Cellar Selections February 27th - March 5th

February 27th thru March 5th

Weekly Cellar Selections ~ C & T Cellars – NEW to Alabama

Wine Tasting at The Wine Cellar this Thursday, February 28th 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 Dennis Fullmer with Rush Wines tasting us on wines from our current Cellar Selection. We will be sampling some new Irish cheeses just in time for St. Patrick's Day, scroll down to see what is in store! Get it? Hope to see you all here!

Brand new to Alabama C & T Cellars! C&T Cellar is a small operation that focuses on quality wines from the Napa Valley. Their goal is to bring their customers the best possible wine at the best price possible. Extremely small production wines. We challenge you to find a better price to quality ratio in the market.

2006 C & T Cellars "Skinny-Dip" Sauvignon Blanc $14.99
This is the newest member of the C&T Family of wines. This fabulous bottle of wine was sourced through three different vineyards around the Napa Valley. Aromas of citrus fruit and pear. On the palate the wine is rich and smooth with bright citrus edges. The finish is long and mouth watering with nice fruit flavors. This wine is a crowd pleaser and proves to be a great summer wine. Only 525 cases made!

2006 C & T Cellars "Patio Pinot" Pinot Noir $23.99
This is a fruit driven wine that jumps from your glass with black cherry fruit and hints of oak and spice. This wine will win fans both for its convincing fruit and for its distinctly varietal velvety texture. The finish has bright fruit that leaves you looking for more. Only 768 cases made!

2005 C & T Cellars "Front Porch" Merlot $14.99
The 2005 Front Porch Merlot is very dark in color and has a fabulous merlot aroma of chocolate, coffee, blackberry and hints of vanilla. On the palate the wine is big and rich with nicely balanced tannins. The wine is fruit driven with lots of blackberry and black cheery flavors, on the mid palate and the finish of the wine shows nice spice, mocha and mouth watering acidity.

2005 C & T Cellars "Rooftop Red" Cabernet Sauvignon $20.99
The 2005 Rooftop Red Cab is from three high powered locations in the Napa Valley and it shows. The color is dark purple and the aroma fly out of the glass. Fist you are hit with black cheery and cinnamon with nice oak nuances. The wine is well structured with tannins without being drying. The fruit is young and juicy with lots of different layers. This is age worthy, but who wants to wait! Only 289 cases made!

Irish Cheeses – NEW!

In the proud tradition of St. Patrick's Day, we are thrilled to present two of our favorite Irish cheeses just in time for St. Patrick's Day. For decades, Irish cheeses were a secret; enjoyed only by our friends "across the pond". Now, we are lucky enough to carry these cheeses.

Carrigaline $7.99

Carrigaline is an Irish farmhouse cheese from County Cork. The cheese is named after its town of origin, which in turn is derived from the Gaelic words "Carraig-Ui-Leighin", meaning "Rock of the Lynes". The Lynes were an old Irish family who built a stone castle on a domineering hilltop of limestone rock in 1170AD. Besides cheese, Carrigaline is known for its pottery and its fabulous county market, heralded as one of the best in Ireland. Ann and Pat O'Farrell make their semi-soft Carrigaline cheese with cow's milk from their own Fresian herd. This cheese is ideal for melting or simply for enjoying with an after-dinner drink.

Shamrock Cheddar $5.99
Ireland is a rich, green and fertile land, home to five times as many cattle as humans. Butter and milk have been valued since ancient times and a new generation of cheese makers are now rediscovering old recipes and valuing cheese again. To make their extra sharp Shamrock Cheddar, cow's milk curd is scalded twice and is repeatedly cut and piled in order to remove the whey and break down the curd. This gives the cheese a unique texture and flavor. Shamrock Cheddar is aged for over 12 months and has a creamy, taut texture and sweet, grassy flavor.

March Event Schedule all $5 per person from 5 to 6:30p.m. All in store unless stated.

Tuesday the 4th – Super Suppers March Menu Tasting AT Super Suppers Location in Vestavia Hills, wine provided by the Wine Cellar.
Thursday the 6th – Cathy Borden with MBC-United & Super Suppers
Thursday the 13th – Donald Roth with Alabama Crown, City Hall Diner & Lipstick Magazine
Thursday the 20th – Spring Break 2008! No tasting…
Thursday the 27th – Colleen Moore with International & Mudtown Eat & Drink

The Wine Cellar

970 Highway 31 · Vestavia Hills · Alabama · 35216

205·979·2151 phone 205·979·2149 fax Subscribe: vwinecellar@bellsouth.net

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 February 20th - 26th

February 19th thru the 26th
Weekly Cellar Selections ~ Ingenium Wines

Wine Tasting At The Wine Cellar this Thursday, February 21st 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 Adrian Drapkin with Ingenium Wines tasting us on wines from our current Cellar Selection. Many of you know & love Adrian so come out & support the wines he represents! Our featured Restaurant this week is City Hall Diner, read on to find out more information on James Claborn & his restaurant. Hope to see you all here!

