International Wine and Beer Festival
March 20, 2010 5pm - 8pm
St. Stephen School Hall
Featuring more than 60 International wines, 20 local and international beers, gourmet light fare, silent auction, raffles, wine and beer experts on premises
Tickets:
$30 in advance
$35 at the door
(must be 21 years of age or older to attend)
Tickets may be purchased at:
St. Stephen School office, Mon-Fri 8am - 3pm
OR
Midway Liquors
For more info call
St. Stephen School 410-592-7617
Midway Liquors 410-679-5511
Jennifer Andrychowski 443-686-1544
In December we sent out an email with 3 Antinori wines; Solaia, Guado al Tasso Red and Guado al Tasso Vermentino. Because of the incredible prices we virtually sold out in 10 days. . We had purchased the entire inventory of the Solaia and Vermentino from our wholesaler but only 5 cases of the Guado Red. Guess what? We just purchased the balance of the Guado Red inventory (22 6-packs) at an even lower price than in December. We searched the Internet and the wine is selling for anywhere from a low of $59.99 a bottle to $115 per bottle for the 2005 vintage.
Here’s the twist. In December we sold this wine for $49.95 and $269 a 6-pack. However, while supplies last, our price is $39.95 per bottle and $229 per 6 pack. That is an incredible price for this extraordinary and legendary wine.
Here is the review from the Wine Advocate: 92 pts. The estate’s flagship wine, the 2005 Guado al Tasso, possesses gorgeous aromatics and a core of vibrant, dark fruit framed by finessed tannins. Medium to full-bodied, it shows superb balance, particularly in the use of French oak, something that I haven’t always been able to say in the past. With air, attractive notes of wild herbs, smoke, minerals and sweet toasted oak develop to complete this very pretty Guado al Tasso. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2019. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 5% Syrah
We are excited to introduce our first Top 12 of 2010! Check out these beauties at tastings this weekend and the next.
Winter 2010 Top 12: Part 1 (1-6)
January 29 & 30 11 am - 7 pm
Winter 2010 Top 12: Part 2 (7-12) February 5 & 6 11 am - 7 pm
1. Domaine Du Bois St. Jean Cotes-du-Rhone 2007
Cotes-du-Rhone, France $12.99 750ml $124.69 case
Our top selling red wine over $10 from 2009 is back! We wanted to give all those new Midway fans a shot to taste one of the most unique wines from the best vintage from this special corner of the world. 2007 blessed the southern Rhone with weather that has produced rich, complex, and awesome wines. Try one of our favorites!
2. Domaine de Villargeau Coteaux du Giennois 2008 Loire Valley, France $12.99 750ml $124.70 case
The Coteaux du Giennois is located just a few miles north of Sancerre in the Loire Valley. The wine is made of 100% Sauvignon Blanc and has many similarities to a fine Sancerre, except for the price! In fact, it is often referred to as a “baby Sancerre.” The citrus, mineral nose, and palate will stay with you for the evening.
Here is a wine with great versatility and complexity at a price that is simply a bargain. It is comprised of 70% Montepulciano and 30% Sangiovese. DeAngelis wines consistently get very good reviews from Gambero Rosso and on several occasions have received the “Tre Bicchieri” Award. This will be your new Red for Italian night!
4. Bon Cap The Ruins Chardonnay Viognier 2009 Robertson, South Africa $8.99 750ml $86.30 case
Another great value from the other wonder from down under: South Africa. This 60% Chardonnay, 40% Viognier blend has white peach and floral aromas and flavors with a little bit of acidity that gives the wine balance. Elegance at a value price.
5. Hacienda Araucano Carmenere 2008
Colchagua Valley, Chile $11.99 750ml $115.10 case
That’s a spicy meat-a-ball! This South American beauty is packed with big spicy aromas of chili powder, paprika and black raspberries. On the palate the fruit and spice are huge. Impress your friends at that dinner party with this great value.
6. Wild Rock Pinot Noir 2008
Central Otago, New Zealand $14.99 750ml $143.90 case
The cool climate of the world’s southern-most wine region is ideal for growing Pinot Noir, when combined with great winemaking, it is capable of producing world class juice. TJ Peabody and Steve Smith MW, the minds behind New Zealand’s famous Craggy Range, are responsible for this succulent, lush, and slightly herbaceous beauty.
