The time has come for our distributors to let go of some of their aged inventory. After intense negotiations we have acquired some incredible wines at bargain basement prices. Some have been blessed with great reviews; others are little gems that somehow slip under the radar.

Limited supply- no extra discount on sale prices

Chateau Bernadotte Haut Medoc 2003
$29.99 Sale $14.99
A classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot made by the staff of Pichon- Lalande Comtesse. Rated 90 points by Robert Parker and a “sleeper of the vintage”.

Ladoucette Comte Lafond Sancerre 2006
$39.99 Sale $17.99
This classic expression of Sauvignon Blanc is aromatic and pure. Ladoucette is considered by many to be the top producer in the eastern Loire Valley. Amazing price.

Schlumberger Riesling Les Princes Abbés 2005
$21.99 Sale $10.99
This wonderful dry Riesling from Alsace has that beautiful “petrol” nose and excellent structure.

Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah 2005
$75.00 Sale $29.99
That is not a typo- this amazing 95 point Wine Advocate wine from New Zealand can be purchased for way below our wholesaler’s cost. Drink now or lay this baby away for 10 years.

Craggy Range Sophia 2004
$58.99 Sale $29.50
Opaque, highly concentrated, intense and ripe Merlot based red with 7% Cabernet Sauvignon for structure and complexity. Just the right balance of French oak. Excellent.

Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Jack London 2003
375ml $16.99 Sale $8.50
Sometimes one must drink alone. Thaw out a filet, sauté some shrooms and sear the meat till it stops mooing- Voila. Recommend you purchase at least 2 bottles in case the first one does not work.

NxNW Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
$24.99 Sale $12.50
Very cool red from Walla Walla Valley in Washington. It is warmer and drier there, hence perfect for Cabernet. California Cab lovers will like this wine as it has lots of black fruit flavors and is fairly soft. The producer, King Estate, sells the wine at the winery for $35.

Louis Jadot Puligny Montrachet 2005
$47.99 Sale $24.50
Chardonnay doesn’t get any better than this. Excellent producer + vintage + village = terrific wine. Did I say it tastes great?

Rosenblum Syrah England Shaw Vineyard 2005
$38.99 Sale $13.50
Big fruit, big body, big finish, in your face red. Ribs on the grill. Hold me back, Woah!!

Bodegas Julian Chivite Coleccion 125 Reserva 2001
$44.99 Sale $22.50
It’s tough to get by the killer nose, then the palate is amazing. Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet aged in American Oak. It is the best wine from the best producer in the Navarra Hills of Spain.

Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva Coltassala 2004
$47.99 Sale $23.99
Beautiful Sangiovese aged in French oak from an excellent vintage. Aromatic nose of sweet cherry and oak nice structure and long finish.

Volpaia Balifico 2004
$49.99 Sale $23.99
A super, Super-Tuscan red of Cabernet and Sangiovese aged in French oak. Drink it and dream.

Rosenblum Petite Sirah Rhodes Vineyard 2005
$26.99 Sale $13.50
An intense full- bodied red with flavors of plum and black tea. This baby will go quickly.

Delas Freres Hermitage Marquis de la Tourette 2004
$79.99 Sale $29.99
Only 5-6 packs of this 100% Syrah red wine from the Northern Rhone, where this wonderful grape got started, and in my opinion, still the best expression of the variety.

Top 12 Case Price: $119.99

Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc 2008
California
$11.99 750ml. $115.10 cs.

This lively beauty just screams “sunny California” from the first whiff to the loooong finish.  Eye opening grapefruit in the nose, (it even has a grapefruit pictured on the label), with a mouthfeel of fresh fruit salad.  Ideal with seafood or a garden salad.

Four Vines Naked Chardonnay 2008
Santa Barbara, California
$10.99 750ml. $105.50 cs.

This delicious, balanced, Chard is fermented in stainless steel tanks, the “Naked” implies that it has never seen oak.  It has rich apple peach, and pear aromas and flavors and should be consumed only slightly chilled, so you can get the full benefit of these wonderful flavors. Drink “Naked” with a friend or a bunch of friends!

Domaine de la Chanade “Les Rials” 2008
Southern France
$8.99 750mL $86.30 cs.

This unique “off-dry” white has been a favorite of ours four several years now.  It is only available to us in the Spring, and our supply doesn’t last for long.  The grape is called Loin de L’oeil.  (Ask for an explanation of the term “Loin de L’oeil” while you’re tasting it with us.)  It has floral and citrus aromas with tropical fruit and “candied delicacies” flavors.  Drink naked… just kidding?

Notro Malbec 2006
Mendoza, Argentina
$9.99 750 ml. $95.90 cs.

We found this terrific unoaked red and dubbed it a natural item for our Top 12.  A later release from the winery means the tannins have subsided somewhat giving you a more rounded, gentler wine.  Earthy notes on the nose and rich, ripe blackberry and black cherry flavors with a hint of spice and licorice.  Phone in a pizza or create your own, you’ll love it with this wine!

Fattoria Colsanto Ruris 2007
Umbria, Italy
$10.99 750 ml. $105.50 cs.

