The Daily Wine Drip

The Candid Corker: #18 Wine Tasting Faux Pas

2011-06-16T13:46:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: #18 Wine Tasting Faux Pas: "Wine tastings are a fun and simple way to sell wine. I get to pour and talk about great new wines and you, the taster, get to try wines hope..."

The Candid Corker: If You Want My Body

2011-06-16T13:46:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: If You Want My Body: "Over the past three weeks we have covered by looking , smelling and tasting wine. Today we conclude our series on how to properly taste ..."

The Candid Corker: Crossing the Line

2011-06-16T13:45:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: Crossing the Line: "I have always had a problem with getting too close, too fast with people. After one week of knowing someone I would declare them as my new b..."

The Candid Corker: ABC - Tuscany, Italy Part I

2011-06-16T13:45:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: ABC - Tuscany, Italy Part I: "Tuscany is at the epicenter of Italy’s current wine quality revolution. This upward movement was spurred by the emergence of the new, inte..."

The Candid Corker: So Tasty

2011-06-11T10:29:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: So Tasty: "Over the past couple of weeks we have discussed how to taste wine properly by looking at and smelling wine. Today we will cover how to t..."

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – Part Dix

2011-06-11T10:29:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – Part Dix: "It has been a few weeks since anything completely asinine has happened in my store. I was beginning to think the world was really paying att..."

The Candid Corker: Peking Pairing

2011-06-07T15:33:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: Peking Pairing: "Pairing wine with flavorful cuisine’s can be difficult. May of us can’t understand the flavors involved in such intricate cuisines like Szec..."

The Candid Corker: ABC – Alsace, France

2011-06-07T15:32:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: ABC – Alsace, France: "Alsace is unique in both French history and culture. Because of its position between the continental powers of France and Germany, it has ch..."

The Candid Corker: Take a Big Whiff

2011-06-03T11:00:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: Take a Big Whiff: "Last week was first in our series of how to use your senses properly to taste wine. We discussed what you are looking at when you observe t..."

The Candid Corker: The Hangover

2011-06-03T11:00:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: The Hangover: "When suffering 'the day after' it's pretty common to question 'the night before.' Was it really worth feeling this awful? And then there's t..."

The Candid Corker: ABC - Madeira

2011-06-03T10:59:00.002-05:00

The Candid Corker: ABC - Madeira: "Madeira is made on the eponymous Portuguese island situated in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 400 miles off of the African coast. Back in ..."

The Candid Corker: Whatchu Lookin’ At?

2011-06-03T10:59:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: Whatchu Lookin’ At?: "To understand wine you have to understand the senses, and I don’t mean common sense. What I am referring to is sight, smell, taste and touch..."

The Candid Corker: Fatuous Shopping

2011-06-03T10:59:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: Fatuous Shopping: "Wine Clubs are a wonderful way to learn about wine if you aren’t comfortable with going to wine tastings or educating yourself. It is also ..."

The Candid Corker: A Bona Fide Opinion

2011-06-03T10:58:00.003-05:00

The Candid Corker: A Bona Fide Opinion: "Everyone has or has had a best friend at some point in there lifetime. My BFF and I were inseparable in high school. We would go everywhere ..."

The Candid Corker: Cava Uncorked

2011-06-03T10:58:00.002-05:00

The Candid Corker: Cava Uncorked: "It has been too long since I have mentioned my favorite subject - BUBBLY! I have said it before and I will shout it from the rooftops if I ..."

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – Part Neuf

2011-06-03T10:58:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – Part Neuf: "L-O-V-E Lookers . Just freaking love them. Can you sense my sarcasm, or do I need to type it out for you? I guess I will type it out since t..."

The Candid Corker: Wine Tasting Faux Pas #17

2011-06-03T10:58:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: Wine Tasting Faux Pas #17: "I absolutely love it when people enjoy themselves at a wine tasting! The vino is flowing, people are talking about the wines and everyone ap..."

The Candid Corker: Non Compos Mentis

2011-06-03T10:57:00.002-05:00

The Candid Corker: Non Compos Mentis: "In this day and age of technology, it seems if you don't have a Smartphone with all the bells and whistles on it you aren't living right. Ev..."

The Candid Corker: ABC – Portugal

2011-06-03T10:57:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: ABC – Portugal: "The Portuguese people treasured the vine after the Romans introduced them to viticulture. So much in fact the Emperor Domitian had to reduce..."

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – Part Huit

2011-06-03T10:57:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – Part Huit: "There are just some things you should know before you call a business and ask for pricing. Like what the H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks you want t..."

The Candid Corker: Free Advertising

2011-06-03T10:56:00.002-05:00

The Candid Corker: Free Advertising: "I get hit up (as do my suppliers and wineries) for free wine daily. Whether it’s for a fund-raiser or an event I can team up with for 'free'..."

The Candid Corker: Wine Tasting Faux Pas #16

2011-06-03T10:56:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: Wine Tasting Faux Pas #16: "I have seen my fair share of dumb during plenty of wine tastings, believe me. However 95% of the time the dumb stuff comes from newbie wine..."

The Candid Corker: ABC – Loire Valley, France IV

2011-06-03T10:56:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: ABC – Loire Valley, France IV: "Cabernet Franc, the most important red grape of the Anjou-Saumur and Touraine region, is a close relative of Cabernet Sauvignon. It ripens e..."

The Candid Corker: Wine Tasting Faux Pas #15

2011-05-06T11:42:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: Wine Tasting Faux Pas #15: "You might have noticed that I have a few 'pointers' when it comes to proper wine tasting etiquette. Pointers are a necessary evil, and if my..."

The Candid Corker: Screwed

2011-05-06T11:41:00.002-05:00

The Candid Corker: Screwed: "There are many consumers out there with opinions about screwcaps. Some people really couldn’t care if their wine has a cork or not. Some peo..."

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – Part Sept

2011-05-06T11:41:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – Part Sept: "Once again I am astonished by the little things that people just do not know about wine. There are so many things that I take for granted th..."

The Candid Corker: ABC - Loire Valley, France III

2011-05-06T11:41:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: ABC - Loire Valley, France III: "Sauvignon Blanc probably originated in Bordeaux, but it is in the limestone soil of the Centre-Loire, that it shows its best, most character..."

The Candid Corker: Crystalline Clear

2011-05-06T11:40:00.002-05:00

The Candid Corker: Crystalline Clear: "Have you ever poured yourself a glass of white wine or looked at the bottom of a cork and saw something that looked vaguely like sand or cry..."