7. Casa de la Sal Tinto Reserva 2004
Alicante, Spain $9.99 750ml $95.90 case
This Spanish beauty comes from Valencia. Made from the Monastrell grape, this dark red has aromas that explode out of the glass; notes of ripe berry fruit, roasted meat, and mineral flavors. It opens up beautifully, leading to a balsamic finish. Paired with roasted pork tenderloin, it would make for a scrumptious meal.
8. Ledgewood Creek Owl House Red NV California $9.99 750ml $95.90 case
Having no vintage and a secret blend (maybe Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre, Merlot, Cinsault?), make this juicy, plump, and vibrant red intriguing. We chose it for our “Top 12” because it is an oddity and is simply delicious. Flavors of dark berries, plum, and black currant are accompanied by a warm mouth-feel and a long finish. A cheeseburger or a pizza “wit da works” is the way to go here.
A discovery Elon made while in German, Wurtz makes some very good modern Riesling. Crisp, dry, and fruit forward, with flavors of lime, grapefruit, and slight mineral, it is perfect for sushi or just sipping. Potate means “cheers” in Latin, so drink up!
10. Cresta Azul Petillant White NV
Spain $9.99 750ml $95.90 case
This is for those lovers of bold esoteric whites. Petillant means lightly sparkling, and that light fizz is balanced ever so elegantly with a delicate sweetness and interesting notes of lavender and sweet citrus fruit aromas and flavors. 50% Macabeo, 25% Moscatel, 15% Parellada and 10% Xarello.
11. Rust en Vrede Merlot 2008 Stellenbosch, South Africa $14.99 750ml $143.90 case
This Merlot is a truly new experience. The elements of the soil and the lusty climate of South Africa create the delicious character of this elegant, yet bold and spicy red.
From a world-class producer of Brunello comes this 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon “baby Brunello” that is packed with dark fruit, slight herb, spice, lively tannin and good acid; the definition of good Italian table wine. So food friendly you might have to replace the salt shaker with a case of this beauty.
Just Announced! Our annual fundraiser for St. Stephen’s Church is back. We will have some wonderful wines and beers for you to sample, as well as light gourmet fare. Please contact us at 410-679-5511 to reserve tickets now!
St. Stephen’s Wine Festival
Saturday, March 20 5pm - 8pm
a message from Stan about shipping wine in Maryland:
Dear Wine Lovers,
I would love to be able to ship you wine and need your help to do so. The Maryland General Assembly just convened and will be contemplating legislation that would allow retailers like myself and wineries to be able to ship directly to you, a right enjoyed by citizens in 37 other states and DC. Please take the 60 seconds to click on the following link and send a note to your state elected officials:
Once there, please customize a note to your delegates and senators along the lines of the following:
I am a constituent and urge you to support direct wine shipping. This bill has been around for too long, and 2010 should be our vintage. Please encourage your colleagues on the respective committee to pass this bill to the full chamber floor for a vote. Please also let me know your position on this legislation and whether you plan to represent your constituents’ interests in this matter. I look forward to celebrating your support of this legislation during the upcoming election cycle.
Respectfully,
XXX
Address
City, State ZIP
Thank you for your help with this matter!
Best regards,
Stanley Bliden
Owner, Midway Liquors
We are very proud to carry some Belgian brews from Brewery Het Anker. Introducing….
Bouden Carolus Classic
Mechelen, Belgium $8.99 750ml $91.20 cs.
Copper color with big fluffy head. Aromas of caramel, sweet dark fruit, and light yeast. Taste is more caramel and dark fruit but with a little spiciness that balances the sweetness niceley.
Gouden Carolus Cuvee Ven De Keizer Rood/Red 2008 Mechelen, Belgium $10.29 750ml $105.60 cs.
A very unique beer, similar in taste to a Belgian Tripel. Brewed in limited quantities only once a year, on the birthday of Charles the Fifth. Pours hazy golden with a thick white head. Beautiful aromas of banana and other tropical fruit esters, fennel, parsley and other herbs (they add three herbs). Wonderful mouthfeel and you will never tell that its 10% abv.
The new label for Beaujolais Villages Nouveau 2009...ooh, aah.