WG Oberbergen is a premier producer of German Pinot which receives several national and international awards each year. WG Oberbergen was founded in 1924 and is named after the village in which it is located. It has produced outstanding Pinots for over 80 years. Oberbergen wines are served in premier hotels throughout Germany and can be found in select wine stores.

2005 Oberbergen Pinot Gris, Germany
Reg. $16.99 now $15.99
The 2005 Pinot Gris has a rich gold color, earthy nose of wet straw and honey and a palate that is ripe, leesy and mineral in character. This aromatic Pinot Gris pairs well with light dishes that are still on the "thick" side, like chicken in a rich white sauce or eggplant with heavy spices.

2005 Oberbergen Pinot Noir, Germany
Reg. $16.99 now $15.99
This Pinot Noir has dark cherries on the palate with some spices. The wine has nice minerality and is an easy drink. This Pinot Noir will go well with pasta with red sauce, or lighter beef dishes. Great value!

2005 Oberbergen Pinot Noir Select, Germany
Reg. $21.99 now $20.99
The grapes used for this wine are from harvest reduced vineyards. The wine is well balanced with nice minerality and dark cherries on the palate. Pair with any local game you might have or Pork Tenderloin. Amazing value!

2004 Xavier Cotes Du Rhone, France
Reg. $16.99 now $15.99
Xavier Vignon is a young and dynamic oenologist who has recently started his own business, selecting parcels of the best Rhone wines he can lay his hands on, to produce exciting wines at modest prices.
Rich color, ruby dress with purple casts, aromas of red and black fruits, flowers and spices. The mouth is bulky and very silky, powerful and generous. Pair with cheese, mushrooms and roasted chicken or even a mix of the three together in Risotto.

ABOUT CITY HALL DINER
City Hall Diner was founded in August 2006 by James Claborn (that's me) and my wife Jennifer. We're both veterans of the industry. I have over 30 years in the restaurant business, nearly all of them as a waiter. Jennifer has been cooking and serving food, professionally and privately, for her entire life. We hired Jeremy Downey, a very talented gentleman from Bayou Le Batre, Alabama, to be our executive chef.
http://www.cityhalldiner.com/
521 Montgomery Highway
Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35216

This Friday Night!!! - We at the Wine Cellar as well as MUDTOWN Eat & Drink in Cahaba Heights are proud to announce our full support and sponsorship of the first annual Heights Bash 2008 which will be held at the Botanical Gardens on February 22!!! Every adult and business owner in any part of town is invited!! YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT!!!
http://www.thewinecellar.info/Cahaba_Heights_Bash.htm

Here is your reason for attending this event and/or making a donation…
1. First and foremost, we all appreciate our teachers and parents who are the lifeblood or our children’s education in Cahaba Heights and surrounding communities. Not to mention the children themselves, it is our responsibility to provide added resources for those who are helping to sculpt the futures of our kids.

2. I am challenging everyone reading this, whether you are a parent, business owner, or patron of Mudtown. Many of you have come to us for corporate donations, auction items, and participation in every possible fundraiser for your schools (outside of Cahaba Heights), sports programs, health related events, etc. Mudtown has always done their part in support for you and now we are calling on you to help us raise money for our community. I am looking for corporate monetary donations, small business auction items, and attendance in this event.

3. Mudtown Eat & Drink is providing all of the food for this event and you know they will be providing quite the spread. What are they serving? Buy a ticket to the event and you will soon find out!

4. The Wine Cellar on Hwy 31 in Vestavia will be providing all of the wine for this event & believe me there will be plenty. There will be other spirits, a band, and a live and silent auction. How sweet is that?

For ticket info contact w_sexton@bellsouth.net
Thank you in advance for your support!!