The Candid Corker: Crusty Crud

2011-05-06T11:40:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: Crusty Crud: "My cousin wrote on my Facebook wall the other day and said “Hey wine lady, what is the purple crud in the bottom of my glass when I pour the..."

The Candid Corker: ABC – Loire Valley, France II

2011-05-06T11:40:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: ABC – Loire Valley, France II: "The Loire Valley is as French as France gets. Famous for its natural beauty, magnificent châteaux and picturesque towns, the Loire Valley is..."

The Candid Corker: Sucker Punch

2011-05-06T11:39:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: Sucker Punch: "Do you like being scammed? Yeah, I don’t either. I have to tell you it happens to retailers almost every day. Whether it is a call from Nige..."

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – Part Six

2011-05-06T11:39:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – Part Six: "Have you ever read the back of a bottle of wine and seen things like: Pure exotic expressions of white currant, passion fruit, prickly pear ..."

The Candid Corker: Chardonnay Rut

2011-05-06T11:38:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: Chardonnay Rut: "Have you ever seen or heard Ron White perform? The man is hysterical! He is and also very correct about worldly issues. You can’t fix stupi..."

The Candid Corker: ABC – Loire Valley, France I

2011-05-06T11:37:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: ABC – Loire Valley, France I: "The Loire Valley lies at the geographical and cultural heart of France. The Loire is the longest river in France and the last wild river in ..."

The Candid Corker: Some Days You Spit and Some Days You Swallow

2011-04-15T10:49:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: Some Days You Spit and Some Days You Swallow: "Many people find the term spit repulsive, but in the world of wine we use that term every day. Spitting can become your best friend at a lar..."

The Candid Corker: Everybody’s a Critic

2011-04-15T10:48:00.003-05:00

The Candid Corker: Everybody’s a Critic: "Before we demolished the vino! Recently, I had the good fortune of receiving six bottles of wine in the mail from one of my favorite (my ..."

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell - Part Cinq

2011-04-15T10:48:00.002-05:00

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell - Part Cinq: "Some days I can handle stupid, especially if my meds are straight, but some days I don’t get stupid no matter how much I try. I mean how can..."

The Candid Corker: ABC - Tawny Port

2011-04-15T10:48:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: ABC - Tawny Port: "Last week a guy disagreed with me that Tawny’s taste nutty, and then he had the unmitigated gall to get mad at me about it. I was even tryin..."

The Candid Corker: Wine Tasting Faux Pas #14

2011-04-15T10:48:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: Wine Tasting Faux Pas #14: "I have seen some crazy things at our wine tastings over the years. Some things are understandable and some not-so-much. This one is just one..."

The Candid Corker: ABC - Ruby Port

2011-04-15T10:47:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: ABC - Ruby Port: "Port wine is a completely different animal then regular wine - as you shall soon find out. The grapes, wine making and aging styles are as d..."

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell - Quatre

2011-04-15T10:47:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell - Quatre: "By now you know I get asked a ton of questions. Some good, some bad and some that just need a little educational support. Luckily this week ..."

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell - Quatre

2011-04-05T11:35:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: in•ter•pre•ta•tion

2011-04-05T11:34:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: in•ter•pre•ta•tion: "I love customers who describe the way a wine tastes by the name of the wine. It’s like defining a word and using it in the definition. You c..."

The Candid Corker: Let Me Say This

2011-03-31T14:49:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: Let Me Say This: "As a somewhat young (everything is relative) retail wine guru I have endless people offering their advice on how to operate my store to thei..."

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell - Part Trois

2011-03-31T14:49:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell - Part Trois: "I am a firm believer in, if you ask, you shall receive and the same goes for, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Whether your Candid Corker or..."

The Candid Corker: Unconscious Customer - The Mold

2011-03-29T13:03:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: Unconscious Customer - The Mold: "Over the past month I have been keeping tabs on a specific customer that just started coming into my store. From the first time she came in ..."

The Candid Corker: ABC – Austria

2011-03-29T13:03:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: ABC – Austria: "I <3 Austrian wines! The vine has been cultivated in Austria since at least 700 B.C. so they have a tad bit of knowledge and experience i..."

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – Part Deux

2011-03-29T13:02:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – Part Deux: "As a retailer I get asked many questions. I am a firm believer that there are no stupid questions. No really! I do believe that, contrary to..."

The Candid Corker: A Rosé by Any Other Name

2011-03-29T13:02:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: A Rosé by Any Other Name: "Dear readers, you are in for a treat today! You will not believe what just happened to your Candid Corker. It is a doozy, so get yourself a ..."

The Candid Corker: #13 Wine Tasting Faux Pas

2011-03-22T11:22:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: #13 Wine Tasting Faux Pas: "It has come to my attention that many of you have not been to a wine tasting. I am not sure what rock you have been living under since the 1..."

The Candid Corker: ABC – Piedmont, Italy II

2011-03-21T12:24:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: ABC – Piedmont, Italy II: "I am not sure if you have caught on by now to the fact I love wine ... I get bored easily so drinking the same thing EVERYDAY is just absurd..."

The Candid Corker: Put a Cork in It!

2011-03-17T13:03:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: Put a Cork in It!: "Did you know some people open a bottle of wine and they only have a glass or two a night leaving wine in the bottle? GASP! Absolute madness,..."

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

2011-03-17T13:02:00.002-05:00

The Candid Corker: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: "There is one question that drives your Candid Corker up the wall above all others: Is it good? Everyone who has shopped in my store (or any ..."

The Candid Corker: Finger Lickin Good Ya’ll

2011-03-17T13:02:00.001-05:00

The Candid Corker: Finger Lickin Good Ya’ll: "Spring is in the air, and there is one thing on everyone’s mind. It’s time to barbeque! Did you think I was going to say something inappropr..."

The Candid Corker: ABC – Piedmont, Italy I

2011-03-17T13:02:00.000-05:00

The Candid Corker: ABC – Piedmont, Italy I: "Piedmont is one of my favorite areas in Italy for wines both red and white (for some reason I love cold climate, high elevation wines). The ..."

The Candid Corker: #12 Wine Tasting Faux Pas

2011-03-10T11:07:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: #12 Wine Tasting Faux Pas: "As a wine blog reader, you’ve probably been to a wine tasting or two in your time. If you haven’t, let me tell you that it is subjective and..."

The Candid Corker: Top 10 Reasons to NOT Give up Wine for Lent

2011-03-10T09:12:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: Top 10 Reasons to NOT Give up Wine for Lent: "Every Lent we see a trend in the Wine Biz. People for the most part stop buying wine and I assume it is because they gave up drinking booze ..."