It’s the third thursday of November, so that means only one thing: It’s Beaujolais Nouveau Day. Today, Georges DuBoeuf releases the newest vintage (2009) of the wonderful light and fruity red wine in the colorful bottle. Come by Midway today, November 19th, from 4pm - 7pm for a slug of this easy drinking wine, and a hunk of cheese.
Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais Villages Nouveau 2009
Beaujolais, Burgundy, France
$9.99 750ml $105.50
When I started working at Midway, it was my introduction to the world of wine. Specifically, it served as a proper introduction to the many types of wine drinkers and their palate preferences. One surprise that I encountered was the plethora of white wines on the shelf and the general lack of attention paid to such wines, in my mind and in the minds of many customers. I began to explore. New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs and California Chardonnays were a natural jumping-off point, followed by Sancere, Verdejo, Southern Rhone blends, Pinot Grigio, bubblies, Falanghina, Greco di Tufo, etc., etc.. For the most part I ignored the Germans and the Alsatians, since few customers were asking me to fill their carts up with these wines. This all changed when I was introduced to Merkel’s Urziger Wurtzgarten Riesling Spatlese. What a gorgeous piece of wine making. It was like biting into a fresh granny smith apple: crisp, tart, sweet, and juicy. I dreamed that there must be other white wines- similar to this one- that possess such complexity, depth and the power to wow.
Fast forward 8 months. October 18, 2009. I’m stepping off the plane in Frankfurt, it’s five in the morning local time, and I have three wineries to see before the day is done. The first is Weingut Peter Jakob (PJ) Kuhn, in the Rheingau. Upon arrival, PJ’s wife Angela shows us around. The first stop is the fermenting room, where PJ and his assistant are tasting the new wine, which has been fermenting for two weeks. I’ve been in plenty of wineries and breweries, but this one smells the best - and appropriately, like fresh sweet pears and apples. I taste the murky new wine; despite its high acidicity, it also tasted of pear juice.
Angela explains that they practice “homeopathic winemaking,” and she talks about treating the vines as living things, giving them love and treating them as unique individuals. The Kuhn Winery is 100% organic and biodynamic. They pick their grapes according to the phases of the moon, make their own compost, and involve the whole family in the process. They have been making wine for eleven generations, and the twelfth is well on their way to taking the helm.
I taste nine of their Rieslings. Most were dry, fresh, and built for speed. The perfect accompaniment to sushi or the fresh lunch I was kindly served: wild boar and jelly sausage, a mixed salad with scallions, mashed carrots and potatoes with fresh parsley, and home made pancakes.
Peter Jakob Kuhn Landgeflecht Riesling Trocken 2008
Rheingau, Germany $35.99Sale $21.99 750ml $211.10 cs.
Spicy pear notes hit the nose with power. On the palate it is bone dry with bright acid and almost like a Tzakoli with a subtle lemon juice flavor. This wine is built for sushi; good thing there are plenty of BYOB Sushi restaurants!
Next I headed to Kuhling-Gillot, another family operation that merged with Battenfeld-Spanier through marriage in 2006. The tour of the winery included a tasting of fresh pinot noir juice, and a taste of freshly picked botrytis Riesling berries. They have a huge variety of unique Rieslings, Weissburgunders (Pinot Blancs), Spatburgunders (Pinot Noirs) and Chardonnays. All are well made, and if you can get your hands on some of their wines, I highly recommend trying them.
Tasting notes for whites: petroleum, egg noodles, oak, apple, white peach, refreshing
The last stop of the day was Wurtz, run by the enthusiastic and youthful Dirk Wurtz in a 900 year-old mill. His hobbies include modern winemaking, blogging (check out his blog at http://wuertz-wein.de/wordpress/), American barbeque, and very loud music - my kinda guy, to say the least. As his lovely wife was serving our first course of dinner, Dirk put on some light music to accompany: the industrial German hard rock band, Rammstein, with various selections from their wild tour in Nimes, followed by Elvis live in Las Vegas, Billy Idol, and Nico. Wurtz explained his passion for making wine, the Riesling grape and the dry wines made from it (which he explained was delicious when mixed with coke - see the video below), his thoughts on being politically incorrect, and how much he loves America. All of his wines were fresh, crisp, and built for food. He has a great boxed Riesling that is available through special order. It’s a wine great for summer picnics or a pool party.
Look out for:
Wurtz Riesling
Rheinhessen, Germany 3L Bag in a Box Coming Soon!