We’ve carried this wine for about a year now, but we felt that not enough people knew about it.  It is a complex beauty from Umbria comprised of 70% Sangiovese, 20 % Merlot, and 10% Sagrantino with rich dark berry fruit and a touch of spiciness.  Great with grilled beef tenderloin, pasta with tomato sauces, or just to sip.

Puppeteer Shiraz 2007
South Australia
$10.99 750 ml. $105.50 cs.

Gosh, it seems like there’s a new Shiraz coming our way every 5 minutes, but this is one we decided to add to our selection because it is so good!  Nice sweet cherry fruit and plum flavors with a spicy mid-palate and a touch of cloves.  Aged in French oak barrels.

Rubbia Al Colle Rabuccolo 2005
Tuscany, Italy
$15.99 750 ml. $76.70 cs. (6)

A wonderful, rich full-bodied red made from 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc,19% Merlot, and 9% Syrah, Whaaa? An Italian red with no Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, etc?  Not to worry, there’s plenty going on with this wine that says “Italy”!  A dark red color, and the dark berry, plum, and black currant flavors is more than enough to cover any oenophile’s palate. Bring on Mamma’s lasagna!

Monte Degli Angeli Pinot Noir 2007
Piedmont, Italy
$8.99 750 ml. $86.30 cs.

What a great value here, from the Monferrato region of Piedmont.  You won’t believe the silky, rich quality of this under $10.00 red. The cherry, berry, and plum aromas and flavors will astound you! Feed your friends salmon on the grill and fill their glasses with this gem!

Monchhof Estate Riesling QBA 2007
Mosel- Saar- Ruwer, Germany
$14.99 750ml $143.90 cs.

This estate was founded in 1177 by monks (Monchhof means monk’s house) and was purchased by the present owners, the Eymael family from Napoleon in 1804. The family has holdings in some of the best vineyard sites along the Mosel River. As a matter of fact some of the grapes for this wine are sourced from the great Urziger Wurtzgarten (spice-garden) vineyard. The soil from the steep vineyard sites is composed of iron-infused Devon slate, which transmits directly to the wine. It has a fruity nose with a hint of petrol followed by a burst of white peach and light sweetness. The minerality and acidity makes for a super refreshing taste that balances the sweetness. It is the perfect summer deck wine, all by itself or with some fruit and cheese. 

Finca El Origen Torrontes Reserva 2007
Valle de Cafayate Salta, Argentina
$9.99 750ml $95.90 cs.

The scent of fresh flowers, peaches and citrus fruits explode from the glass of this hot variety. The palate has nice structure and acidity yet it’s not too dry. It is a lovely summer white at a bargain price. Recent DNA research shows a relationship with the Malvasia variety which has its roots in the eastern Mediterranean. The variety worked its way to the island of Madeira and most likely was transported to Argentina by Spanish missionaries. The beautiful Valle de Cafayate in Northwestern Argentina, very close to Bolivian border yields the finest (in my humble opinion) Torrontes wines. 

Berroia Bizkaiko Txakolina 2007
Spain
$14.99 750ml $143.90 cs.

Txakoli (Chakoli) is a white wine from the Basque region of Spain made predominately from a local grape called Hondarrabi Zurri. It is the perfect summer wine as it is crisp, dry, lemony and a bit frizzante from some residual carbonic. Every Tapas bar in San Sebastian, Spain has bottles of Tzakoli to accompany the wonderful fresh seafood. This wine is just plain fun even down to how it’s poured. To enhance the spritz the rule is as you pour your elbow must be above your shoulder. Try it when you get home, or better yet when you go over a friend’s house.

Vellarde Tinto 2008
Vinos de Madrid, Spain
$9.99 750ml $95.90 case

This Spanish beauty is 60% Tempranillo and 40% Garnacha, and is sure to be the hit at your BBQ.  It is rich with flavors of bing cherry, black fruits and a touch of spice.  A cheeseburger should come with this one.

For your convenience we will be open on Memorial Day from 8am - 8pm.

We will have plenty of ice and cold beer in case you forgot!

And remember, we are one of the only liquor stores in the baltimore and Harford County area open on sunday - 8am - 9pm.

May 8 - 10 we will be offering a whole bunch of great wines for SALE! So bring your mother and taste some great wines before you buy her a case or two!

Cline Cellars
Friday & Saturday, May 8 & 9
11pm - 7pm

2008 Pinot Gris (Sonoma County)
$10.99 Sale $7.77 750mL

2007 Viognier (California)
$10.99 Sale $7.77 750mL

2007 Syrah (Sonoma County)
$10.99 Sale $7.77 750mL

2007 Zinfandel (California)
$10.99 Sale $7.77 750mL

2006 Ancient Vine Mouvedre (Contra Costa County)
$16.99 Sale $11.99 750mL

2007 Ancient Vine Zinfandel (California)
$16.99 Sale $11.99 750mL

2007 Cashmere GSM (California)
$16.99 Sale $11.99 750mL

As a bonus, we’re offering a line of Alsatian wines that are new to our store - Helfrich.