The Candid Corker: Tasty Conundrums

2011-03-10T09:11:00.001-06:00

The Candid Corker: Tasty Conundrums: "I live a charmed life. Last week I had the pleasure of attending two big wine tastings. Yes. I get to taste wine all the time but not like t..."

The Candid Corker: ABC – Southern Rhône, France II

2011-03-10T09:11:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: ABC – Southern Rhône, France II: "As I mentioned in my last segment of ABC - Southern Rhône, Southern Rhône is one of my favorite regions for wine. Whether you like white, re..."

The Candid Corker: Trois Suggestion Friday – 6

2011-03-04T11:15:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: Trois Suggestion Friday – 6: "Its Friday my peoples AND Mardi Gras is almost over with Fat Tuesday right around the corner on March 8. I love to cook and not just your re..."

The Candid Corker: Get Me Out of Here!

2011-03-03T10:15:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: Get Me Out of Here!: "It’s intimidating to look at a bottle of wine and a waiter’s wine key for the first time and think “How am I going to get that cork out of t..."

The Candid Corker: #11 Wine Tasting Faux Pas

2011-03-02T20:17:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: #11 Wine Tasting Faux Pas: "Before I go off on my latest run-in with an Unconscious Customer let me just state this is the first time I have ever meet one of this calib..."

The Candid Corker: This One No, That One Wait, This One

2011-03-01T11:41:00.001-06:00

The Candid Corker: This One No, That One Wait, This One: "My God, how do indecisive people ever get anything accomplished? It’s just a bottle of wine not a Jeopardy question. Sure, that bottle might..."

The Candid Corker: ABC – Southern Rhône, France I

2011-03-01T11:41:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: ABC – Southern Rhône, France I: "Southern Rhône is one of my favorite regions for wine, specifically Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The wines they produce are seductive and voluptuous..."

The Candid Corker: Size Matters

2011-02-26T12:15:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: Size Matters: "As a retailer, companies always want to sell me their products. I get endless catalogs in the mail, and I’ve found that there are literally ..."

The Candid Corker: Rate This!

2011-02-23T19:17:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: Rate This!: "Wine ratings, I loathe wine ratings. It is a standard for consumers that cannot think for themselves. I have never understood why consumers..."

The Candid Corker: What’s With the Makeup Man?

2011-02-21T10:47:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: What’s With the Makeup Man?: "I am as guilty as the next person for being in my own world some days, but sometime things happen to this Candid Corker and I have to put m..."

The Candid Corker: Corked Issues

2011-02-19T11:04:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: Corked Issues: "There is nothing more disappointing than a corked bottle of wine. It taints not only the palette but the consumer’s impression of that parti..."

The Candid Corker: Trois Suggestion Friday – 4

2011-02-18T11:59:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: Trois Suggestion Friday – 4: "Happy Friday my fellow wine aficionados! As usual I have some wonderful Friday suggestions for you. I love eggs, Champagne and groovy Indie ..."

The Candid Corker: Dependable Me

2011-02-16T12:22:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: Dependable Me: "Go into a grocery store and that is where marketing comes into play. Go into a fine wine retail shop and that is where passion comes into pl..."

The Candid Corker: ABC (Anything But Chardonnay/Cabernet Sauvignon) –...

2011-02-15T08:50:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: ABC (Anything But Chardonnay/Cabernet Sauvignon) –...: "There are hundreds of different grape varieties in the world, and I have been lucky enough to taste most of them. Whether it is 100 percent ..."

The Candid Corker: Out of Stock

2011-02-12T13:53:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: Out of Stock: "Since I’m a wine professional, you probably assume I have endless amounts of vino in my wine cabinet. This is not so. Like any working gal, ..."

The Candid Corker: Trois Suggestion Vendredi – Part 3

2011-02-11T11:06:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: Trois Suggestion Vendredi – Part 3: "Guys, where you aware that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner? Well, in fact it’s Monday, but why not surprise your sweetie pie with ..."

The Candid Corker: Prosecco Uncorked

2011-02-09T10:14:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: Prosecco Uncorked: "As I mentioned the other day, I am a self-proclaimed Super Bubbly Freak! I love all that bubbles but only IF it is a quality wine. I am not ..."

The Candid Corker: Champagne Uncorked

2011-02-07T11:22:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: Champagne Uncorked: "I am a self-proclaimed Super Bubbly Freak! I love it all. Cava, Prosecco, sparkling wine, Champagne – basically, anything with bubbles..."

The Candid Corker: Say What (sā wät)?

2011-02-05T10:58:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: Say What (sā wät)?: "I have a son, let’s call him Gage; he is in Kindergarten. He is learning how to read, write and some basic mathematics. It’s amazing how qui..."

The Candid Corker: It’s All Greek to Me

2011-02-04T11:50:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: It’s All Greek to Me: "Your husband calls you at 1p.m. to let you know he has invited a couple you don’t know over for dinner….TONIGHT! What was he thinking? The C..."

The Candid Corker: Some Like it Hot

2011-02-04T11:44:00.000-06:00

The Candid Corker: Some Like it Hot: "One of the benefits of being me is that I get to taste wine almost daily. I know it must sound like a dream come true to many of you, and I’..."

Up Next.....

2009-10-06T13:36:00.002-05:00

Wine Tasting – Thursday, October 8^th from 5 to 7p.m.

Xavier Vignon 2007 Chardonnay Languedoc, France Reg. $17.99 now $15.99

Gold yellow wine with white fruits, flowers (acacia) and some honey on the nose. On the palate this Chardonnay is soft with some minerals and spice. Pair with soft cheeses, grilled veggies, grilled chicken dishes or seafood.

Xavier Vignon 2008 Viognier Languedoc, France Reg. $17.99 now $15.99

This Viognier is very aromatic; on the nose is green lemon, moving to apricot and ginger, very representative of this grape variety, traditional, classic Viognier. To be drunk with appetizers, white meat, dishes with sauce, cheeses.

Xavier Vignon 2007 Cotes du Rhone, France Reg. $17.99 now $15.99

Grenache 50%, Syrah 30%, Mourvedre 20%. The Grenache and Mourvedre vines are more than 80 years old; the Syrah are more than 20 years old. Rich color, ruby dress with purple casts. The nose is intense and mixes red fruits, black fruits, flowers and spices. Peppered and mentholated notes, thanks to syrah, with a lot of freshness. The mouth is bulky and very silky, powerful, generous. White meats, red meats, cuisine with herbs de Provence.