The Wine Cellar
970 Highway 31 · Vestavia Hills · Alabama · 35216
205·979·2151 phone 205·979·2149 fax Subscribe: vwinecellar@bellsouth.net
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 February 12th - 19th

February 12th thru the 19th
Weekly Cellar Selections ~ Valentine’s Day Wines

Wine Tasting this Thursday, February 14th from 5 to 6:30p.m. $5 per person. This week we have Leigh Monroe with Pinnacle Imports pouring some wines from our current Cellar Selection. Our featured Restaurant this week is Mudtown Eat & Drink with their infamous Shrimp & Grits. A special treat this night will be Susan Gainer a local artist showing some of her current paintings, see our web site for details. Whether you have a date, would rather not have a date or you are looking for a date; make The Wine Cellar your Pre-Valentine’s Night party!
PLEASE READ TO THE BOTTOM FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION!!!

2006 Bliss Family Vineyards Chardonnay, Mendocino

Reg. $13.99 now $11.99
With a nose of fresh tropical fruits and golden apples, this elegant wine welcomes you with a creamy, rich mouthfeel complimented by a hint of caramel and butterscotch. The finish is long and pleasing with a touch of toasty oak. Versatile enough to pair with everything from cream sauces to your favorite chicken dish. This Chardonnay is perfect with baked salmon, roasted chicken, or enjoying a glass with a friend.

2006 Bliss Family Vineyards Pinot Noir, Mendocino

Reg. $18.99 now $16.99
The brightness and very clean lines of this wine speak very much to what Sonoma Pinot does best: young, direct, nicely fruited in a fresh, red cherry manner. Clearly defined yet showing depth and richness, it picks up a touch of oaky spice with energetic flavors. Versatile enough to pair with everything from hearty salads to your Valentine’s dish, perfect with pork tenderloin, pasta primavera, or partnering with your favorite fare.

2005 Penley Estate “Phoenix” Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia

Reg.$26.99 now $20.99

The color is bright crimson with hints of dark purple due to its oak maturation and specific handling techniques. The fragrant aroma consists of ripe and rich fruit with complex spice and strong varietal character typical of the 2005 Coonawarra vintage. The aromas are of blackberry and cassis. Distinct blackberry/ blackcurrant (Cassis) flavors, characteristic of a good Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon. The flavor is of young ripe fruits with silky grape tannin and elegant complex cedar oak, so typical of the Penley Style. A wine that is closer to full bodied with more grape and oak tannins but that still maintains beautiful balance. This will surely warm the heart of your special someone!

To see some of Susan Gainer’s fabulous artwork go to http://www.thewinecellar.info/Susan_Gainer.htm

February Event Schedule all $5 per person from 5 to 6:30p.m. Thursday the 14th – Leigh Monroe with Pinnacle Imports & Mudtown Eat & Drink
Thursday the 21st – Adrian Drapkin with Ingenium Wines & City Hall Diner
Thursday the 28th – Dennis Fullmer with Rush Wines & featured cheese selections

Do not forget February 14th is Valentine’s Day! We have some beautiful & affordable gift baskets ready to sell so you do not have to wait. Ladies? This is what you man wants for Valentine's Day NOT a tie!!! Don't have a man? Get a wine gift basket for yourself!

We at the Wine Cellar as well as MUDTOWN Eat & Drink in Cahaba Heights are proud to announce our full support and sponsorship of the first annual Heights Bash 2008 which will be held at the Botanical Gardens on February 22!!! Every adult and business owner in any part of town is invited!

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT!!!
http://www.thewinecellar.info/Cahaba_Heights_Bash.htm

Here is your reason for attending this event and/or making a donation…
1. First and foremost, we all appreciate our teachers and parents who are the lifeblood or our children’s education in Cahaba Heights and surrounding communities. Not to mention the children themselves, it is our responsibility to provide added resources for those who are helping to sculpt the futures of our kids.

2. I am challenging everyone reading this, whether you are a parent, business owner, or patron of Mudtown. Many of you have come to us for corporate donations, auction items, and participation in every possible fundraiser for your schools (outside of Cahaba Heights), sports programs, health related events, etc. Mudtown has always done their part in support for you and now we are calling on you to help us raise money for our community. I am looking for corporate monetary donations, small business auction items, and attendance in this event.

3. Mudtown Eat & Drink is providing all of the food for this event and you know they will be providing quite the spread. What are they serving? Buy a ticket to the event and you will soon find out!

4. The Wine Cellar on Hwy 31 in Vestavia will be providing all of the wine for this event. There will be other spirits, a band, and a live and silent auction. How sweet is that?

For ticket info contact w_sexton@bellsouth.net
Thank you in advance for your support!!

