Cellar Selections October 7th - 15th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16^th – NO TASTING

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

30^th – TBA

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

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

13^th – John Poor with Johnson Brother's

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

27^th – NO TASTING/CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING

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

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

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

15 Wines Still on Special!

Conquista Torrontes, Argentina Reg. $8.99 now $6.99

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breton Lorinon Crianza, Rioja Reg. $21.99 $14.99

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

Guelbenzu Azul, Spain Reg. $21.99 now $18.99

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

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

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

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

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

My New Wine Tasting Bar!

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

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

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

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

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

Wine Tasting Thursday Night!

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


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

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

Special Tasting April 22nd - Chateau Potelle & Gravity Hills

Weekly Cellar Selections ~ Chateau Potelle & Gravity Hills

One Day Sale! April 22^nd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday the 24^th No Tasting

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

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

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

May 15^th – Colleen Moore with International Wines TBA

May 22^nd - Colleen Moore with International Wines TBA

May 29^th – No Tasting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cellar Selections April 9th - 16th

Weekly Cellar Selections ~ April 9th – 16th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday the 10^th – Donald Roth with Alabama Crown

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

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

Thursday the 24^th No Tasting

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

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

Cellar Selections March 26th - April 2nd

March 26th – April 2nd

Weekly Cellar Selections ~ Spring Time Wines

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

2006 "next" by King Estate, Washington Riesling

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

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

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

2006 "next" by King Estate, Oregon Pinot Noir

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

2006 Adelsheim, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

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

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

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

What is Mudtown Eat & Drink?

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

3144 Green Valley RoadVestavia Hills, AL 35243

(205) 967-3300 store

http://www.mudtownalabama.com

The Wine Cellar

970 Highway 31 · Vestavia Hills · Alabama · 35216

205·979·2151 phone 205·979·2149 fax

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

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

Cellar Selections March 12th - 19th

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

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

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

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

2006 Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel

Reg. $15.99 now $14.99

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

2006 Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvèdre

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

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

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

The Wine Cellar

970 Highway 31 · Vestavia Hills · Alabama · 35216

205·979·2151 phone 205·979·2149 fax

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

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

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

Cellar Selections February 12th - 19th

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

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

2006 Bliss Family Vineyards Chardonnay, Mendocino

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

2006 Bliss Family Vineyards Pinot Noir, Mendocino

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

2005 Penley Estate “Phoenix” Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia

Reg.$26.99 now $20.99

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cellar Selections Jan 16th-23rd

Weekly Cellar Selections
Spanish Wines

Wine Tasting this Thursday, January 17th from 5 to 6:30p.m. $5 per person. Oddly enough last Wine Tasting was a success & we even had a Tornado threaten to ruin our night! Just shows you what dedicated customers we have, they come rain, shine or snow??? This week we have Leigh Monroe of Pinnacle Imports pouring Spanish wines from our current Cellar Selection. Our feature Menu items this week are Shrimp & Grits, Chicken Salad & Potato Salad from Mudtown Eat & Drink in Cahaba Heights. *To see more information on Mudtown Eat & Drink scroll down to the end of the newsletter* Hope to see you all here!

2006 Morgadío Legado Del Conde Albariño, Rías Baixas

Reg. $18.99 now $16.99

With a beautiful, bright lemony robe and a fresh, rich nose that carries the scent of spring flowers, mimosa, and the waft of a sea breeze, this Albariño makes a grand statement and an even grander entry. Dry, pure, and hauntingly scented, this friendly Albariño offers up plenty of minerality and a mouth full of light clean fruit to balance its long, crisp finish. Albariño is a singular varietal with a unique character: it is both ethereal and intense and Morgadío captures the essence of this grape variety in their 2006 Legado Del Conde. This is a classic Albariño – a truly dry white wine and a Spanish classic. In fact, this Albariño is an Old World treasure and a wine of breed and noble bearing. A perfect pair to sautéed scallops, grilled snapper, crabmeat salad, and most everything else that once inhabited the sea. We suggest that you try this wine with Cheese, especially well made Mahon, one of Spain's most delectable cheeses. Mahon in stock now for $7.99! -90 Points Wine Advocate, February 2007

2006 Can Feixes “Blanc Selecció”, Penedès

Reg. $18.99 now $16.99

This wine possesses an amplifying nose, comprised of the scents of pure mineral, gravel, citrus, and wild flowers. Long and textured in the mouth, the Blanc Selecció caresses the palate with luxuriant fruit and spice – without a hint of sweetness. Moreover, the wine ends with a dry, embracing finish that needs to be experienced to be described, as this wine is neither simple nor ordinary. Although beautifully right now, this wine will undoubtedly evolve for several more years in bottle. Very versatile wine to pair with food, in fact, most fish and poultry will be right at home with this wine. Interestingly, the only drawback to serving this wine seems to be its ability to disappear in a hurry, so if you open a bottle before a meal you will want to have another bottle on hand!

2005 Castillo de Monséran Garnacha, Cariñena, Spain

Reg. $11.99 now $9.99

Let the warmth of the sun-baked fruit slowly fill your soul as you taste this wine. The rich ripe fruit is complemented by intriguing aromas of sweet tobacco and spice. It's ample and mouthfilling on the palate with chewy tannins and just the right acidity to give vitality to the finale. A wine with this much character can only come from a region with a lot of soul and Castillo de Monseran is no exception. Its roots are firmly implanted in the proud region of Aragón. Paired perfectly our new cheese from Spain, Idiazabal $10.99!