Xavier Vignon 2005 Syrah Languedoc, France Reg. $17.99 now $15.99

This red wine is coming from the Languedoc Region. Its typical nose, mentholated licorice, and its round and silky mouth, very well balanced. This wine is perfect for aromatic dishes, BBQ, spicy cuisine and hard cheeses.

Trace Wines 2007 “Tracy Hills” Cabernet-Shiraz, California Reg. $11.99 now $9.99

Brazen, braggadocious and bold this Cabernet-Shiraz is the biggest personality at your next party. Fragrances of blueberries, cedar and cocoa will envelop your senses as robust and spicy flavors trace across your palate. Enjoy with BBQ ribs, pasta with meatballs, a double cheeseburger or your favorite pizza.

The Wine Cellar ● 790 Montgomery Hwy Suite 132 ● Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 ● 205-979-2151

Holy Stack! Sale - August

2009-08-21T12:26:00.002-05:00

While supplies last!

Champagne/Bubbly	WAS	NOW
Serge Faust Reserve Brut	56.99	39.99

Chardonnay	WAS	NOW
Esterlina	24.99	19.99

Aromatic Whites	WAS	NOW
O'Reilly's Riesling	13.99	11.99
Three Rivers Gewurtz - Dessert	16.99	12.99
Heartland Viognier/Pinot Gris	18.99	14.99

German/Austrian	WAS	NOW
Weingut Brandl Gruner Veltliner	20.99	18.99
Iby Zweigelt	21.99	19.99
Leth Riesling Lagen Res.	22.99	20.99
Lagler Gruner Veltliner	23.99	21.99

Rose’	WAS	NOW
Green Point Pinot Noir Rose'	17.99	13.99

South American Red	WAS	NOW
Kuyen Chile	29.99	24.99

Cabernet	WAS	NOW
Heartland	18.99	14.99
Faust	52.99	49.99

Merlot	WAS	NOW
Oxford Landing	11.99	9.99
Vine Cliff	39.99	34.99

Alternative Red	WAS	NOW
Terre Rouge Mourvedre	25.99	19.99

Zinfandel	WAS	NOW
Hook & Ladder	24.99	17.99
Ridge	26.99	26.99

Australia/New Zealand	WAS	NOW
Peter Lehmann GSM	19.99	14.99
Cape Mentelle Cab-Merlot	22.99	19.99
Rold Binder GS 'Halliwell'	24.99	22.99
Rolf Binder GSM 'Heinrich'	28.99	26.99
Oxford GSM	11.99	9.99
Oxford Shiraz/Cabernet	11.99	9.99


Syrah/Shiraz/Petite Sirah	WAS	NOW
Oxford Shiraz	11.99	9.99
Mother’s Milk	22.99	19.99

Spanish	WAS	NOW
Conde Valdemar Gran Riserva	34.99	27.99

Sake’	WAS	NOW
Living Jewel	18.99	15.99
Snow Maiden	18.99	15.99
Voices in the Mist	23.99	20.99

Holy Stack! Sale - July

2009-06-29T16:36:00.004-05:00

The Wine Cellar

Holy Stack! Sale - July

74 wines on Special!

While supplies last.

Champagne/Bubbly	WAS	NOW
Garofoli Guelfo Verde Frizzante	13.99	9.99
Rotari Reserva Brut	19.99	17.99
Serge Faust Reserve Brut	56.99	39.99

Chardonnay	WAS	NOW
Trivento	12.99	9.99
Brutocao	17.99	14.99
Eyrie Estate Dundee Hills	23.99	20.99
Cloudy Bay	27.99	22.99

Pinot Grigio	Was	Now
Livio Felluga Esperto	15.99	12.99

Sauvignon Blanc	Was	Now
Pirie South	21.99	18.99

Aromatic Whites	WAS	NOW
O'Reilly's Riesling	13.99	11.99
Three Rivers Gewurtz - Dessert	16.99	12.99
Baglio Di Pianetto 'Ficiligno'	18.99	14.99
Licia Albarino	18.99	16.99

German/Austrian	WAS	NOW
Pepino Cuvee	16.99	12.99
Weingut Brandl Gruner Veltliner	20.99	18.99
Iby Zweigelt	21.99	19.99
Leth Riesling Lagen Res.	22.99	20.99
Robert Weil Estate Dry Riesling	23.99	16.99
Lagler Gruner Veltliner	23.99	21.99

Rose’	WAS	NOW
Mas Carlot Rose	13.99	8.99
Green Point	17.99	10.99

South American Red	WAS	NOW
Primus Red Blend	18.99	16.99
Kuyen Chile	29.99	24.99

Cabernet	WAS	NOW
Calina Reserva	10.99	8.99
Steel Creek	13.99	9.99
Forman La Grand Roche	49.99	41.99
Faust	52.99	49.99
Forman Reserve	92.99	83.99

Merlot	WAS	NOW
Calina Reserva	10.99	8.99
Quail Ridge	15.99	10.99
Hayman & Hill	15.99	11.99
Hogue Cellars Genesis	16.99	14.99
Foris	17.99	12.99

Pinot Noir	WAS	NOW
Campo Romano Italian	32.99	29.99

Alternative Red	WAS	NOW
Bishop’s Peak Rock Solid Red	15.99	10.99
Purple Hands Red Blend	20.99	18.99
Three Rivers Malbec-Merlot	24.99	20.99
Terre Rouge Mourvedre	25.99	19.99
Owen Roe 'Sinister Hand'	27.99	23.99
Warwick Three Cape Ladies	28.99	21.99

Italian Red	WAS	NOW
Poggio della Torre Chianti Riserva	15.99	13.99
Mirable Nero D'Avola Organic	16.99	12.99
Fontanafredda Barbera Briccotondo	18.99	9.99
Mezzacorona	21.99	16.99
Le Macchiole Bolgheri Rosso	37.99	30.99
Camigliano Brunello di Montalcino	57.99	37.99
Nicolis Amarone	65.99	63.99

Australia/New Zealand	WAS	NOW
Slipstream Shiraz-Grenache	20.99	18.99
Cape Mentelle Cab-Merlot	22.99	15.99
Rold Binder GS 'Halliwell'	24.99	22.99
Rolf Binder GSM 'Heinrich'	28.99	26.99

Syrah/Shiraz/Petite Sirah	WAS	NOW
Bishop’s Peak	19.99	13.99
Mother’s Milk	22.99	19.99
Three Rivers	24.99	20.99
Slip Stream Fastback Shriaz	25.99	21.99
Owen Roe Ex Umbris	27.99	23.99

Spanish	WAS	NOW
ROJO Garnacha	11.99	8.99
Emperador	14.99	10.99
Borsao Crianza Rioja	16.99	13.99
Lorinon Rioja	20.99	13.99
Guelbenzu Azul	21.99	17.99
Fernandez La Granja Tempranillo	29.99	24.99

French Red	WAS	NOW
Christian Moueix Merlot	13.99	9.99
Les Traverses de Fontanes	13.99	9.99
Kermit Lynch Vaucluse	14.99	11.99
O’sud Mas Fond Reche	16.99	9.99
Domaine LaFond Cotes du Rhone	17.99	11.99
Montpezat Prestige Cab/Syrah	18.99	10.99
Brunel Les Cailloux Chat du Pape	63.99	38.99

Sake’	WAS	NOW
Living Jewel	18.99	15.99
Snow Maiden	18.99	15.99
Well of Wisdom	23.99	20.99
Voices in the Mist	23.99	20.99

Holy Stack! Sale - June (129 wines on sale!)