Cellar Selections February 6th - 13th

February 6th thru the 13th
Weekly Cellar Selections ~ Valentine’s Thoughts

Wine Tasting this Thursday, February 7th from 5 to 6:30p.m. $5 per person. This week we have Colleen Moore of International Wines pouring some wines from our current Cellar Selection. Our featured Restaurant this week is Super Suppers with a couple of new menu items from their February menu. A special treat this night will be Susan Gainer a local artist showing some of her current paintings, see our web site for details. Also…Tuesday the 5th from 5 until 7p.m. join us at Super Suppers for her February Menu unveiling. Whew, is that enough action? Hope to see you all here!

Schramsberg Vineyards “Mirabelle” NV Brut Reg. $23.99 now $21.99
Mirabelle is Schramsberg’s multi-vintage brut sparkling wine. This young, bright bubbly, principally comprised of Chardonnay, exhibits the crisp acidity and vibrant green apple, citrus fruit that is characteristic of this grape when grown here in the North Coast. Pinot Noir adds body, mid-palate and further depth of fruit flavor. Fresh lively tropical fruits and strawberries aromas with a hint of crème fraiche leap out of the glass with layers of citrus and pears. On the palate, it is refreshing and juicy with cranberry complimenting tangy grapefruit. There is a long, quenching, and fruit filled finish. The perfect Valentine’s Day Bubbly!

2004 Four Bears Chardonnay, Central Coast Reg. $15.99 now $13.99
Our Chardonnay fruit was 100% whole-cluster pressed to minimize astringency from the skins and immediately racked to stainless steel. Once settled, the juice was placed in small French oak barrels for a slow and cool fermentation that allows the wine to develop a balance of ripe tropical fruit flavors and toasty oak nuances. Once primary fermentation was completed, the wine went through malo-lactic fermentation which softened the wine and provided a perfect balance of richness, bouquet and mouth feel.

2003 Three Saints Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley Reg. $19.99 now $16.99
This Syrah exhibits the flamboyant aromatics that characterize our very special vineyard. The near opaque dark ruby color suggests concentration and power. Black cherry, all spice, forest floor and roast meat are just a few of the aromas that leap forth from the glass. On the palate the wine is elegant, well balanced and built for the future, with smooth cherry and black berry flavors that coat the tongue. The wine exhibits a combination of dark blackberry fruit, a loamy nuance and delicate aromas of violets and wildflowers. Hedonistic, fleshy and forward, enjoy this sophisticated Syrah now with the finest cuts of beef or cellar for 3 to 5 years for additional nuance.

2004 Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Zinfandel Reg. $18.99 now $15.99
This Zin is dark ruby color. Wonderfully bright, rich berry-pepper aromas show superb ripeness with balanced jammy notes. The flavors are rich, concentrated and laced with black pepper, licorice and blackberry notes. This vintage's texture is remarkably juicy, though balanced by ripe tannins and elegant acidity. Firm yet round, this is a classi_level2c Napa Valley Zinfandel. Expect it to be delicious served with rich firm cheeses like Dry Jack, flavorful pastas, especially those tomato-based, and savory BBQ.

2005 Eberle Zinfandel, Paso Robles Reg. $22.99 now $19.99
Eberle 2005 Zinfandel showcases two of Paso Robles finest Zinfandel vineyards: the reputable Steinbeck Vineyard contributes layers of sweet briar fruit with hints of earth and minerality blended with Wine Bush offering robust color and rich, jammy flavors of prune, ripe blackberry and a peppery finish. This is an exquisite example of Zinfandel displaying a well-balanced combination of elegance with richness of fruit and depth. Eberle’s Steinbeck Zinfandel is a must with every BBQ from a classic hamburger to a traditional Paso Robles Tri-tip sandwich covered with sweet BBQ sauce. For something a little more sophisticated, pair with a delicious Beef Wellington or tasty pork spare ribs.

February Event Schedule all $5 per person from 5 to 6:30p.m. Tuesday the 5th – Super Suppers February Menu Tasting AT Super Suppers Location in Vestavia Hills, wine provided by the Wine Cellar.
Thursday the 7th – Colleen Moore with International Wines & Super Suppers
Thursday the 14th – Leigh Monroe with Pinnacle Imports & Mudtown Eat & Drink
Thursday the 21st – Adrian Drapkin with Ingenium Wines & City Hall Diner
Thursday the 28th – Dennis Fullmer with Rush Wines & featured cheese selections


Do not forget February 14th is Valentine’s Day! We have some beautiful & affordable gift baskets ready to sell so you do not have to wait.