Wurtz Potate Riesling 2008
Rheinhessen, Germany Special Order Coming Soon!
Wurtz Geyerschiess 2008
Rheinhessen, Germany Special Order Only
The next day we found ourselves in a quaint town touring Christmann, another great producer of the noble Riesling. They also produce some world class Pinot Noir, which is worth the price tag.
Then I was off to Alsace and my first French experience. It couldn’t have been more memorable. Albert Seltz is another organic family operation that has been making wine for generations, thirteen to be exact. They put an emphasis on small plots with very high quality viticulture and pure expression of terroir. The wines across the border in Germany are nothing like their French counterpart - only the varietals are the same. Albert has a great passion for everything Alsatian: the food, the culture, and especially the white grape varietals that they claim are the best in the world. (Here, it was explained to me that Alsatians make nothing short of the best Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewurtztraminer, Sylvaner and Riesling.) Albert’s father, Pierre, gave me a tour of the winery and the cellar, and he explained that his son was not only surpassing his wine making, but also producing the best Sylvaner in the world. We tasted some amazing whites that day, and there is no reason that any wine enthusiast should not taste these beauties.
Tasting notes: dried apricot, peach jam, orange marmalade, honey, lemon, limestone, over ripe, big fruit, green tea, raisin, spicy pear, cinnamon, nutmeg, long finish.
What I brought back:
Albert Seltz Gewurztraminer 2008
Alsace, France $17.99 750ml $172.70 cs.
Wonderful golden color. The nose is filled with a beautiful bouquet that is built for Thanksgiving; spicy pear and honey. On the palate there is more spice and pear flavor with a nice, light sweetness and a rich mouthfeel.
Albert Seltz Sylvaner Vieilles Vignes “Sono Contento” 2003 Alsace, France $23.99 750ml $230.30 cs.
The best white wine I had on the trip, and probably the best I’ve ever had. The color is such a gorgeous hue of gold that they chose to package it in a clear bottle. A nose that will convert any red drinker: full and intense with dried apricots dipped in honey and peach jam. Very little residual sugar, but the fruit flavors are so intense that it will trick you into thinking it is a nectar. Drinking this wine is practicing hedonism.
The last stop of the trip was at Domaine Weinbach with the lovely Faller women. Colette, Catherine and Laurence have been making wine in 300+ year old Domaine for two generations on land that has been planted with vineyards since the year 890 C.E. They produce extremely well balanced and elegant Rieslings, Sylvaners Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Gewurtztraminer, and some really neat cuvées that pair well with a range of foods. In all we tasted 24 wines.
They cooked us a lovely lunch, starting with a tartée flambe (a local food which is like a pizza only with a more crisp and buttery crust, cream and cottage cheese, smoked bacon, and onions). The second course was chicken livers fried in butter with a light salad accompanied by their Pinot Gris Altenbourg 2006, and the meal ended with some lovely cheese and an Apple Flan that puts any Jewish Apple Cake to shame. It was easily the best meal during my travels.
Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale
American Strong Ale
Lakewood, New York $9.99 6pk $33.80 cs.
One of the hottest micro breweries in the US really delivers with this winter American Strong Ale. Overwhelming amount of hops with a nice caramel malt sidekick that really sticks to your ribs. Great pair for those cheese plates.
Avery Old Jubilation
English Strong Ale
Boulder, Colorado $10.99 6pk $38.40 cs.
This one has an intense amount of malt depth. Flavors and aromas of caramel, hazelnut, toffee and coffee. Serious complexity and a whisper of sweetness will leave you satisfied. 94 pts ratebeer.com
Anderson Valley Winter Solstice
Winter Warmer
Boonville, California $12.99 6pk $44.75 cs.
Classic winter warmer aromas and flavors from caramel and crystal malts: caramel, toffee, etc, combined with holiday spices like nutmeg and clove. However it goes above and beyond with a fruity quality that really delivers depth; the hints of dark cherry and berry fruits will make you warmer than someone standing under mistletoe. A- The Alstrom Bros of Beeradvocate.com
A nice amount of grapefruit citrus and floral hop aromas with a great caramel malt background on the palette. Good bitterness too. Relatively low alcohol for the style at 7.5% (Imperial IPAs can be up to 12%+) so it won’t knock you on your butt.