2009-05-19T15:43:00.012-05:00

The Wine Cellar
Holy Stack! Sale - June
Over 130 wines on special plus our
Cellar Selections & End of the Bin Sale (20% OFF)

Champagne/Bubbly	WAS	NOW
Charmeroy Brut	12.99	9.99
Sommariva Prosecco	18.99	16.99
Rotari Reserva Brut	19.99	17.99
Serge Faust Reserve Brut	56.99	39.99

Chardonnay	WAS	NOW
Rio Seco	9.99	7.99
Tortoise Creek	11.99	7.99
Trivento	12.99	9.99
Laboure-Roi Maximum	18.99	16.99
Dom Chandon Carneros	22.99	17.99
Eyrie Estate Dundee Hills	23.99	20.99

Pinot Grigio	Was	Now
O'Reilly's Pinot Gris	14.99	11.99
Castel Firmian Pinot Grigio	15.99	9.99
Swanson Pinot Grigio	22.99	19.99
Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio	29.99	25.99

Sauvignon Blanc	Was	Now
St George Coastal Sauvignon Blanc	9.99	8.99
South Sauvignon Blanc	21.99	18.99
Ceago Sauvignon Blanc	21.99	17.99

Aromatic Whites	WAS	NOW
Tortoise Creek Chard Viognier	11.99	7.99
First Drop White	12.99	9.99
O'Reilly's Riesling	13.99	10.99
Tariquet Chenin-Chard	13.99	8.99
Mas Carlot Marsanne-Roussanne	13.99	7.99
La Linda Torrontes	13.99	9.99
Castel Firmian Traminer	15.99	9.99
Foris Gewurtztraminer	15.99	10.99
Hayman & Hill Interchange	15.99	11.99
Three Rivers Gewurtz - Dessert	16.99	12.99
Rolf Binder Riesling 'Highness'	17.99	15.99
Baglio Di Pianetto 'Falanghina'	18.99	14.99
Lucas & Lewellen Viognier	21.99	18.99
Cantarutti Ribolla Gialla	21.99	19.99
Villa Matilde Falanghina	24.99	21.99
Stag’s Leap Viognier	25.99	22.99
Fontana Fredda Arneis	27.99	24.99

German/Austrian	WAS	NOW
Pepino Cuvee	16.99	12.99
Weingut Brandl Gruner Veltliner	20.99	18.99
Iby Zweigelt	21.99	19.99
Leth Riesling Lagen Res.	22.99	20.99
Robert Weil Estate Dry Riesling	23.99	16.99
Lagler Gruner Veltliner	23.99	21.99

Rose’	WAS	NOW
Banfi Centine	12.99	9.99
Mas Carlot Rose	13.99	8.99
Tegernseerhof Rose Zweigelt	15.99	12.99
Green Point	17.99	10.99
Swanson Salon Rosato of Syrah	18.99	15.99

Pinot Noir	WAS	NOW
Trivento	12.99	9.99
Laboure-Roi Les Sangliers	13.99	12.99
Sumaridge	16.99	13.99
Eyrie Estate Dundee Hills	34.99	28.99
Campo Romano Italian	32.99	29.99
Pali	51.99	49.99

Cabernet	WAS	NOW
St George Coastal	9.99	8.99
Calina Reserva	10.99	8.99
Steel Creek	13.99	9.99
Casa Lapostolle	14.99	12.99
Liberty School	16.99	10.99
Ringbolt	17.99	13.99
Novelty Hill	22.99	18.99
Bookwalter	43.99	29.99
Owen Roe 'Rosa Mystica' Cab Franc	44.99	39.99
Forman La Grand Roche	49.99	41.99
Faust	52.99	49.99
Forman Reserve	92.99	83.99

South American Red	WAS	NOW
Kuyen Chile	29.99	24.99

Merlot	WAS	NOW
Rio Seco	9.99	7.99
St George Coastal	9.99	8.99
Calina	10.99	8.99
Castel Firmian	15.99	7.99
Quail Ridge	15.99	10.99
Hayman & Hill	15.99	11.99
Genesis	16.99	14.99
Foris	17.99	12.99
Brutocao	21.99	17.99
Austin Hope 'Candor'	21.99	16.99
Novelty Hill	22.99	18.99
Swanson Oakville	34.99	32.99

Alternative Red	WAS	NOW
Boneshaker Red	12.99	8.99
Bishop’s Peak Rock Solid Red	15.99	10.99
Three Rivers Malbec-Merlot	24.99	20.99
Terre Rouge Mourvedre	25.99	19.99
Owen Roe 'Sinister Hand'	27.99	23.99
Warwick Three Cape Ladies	28.99	21.99
Core '163' GSM	29.99	24.99

Italian Red	WAS	NOW
Poggio della Torre Chianti Riserva	15.99	13.99
Mezzacorona	21.99	16.99
Nicolis Seccal Ripasso	26.99	24.99
Camigliano Brunello di Montalcino	57.99	37.99

Australia/New Zealand	WAS	NOW
Slipstream Shiraz-Grenache	20.99	18.99
Drink N Stick Mataro-Shiraz	22.99	19.99
Cape Mentelle Cab-Merlot	22.99	15.99
Rold Binder GS 'Halliwell'	24.99	22.99
Rolf Binder GSM 'Heinrich'	28.99	26.99

