage and make it a great match for grilled Salmon and sautéed vegetables served over pasta.

2006 Cline Cellars “Cashmere”
Reg. $15.99 now $14.99
63% Grenache, 22% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre
They initially created this blend as an auction lot for the Hospice du Rhone held in Paso Robles each year. Cashmere is a very flavorful, smooth wine offering big cherry, raspberry and chocolate notes with hints of cracked black pepper and plum.
A portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

2006 Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel

Reg. $15.99 now $14.99

The 2006 Ancient Vines Zinfandel draws primarily from a wide selection of their oldest, most historic and shyest-bearing Zinfandel blocks in Contra Costa County which make up 43% of this blend. Grapes were planted by Italian and Portuguese immigrants in the sandy, phylloxera-resistant soils of Oakley, California more than 100 years ago. These ancient, dry-farmed vineyards consistently produce fruit of stunning concentration. The lots that we hand-selected are the result of sensitive farming practices, the singular Oakley terroir and a unique cooling band of air that flows from the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers. The Zinfandel from Lodi (37% of blend) was acquired from historic vineyards from along the delta waterways. The remainder of the blend is selected from prized vineyards in Mendocino, Sonoma, and Lake County.
The 2006 Ancient Vines Zinfandel shows wonderful dusty raspberry, blackberry, white pepper and spice, with coffee and chocolate characters.
Ripe fruit and soft tannins make this a mouth-coating rich vintage. Aging in new and used wood has lent this wine a subtle vanilla quality that nicely complements the explosive fruit notes. Enjoy now or cellar for 5 to 7 years.

2006 Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvèdre

Reg. $25.99 now $27.99
The 2006 Ancient Vines Mourvèdre draws from some of their oldest, most historic and shyest-bearing vineyard blocks. These blocks perpetually produce fruit that is of stunning concentration. They are able to reach this concentration as a result of sensitive farming practices, the singular Oakley terroir, and a unique cooling band of air that flows in from the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers. By naturally restricting yields to only 2 to 3 tons per acre we are able to achieve a sublime expression of the Mourvèdre fruit. These grapes hold characteristics of dark, dusty berry fruit that makes their Ancient Vines Mourvèdre so lustrous.
Just remember “Move Over Dear.” This Ancient Vines Mourvèdre offers distinct chocolate characteristics and a luscious deep plum flavor. Tannins are soft with a substantial mouth-feel. Ancient Vines Mourvèdre is a scrumptious and unusually delightful wine. We recommend trying this wine with anything grilled.

March Event Schedule all $5 per person from 5 to 6:30p.m. All in store unless stated.Thursday the 13th – Donald Roth with Alabama Crown & City Hall Diner
Thursday the 20th – Spring Break 2008! No tasting…
Thursday the 27th – Colleen Moore with International & Mudtown Eat & Drink

About City Hall Diner:
We are a casual restaurant, located in Vestavia Hills, serving wonderful seafood, salads, sandwiches and daily specials. Our menu has something that will appeal to everyone. We have a full bar and make all of our desserts. You can see our menu online at www.cityhalldiner.com Please come to see us; we would love to feed you!

The Wine Cellar

970 Highway 31 · Vestavia Hills · Alabama · 35216

205·979·2151 phone 205·979·2149 fax

Store Hours: Monday thru Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10a.m. to 4p.m.

We are located 2 ½ miles north of I-65 on Highway 31 in the Vestavia Hills City Center (Publix Shopping Center)

www.thewinecellar.info www.myspace.com/wine_seller http://thewineknow.blogspot.com