2006 Bodegas Olivares Altos de la Hoya, Monastrell “Ungrafted Old Vine”, Jumilla

Reg. $15.99 now $13.99
This ungrafted old vine Monastrell (92%) is deep ruby red in color, with ripe, powerful scents of blackberry, cassis and candied plum, with a bit of Garnacha (8%) in the blend seeming to brighten the darker fruit character. Fat and lush, with deep, sweet blackcurrant and blackberry flavors and no rough edges it finishes dense, fresh and long, with a repeating blackberry note. This has the concentration and sappy texture of a much more expensive wine. Perfect with our Murcia al Vino $8.99!

*If you forgot or want to refresh yourself about the cheeses we just got in last week go to: http://www.thewinecellar.info/New_Cheeses.htm I picked these cheese especially for the wines from this weeks Cellar Selections!

*Have kids? Need a College fund? Just set up one for Granger using a friend of mine, Richard Mason with Morgan Keegan, for $50 big ol’ bucks a month. Email me if you would like his number, he is easy to work with & super nice.

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 love their menu & need office meetings, bridal parties 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 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/

Tornado Party!

It seems every time I have a Wine Tasting it rains. Not just rains but POURS! Sick cosmic joke or am I just lucky? Last year I got discouraged with the tastings & stopped having them as regular as I should have, must explain the drought! =)
I am so excited about the way we will be having our wine tastings this year. Our Wine Tastings will resume Thursday January 10th, today, from 5 to 6:30p.m. $5 per person. We want to start the New Year with a fresh approach with our Wine Tastings. We will be working with a few Restaurants in the Vestavia Hills area to get familiar with their menu & specials. We hope this will make our Wine Tastings more popular this year as well as the Restaurants that are featured.
Here is to a Prosperous 2008!

Cellar Selections January 8th thru the 16th

Wine Tastings will resume Thursday January 10th from 5 to 6:30p.m. $10 Door Prize from Mudtown Eat & Drink given at every tasting! We want to start the New Year with a fresh approach with our Wine Tastings. Beginning with the January 10th Tasting we will be working with a few Restaurants in the Vestavia Hills area to get familiar with their menu & specials. As you know a tasting is a sampling of products. The same applies to the food, as we are not serving dinner just sampling a couple of menu items. January 10th we will have Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Sage Sauce from Super Suppers in Vestavia Hills. They will be giving 10% off Entrees to people that attend this tasting on this night only. Hope to see you all here!

2005 Domaine de Rieux Cotes De Gascogne Blanc Reg. $10.99 now $6.99
Domaine du Rieux is a part of Chateau du Tariquet estate well known for its superb Armagnacs. The grapes are kept at a low temperature for some hours before being crushed and fermented. The results have become a major success story. Yves Grassa is now producing hundreds of thousands of bottles of an extremely fruity, refreshing dry white wine which is a delight when consumed young. Robert Parker and other journalists have repeatedly stated that these wines are perhaps the best value available today. Pierre Grassa is a master at producing this delicate, finely balanced white from Gascony that mimics the style and aromas of classy dry Sauvignon Blanc. Made from 80% Trebbiano, 15% Colombard, and 5% Gros Manseng. This wine is dry and crisp perfect for drinking now with a soft green apple nose leads to tropical, pineapple/grapefruit flavors. Beautifully balanced by a fresh clean acidity.

2005 Lagar De Pintos Albarino Reg. $19.99 now $14.99
The winery, located in the Valley Salnés in Rias Baixas (southwestern Spain), has been in the Pintos family for several generations. The vineyards that the family owns in Ribadumia heart of Salnés, facilitated by the combination between microclimate, soil and the age of vineyards. This white, made from 100% Albarino, is fermented stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature on their own fine lees for 12 weeks. It has an elegant, pale yellow color leading to a clean, intense and fruity nose – typical of the varietal. Very fresh in the mouth, with balanced acidity and body.

2003 Renieri Rosso di Montalcino Reg. $23.99 now $16.99
Located in the prestigious Montalcino DOCG production zone in Tuscany, Renieri is like a precious jewel in Marco Bacci’s treasure chest. Renieri lies southeast of Montalcino and the estate extends over 320 acres of which 75 are dedicated to vineyards. This wine is made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso from estate vineyards located in the southern part of Montalcino with eastern-northwestern exposure. A mix of volcanic, clay and stony soils make this location extremely well-suited for the production of Sangiovese Grosso. After fermentation, the wine is aged for one year in new and second passage oak barrels, providing for extra elegance and refinement. Bright ruby red in color, this Rosso offers generous, ripe aromas of cherry and blackberry jam, followed by hints of vanilla, cedar, and leather. Plush and rich, this Rosso is the perfect wine for barbecued meats, game, and medium-aged cheese. 89pts.WA

2000 La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi Reserva Reg. $21.99 now $15.99
The 2000 Reserva Vina Alberdi is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Mazuela (Carignan) from Rioja, Spain. Medium ruby in color, it exhibits a nicely developed and expressive nose of fresh strawberries, cedar, spice, dried herbs, café-au-lait oaky notes and red currants. This wine is light to medium-bodied, seamless, elegant and ripe in style. The taste is tangy and brisk, with a bright, nervy character and good focus to the dried cherry flavor. Well integrated tannins. This silky red finishes with a crisp acidity that draws out the finish with good concentration. 88pts WA

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)
www.thewinecellar.info & www.myspace.com/wine_seller