Syrah/Shiraz/Petite Sirah	WAS	NOW
St George Coastal	9.99	8.99
Parducci Petite Sirah	11.99	9.99
Trivento	12.99	10.99
Bishop’s Peak	19.99	13.99
Mother’s Milk	22.99	19.99
Three Rivers	24.99	20.99
Box Car	24.99	14.99
JC Cellars Ventana Vineyard	24.99	20.99
Rolf Binder 'Hales'	24.99	22.99
Slip Stream Fastback Shriaz	25.99	21.99
Owen Roe Ex Umbris	27.99	23.99
Lucas & Lewellen Petite Sirah	31.99	26.99
Nickel & Nickel Dyer Vineyard	49.99	31.99

Zinfandel	WAS	NOW
Hayman & Hill	15.99	11.99
Old Zin Vines 'OZV'	16.99	13.99
Austin Hope Candor	21.99	16.99
Brutocao	21.99	17.99
Hook & Ladder	24.99	14.99
Ridge Dusi Ranch	33.99	26.99

Spanish	WAS	NOW
ROJO Garnacha	11.99	8.99
Palacio de Eza	14.99	9.99
Emperador	14.99	10.99
Borsao Crianza Rioja	16.99	13.99
Conde de Valdemar Crianza	16.99	11.99
Biga Rioja	19.99	16.99
Lorinon Rioja	20.99	13.99
Guelbenzu Azul	21.99	17.99
Laurona Montsant	25.99	17.99
Dehesa La Granja	29.99	24.99
Conde de Valdemar Gran Reserva	36.99	27.99

French Red	WAS	NOW
Christian Moueix Merlot	13.99	9.99
Les Traverses de Fontanes	13.99	9.99
Kermit Lynch Vaucluse	14.99	11.99
O’sud Mas Fond Reche	16.99	9.99
Domaine LaFond Cotes du Rhone	17.99	11.99
LePigeoulet en Provence	17.99	14.99
Montpezat Prestige Cab/Syrah	18.99	10.99
Chinon Cuvee Terroir	24.99	17.99
Brunel Les Cailloux Chat du Pape	63.99	38.99

Sake’	WAS	NOW
Living Jewel	18.99	15.99
Snow Maiden	18.99	15.99
Well of Wisdom	23.99	20.99
Voices in the Mist	23.99	20.99

Other	WAS	NOW
Re Vah Pomegranate Wine	13.99	10.99

Holy Stack! Sale April-May 2009

2009-04-20T16:28:00.010-05:00

ALL WINE RACKS & WINE TABLES 25% OFF

SELECT GIFT ITEMS 25% OFF

MORE THAN 100 WINES ON SALE!!!

Champagne/Bubbly

Serge Faust Reserve Reg. $56.99 Now $39.99
Domaine Carneros Reg. $31.99 Now $26.99
Rotari Brut Reg. $15.99 Now $11.99
Sommariva Prosecco Reg. $18.99 Now $16.99
Villa Sandi Prosecco Reg. $14.99 Now $10.99

Chardonnay

LaCrema Reg. $21.99 Now $13.99
Spruce Goose Reg. $20.99 Now $18.99
Laboure-Roi Maximum Reg. $18.99 Now $16.99
Foris Reg. $14.99 Now $ 9.99
Rio Seco Reg. $ 9.99 Now $ 7.99
Trivento Reg. $12.99 Now $ 9.99
Casa Lapostolle Reg. $14.99 Now $12.99
Green Point Reg. $17.99 Now $12.99

Alternative White

Hayman & Hill Riesling Reg. $15.99 Now $12.99
Tariquet Chenin-Chard Reg. $13.99 Now $ 8.99
Tortoise Creek Chard Viognier Reg. $11.99 Now $ 7.99
South Sauvignon Blanc Reg. $21.99 Now $18.99
Manifesto Sauvignon Blanc Reg. $15.99 Now $ 9.99
Castel Firmian Traminer Reg. $15.99 Now $ 9.99
Cantarutti Ribolla Gialla Reg. $21.99 Now $19.99
Villa Matilde Falanghina Reg. $22.99 Now $21.99
Fontana Fredda Arneis Reg. $27.99 Now $24.99
Foris Gewurtztraminer Reg. $15.99 Now $10.99
Three Rivers Gewurtz-dessert Reg. $16.99 Now $12.99
Trivento Torrontes Reg. $12.99 Now $ 9.99
Hayman & Hill Interchange Reg. $15.99 Now $11.99
First Drop Reg. $12.99 Now $ 9.99
Castel Firmian Pinot Grigio Reg. $15.99 Now $ 9.99
Licia Albarino Reg. $18.99 Now $16.99

Rose’

Banfi Centine Reg. $12.99 Now $ 9.99
Green Point PN Reg. $17.99 Now $12.99

Pinot Noir

Pali Shea Vineyards Reg. $51.99 Now $49.99
La Crema Reg. $25.99 Now $16.99
Sumaridge Reg. $16.99 Now $13.99
Trivento Reg. $12.99 Now $ 9.99
Laboure-Roi Les Sangliers Reg. $13.99 Now $12.99

Cabernet
Bookwalter Reg. $43.99 Now $29.99
Calina Reserva Reg. $10.99 Now $ 8.99
Steel Creek Reg. $13.99 Now $ 9.99
Liberty School Reg. $16.99 Now $10.99
Novelty Hill Reg. $22.99 Now $18.99
Casa Lapostolle Reg. $14.99 Now $12.99
Cabernet Nation Reg. $25.99 Now $16.99

South American- Red Blends

Kuyen Chile Reg. $29.99 Now $24.99
Calina Carmenere Reg. $10.99 Now $ 8.99

Merlot

Foris Reg. $17.99 Now $12.99
Castel Firmian Reg. $15.99 Now $ 7.99
Rio Seco Reg. $ 9.99 Now $ 7.99
Calina Reg. $10.99 Now $ 8.99
Brutocao Reg. $21.99 Now $17.99
Genesis Reg. $16.99 Now $14.99
Three Rivers Malbec-Merlot Reg. $24.99 Now $20.99
Novelty Hill Reg. $22.99 Now $18.99
Sweetwater Reg. $15.99 Now $ 9.99
Quail Ridge Reg. $15.99 Now $10.99

Alternative Red

Boneshaker Red Reg. $12.99 Now $ 8.99
Terre Rouge Mourvedre Reg. $25.99 Now $19.99
Artessa Elements Reg. $29.99 Now $24.99
Sinister Hand GSM Reg. $27.99 Now $23.99
Bookwalter Lot 21 Reg. $18.99 Now $13.99
Bishop’s Peak Rock Solid Red Reg. $15.99 Now $10.99
Jungle Room Shiraz/Cab Reg. $16.99 Now $10.99
Warwick Three Cape Ladies Reg. $28.99 Now $21.99
Lost Angel Mischief Reg. $15.99 Now $12.99
Warwick Est. Reserve Reg. $31.99 Now $29.99

Italian Reds

Scagliola Frem Barbera Reg. $23.99 Now $22.99
Nicolis Ripasso “Seccal” Reg. $26.99 Now $25.99
Castel Firmian Marzemino Reg. $15.99 Now $ 9.99
Mirabile Nero d’Avola Reg. $16.99 Now $12.99
Mezzacorona Terodego Reg. $21.99 Now $16.99

Australia/New Zealand – Red Blends

Drink n Stick Mataro/Shiraz Reg. $22.99 Now $19.99
Cape Mentelle Cab-Merlot Reg. $22.99 Now $15.99
Slipstream Shiraz-Grenache Reg. $20.99 Now $18.99

Syrah/Shiraz

Mother’s Milk Reg. $22.99 Now $19.99
Trivento Reg. $12.99 Now $10.99
Bishop’s Peak Reg. $19.99 Now $13.99
Three Rivers Reg. $24.99 Now $20.99
Parducci Petite Sirah Reg. $11.99 Now $ 9.99
Box Car Reg. $24.99 Now $14.99

Zinfandel

Brutocao Reg. $21.99 Now $17.99
Hayman & Hill Reg. $15.99 Now $11.99

Spanish Reds

Biga Rioja Reg. $19.99 Now $16.99
Borsao Crianza Rioja Reg. $16.99 Now $13.99
Can Blau Reg. $18.99 Now $14.99
Palacio de Eza Merlot/Garnacha Reg. $14.99 Now $ 9.99
Emperador Tempranillo Reg. $14.99 Now $10.99
ROJO Garnacha Reg. $11.99 Now $ 8.99
Lorinon Rioja Reg. $20.99 Now $13.99
Dehesa La Granja Reg. $29.99 Now $24.99
Laurona Montsant Reg. $25.99 Now $17.99
Conde de Valdemar Gran Reserva Reg. $36.99 Now $27.99

French Reds

Domaine LaFond CDR Reg. $17.99 Now $11.99
Kermit Lynch Vaucluse Rhone Reg. $14.99 Now $11.99
Little James Basket Press Grenache Reg. $15.99 Now $11.99
LePigeoulet GSM Reg. $17.99 Now $14.99
Chateauneuf de Pape Les Caillour Reg. $63.99 Now $38.99
O'sud Mas Fond Reche Reg. $16.99 Now $ 9.99
Chinon Cuvee Terroir Reg. $24.99 Now $17.99
Christian Moueix Merlot Reg. $13.99 Now $ 9.99
Montpezat Prestige Cab/Syrah Reg. $18.99 Now $10.99
Les Traverses de Fontanes Cab Reg. $13.99 Now $ 9.99

German/Austrian

Pepino Cuvee Reg. $16.99 Now $12.99
Robert Weil Estate Dry Riesling Reg. $23.99 Now $16.99
Iby Zweigelt Reg. $21.99 Now $19.99
Lagler Gruner Veltliner Reg. $23.99 Now $21.99
Weingut Brandl Gruner Veltliner Reg. $20.99 Now $18.99
Federspiel Kollmutz Gruner Veltliner Reg. $19.99 Now $ 9.99

Other

Reyah Pomegranate Wine Reg. $13.99 Now $10.99

Sake’

Living Jewel Reg. $18.99 Now $15.99
Snow Maiden Reg. $18.99 Now $15.99
Well of Wisdom Reg. $23.99 Now $20.99
Voices in the Mist Reg. $23.99 Now $20.99

Say “It”, with a Bottle of Wine

2009-02-12T11:30:00.002-06:00

I normally don’t give in to this sort of nonsense, AKA V’day gimmicks, but these wines are great & well…SPOKEN! Do you ever want to tell your “Love One” something but you just can’t express yourself? Say it this Valentine’s Day with an expressive bottle of wine or Gift Basket! We have some new & wonderful new wines that are sure to fit every emotion. Friday the 13^th(Eck!) is last call for custom-made Gift Baskets! Call today 205.979.2151

Love 'em and Leave 'em Nights
Fools Bay ‘Dirty Bliss’, Barossa Reg. $17.99 now $14.99
51% Grenache/49% Shiraz
Smells like a good old Pinot with ripe cherry and spice supported by a touch of earthiness. Plenty of ripe fruit and bing cherry. Very juicy with the Shiraz & the Grenache adds a warm spiciness to the palate. A touch of earthiness brings complexity to the finish.

Some Young Punks ‘Drink 'N' Stick’, Clare Valley Reg. $22.99 now $19.99
61% Mataro/39% Shiraz
Ok, so this is not your regular Australian blend. No need to be afraid. Mataro is just another name for that oh-so-tantalizing, oh-so-lush Mourvedre grape that you know from the Southern Rhone reds. And you know Shiraz. With these two grapes blended together, you’d best be prepared for the ripe, rich black and blue fruits, mid-palate zip and some righteous, chewy tannins. In a good way, of course. A note from “the Punks” themselves says it all …. “The whiff and the swill did us in and all that was left to do was to make more. This is Passion, a monster bigger than the three of us that leads us to soapbox, grandstand, and sometimes have to sleep on the couch.” And you just have to check out this label…Custom with your own paper doll set!

Stuck in the Mama’s Boy Vortex?
Shoo Fly ‘Buzz Cut’ Adelaide, South Australia Reg. $16.99 now $14.99
35% Viognier, 26% Riesling, 16% Chardonnay, 14% Verdelho, 9% Semillon
Buzz Cut is a fleshy, white blend displaying tropical fruit flavors on the nose, followed by refreshing apple and citrus on the palate. Crisp acidity from exotically perfumed Viognier and Riesling combined with dashes of Chardonnay, Verdelho and Semillon to provide a succulent wine with a snappy, “have another glass” finish. Drink now or hide in the cellar for 3 years.

First Drop ‘Mother's Milk’ Barossa Shiraz Reg. $22.99 now $19.99
Lifted raspberry, dark cherry aromas with hint of smoky peat. Vibrant dark cherry, raspberry and chocolate flavors with a hint of smoked sausage and spice. Balanced with an even, textural palate with soft, supple tannins. Slurpy, savory and textured - no sledgehammer, so drink up!

Love Me, Love Me & oh yeah, Love ME!
First Drop ‘First Love’ White, Barossa Reg. $12.99 now $9.99
62% Semillon, 25% Riesling, 13% Arneis
The early picked Semillon has hints of grapefruit and orange peel, while the Riesling from the Eden Valley boasts flavors of classic citrus and lime. The Arneis is reminiscent of nashi pear, and almond kernel. Fruit salad in a bottle. Seriously tempting!

First Drop ‘The Red One’, Barossa Reg. $12.99 now $9.99
Cabernet Sauvignon 55% / Shiraz 40% / Barbera 5%
The fleshy, rich fruit of the Shiraz is married beautifully with the majestic structure of the Cabernet Sauvignon, and spiced with a splash of nervy Barbera. The red berry fruits of the Shiraz are highlighted by the varietal blackcurrant and eucalypt lift of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich, lush and seductive. Seriously tempting!

Reginato “Celestina” Sparkling Rosé of Malbec, Argentina Reg. $21.99 now $19.99

This unique sparkling Malbec is a special tribute to the late matriarch, Celestina Reginato, whose name means “matchmaker” in Spanish. Its deep rose hue is typical of the rich Malbec grape. Try to find the “Love Knot” icon (the classic symbol of romance between two lovers) on the bottle! 89 points, Robert M. Parker Jr.’s The Wine Advocate, 2008.

Tikal Amorio, Argentina Reg. $33.99 now $29.99
Amorio means love affair in Spanish. What a perfect bottle to share with your Valentine!! Go ahead and “Tikal” your sweetheart with this bold, racy red. 92 points, Robert M. Parker Jr.’s The Wine Advocate, 2008.

The Wine Cellar
790 Highway 31 · Vestavia Hills · Alabama · 35216
205·979·2151 phone 205·979·2149 fax
Store Hours: Monday thru Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m. to 6p.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

Resolutions 2009!

2008-12-31T21:06:00.001-06:00

"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

2008-10-08T10:21:00.000-05:00

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!

2008-09-10T14:17:00.000-05:00

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

2008-08-20T12:49:00.000-05:00

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!

2008-05-20T13:16:00.006-05:00

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!

2008-05-14T15:40:00.008-05:00

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

2008-04-18T16:37:00.002-05:00

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

2008-04-15T15:28:00.000-05:00

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!

Cellar Selections April 9th - 16th

2008-04-08T14:48:00.001-05:00

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

2008-04-02T17:29:00.000-05:00

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

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

2008-03-25T12:55:00.003-05:00

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

2008-03-11T17:45:00.001-05:00

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

Cellar Selection March 6th - 12th

2008-03-05T17:12:00.004-06:00

March 6th thru the12th
Weekly Cellar Selections ~ A Taste of Italy

Wine Tasting at The Wine Cellar this Thursday, March 6th 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 Cathy Borden with MBC-United & special Wino Know extraordinaire David Harmon of Prestige Wine Imports tasting us on wines from our current Cellar Selection. We will be sampling some of Super Suppers March Menu features; Chicken Piccata and Swedish Meatballs with Noodles. Scroll down to see what is in store! Get it? Hope to see you all here!

Feudo Arancio Grillo Sicilia IGT

Reg. $9.99 now $7.99
A local Sicilian white varietal that produces an elegant, refreshing and fruity wine with a characteristic bouquet of nettle, green pepper and jasmine. Trust me this is great! Pairs well with seafood, pasta with vegetables, white meats and baked fish.

Castel Firmian Traminer Aromatico Trentino DOC

Reg. $16.99 now $14.99
Straw-yellow with gold reflections in color with an intense nose, with wild-flowers notes, especially of dog-rose, and fruits such as mango and red currants. Dry, pleasing, reminiscent of ripe fruits with moderate acidity in flavor. It is a perfect compliment to seafood, asparagus, first course dishes and cheeses.

Feudo Arancio Nero d'Avola Sicilia IGT

Reg. $9.99 now $7.99
Nero d'Avola is a local Sicilian varietal that was first cultivated only in the area of Siracusa, but has since spread throughout every Sicily. This grape produces a livery red wine with deep colors and zesty fruity characteristics. It goes well with risotto, baked pasta, red meats, game, lamb and seasoned cheeses.

Castel Firmian Marzemino Trentino DOC

Reg. $15.99 now $13.99
Ruby red with bluish-purple in color (violet) reflection with delicate, reminiscent of red fruits like morel berry, sour black berry, and light notes of violet, with gentle vegetable and tannic hints. The flavor is dry, full, and well-balanced with soft tannins. It is the ideal companion to mushrooms dishes, lasagna, white meats and seasoned cheeses.

Righetti Campolieti Valpolicella DOC

Reg. $16.99 now $15.99
After the vinification and fermentation of the Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella grapes in steel tanks, the wine then undergoes a second fermentation on the Amarone lees. This process is termed the “Ripasso” method. Dark ruby color, brilliant highlights, black-cherry nose with a raisiny complex of scents, medium body, surprisingly flavorful, deep, round tastes punctuated by a slightly bitter hint, delivered with a graceful lightness.

Teroldego Rotaliano DOC Riserva

Reg. $21.99 now $18.99

The Teroldego vine is an indigenous varietal of Trentino where it has found its ideal environment in the Piana Rotaliana. The name seems to derive from "Tiroler Gold" (Tyrol Gold) a name that indicates its presence at the Court of Vienna in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was later called "Tiroldico" and finally Teroldego. It is the most famous red wine from Trentino, and for this reason it is called the "royal wine of Trentino". This Riserva is produced only in the best vintages from manually selected and harvested grapes of the most renowned areas of the Piana Rotaliana: "Fron", "Camorzi" and "Sottodossi".Intense ruby red in color with complex, characteristic, pleasant ripe fruit aroma, prunes and blackcurrant. Full-bodied, well-balanced, pleasantly tannic, we saved the best for last! A wine of great character, it pairs well with stews, roasted red meats, grilled dishes, and seasoned cheese. Ideal with Risotto al Teroldego.

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

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

Super Suppers info: Take a deep breath and let Super Suppers help you put delicious meals on your family table. There are many ways to participate, so just pick one that works for you.

* You can order for pick up: We'll assemble your entrees, sides and desserts for you. Just stop in to pick up and you're all set.
* You can assemble your own entrees just the way you like them. Register online for a session or simply drop in.
* You can simply stop by and get some of our delicious entrees from our Grab-n-Go freezer.

Any way you choose to participate, the outcome is the same...delicious, convenient, inexpensive family meals that give you back the time to do the things you really want to do!

1944 Canyon Rd., Vestavia Hills, 36216, 205-822-2898, http://www.supersuppersbirminghamvestavia.com/

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)

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

Cellar Selections February 27th - March 5th

2008-02-27T12:21:00.002-06:00

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

2008-02-20T13:25:00.002-06:00

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