Helfrich Whites d’Alsace
Friday & Saturday, May 8 & 9

2007 Riesling
$12.99 Sale $9.99 750mL

2008 Pinot Gris
$12.99 Sale $9.99 750mL

2007 Gewurtztraminer
$12.99 Sale $9.99 750mL

Let’s kick-off the Spring with our palate-picked Top 12. Our sampler case is designed to give you a variety of tastes at a very reasonable price, so you can expand your horizons. Tell us what you think!

Top 12 Case: $115.95

1. Cline Mourvèdre Rosé 2008
Contra Costa, California
$10.99 750 ml. $105.50 case

No wine says springtime like a lively Rosé, and when we tasted this one, it just had to be a Top 12er. The floral strawberry/raspberry aromas and flavors are lovely! Now where did I put that picnic basket?

2. Chateau de la Greffiere Macon-La Roche-Vineuse “Sous Le Bois” 2007
France
$15.99 750 ml. $153.50 case

The appellation is a mouthful and so is this estate-bottled 100% Chardonnay from Burgundy. It has floral and mineral aspects that remind us of much more expensive White Burgundies. A rich creamy style, with the right touch of oak. Pair it with baked chicken w/ sage stuffing.

3. Cellers Unio Perlat Garnatxa 2006
Monsant, Spain
$7.99 750 ml. $76.70 case

This is a great value, and has become a fan favorite at Midway. We sold out of our first load in a couple of days. Cherry red in color, it has rich flavors of ripe berry fruit with some interesting mineral notes and lingering finish.

4. Peter Lehmann Layers 2008
Adelaide, Australia
$14.99 750 ml. $143.90 case

A lively blend of five grapes, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Semillon, Gewurztraminer, and Muscat. An enticing nose of tropical fruits and flowers is followed by “layers” of complex fruit flavors and good backbone…

5. Cantina Santadi Grotta Rossa Carignano del Sulcis 2006
Sardinia, Italy
$12.99 750 ml. $124.70 case

If you’ve never had a Carignano, you can expect an intense red color, dark berry fruit, and a rich mouth-feel. It is mostly used for blending to add color and tannin. Sardinia is one of the few places where the grape does beautifully all by itself . Buona Sera!

6. Evil Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Southeastern Australia
$10.99 750 ml. $105.50 case

This oddly named Cab is brought to us by The Grateful Palate and world renown winemaker Chris Ringland. This bargain red is big, bold and voluptious with a jammy black currant nose followed by black olives, red currants and chocolate flavors. No aging necessary!

7. Cantine Volpi Tre Fili Pinot Grigio 2007
Veneto, Italy
$10.99 750 ml, $105.50 case

We’re proud to carry this, crisp dry white made from organically grown grapes. It’s lively, with fresh floral and citrus aromas and flavors with a slight touch of minerals. It’s perfect for your “get home from work, kick off your shoes, and pour a nice glass of chilled Pinot Grigio” moments! Try it au natural!

8. Chateau Saintongey Blanc 2007
Bordeaux,France
$9.99 750 ml. $95.90 case

Sprightly, bold, and reasonably priced, it’s an easy to drink white with lots of citrus and crisp minerals. Made of 80% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Perfect for the first course and beyond.

9. Cantina Gello Carraia Aglianico 2007
Sicily
$9.99 750 ml. $95.90 case

An amazing value that displays a nose of dark red berries and cloves. The palate has juicy berry flavors and soft tannins. Read more about Aglianico on our website.

10. Basa Blanco 2007
Rueda, Spain
$9.99 750 ml. $95.90 case

We had a great run with this wine several years ago, but it it disappeared. We’re delighted it’s back. It’s made of 50% Verdejo, 40 % Viura, and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, and is bursting with citrus and a touch of mineral. Hopefully, we can continue to fill our shelves with this Spanish beauty!

11. Barco Viejo Syrah 2007
Colchagua Valley, Chile
$7.99 750 ml. $76.70 case

We’re extremely pleased with all the wines in this “Top 12”, but this one, in particular, because of the incredibly low price! A husky, rich and warm red with black currant, plum, pepper, and even mocha flavors. It is named after the lovely city of Valparaiso, the old harbor of Chile.

12. Peirano Estate Petite Sirah Heritage Collection 2006
Lodi, California
$13.99 750ml $134.30 case

This bold red comes right at you with its nose of black raspberry and spice. The palate is big and bold with lots of black fruit, hints of smoke and ripe tannins. The New York Times placed it in their top 10 for Petite Sirah.

We just sent out our new newsletter, it’s packed with great reviews, our new Top 12, great deals, and Spring tasting schedule.  Check it out here, on our website, by clicking the link below.

NEW! Spring 2009 Newsletter

This truly excellent, Asian-inspired spirit has only 72 calories a serving and combines premium, all-natural “superfruits” like honeydew, mangosteen and goji berry with natural ginseng and green tea. The spirit is sweetened with elderflower syrup, which reduces the sugar factor common among liqueurs. Throw in low-calorie Asian vodka, and you have a liqueur that’s fabulous alone or as a mixer. The combination of ginseng, damiana and dragon’s eye give Ty Ku a bit of a naughty side as well, making it perfect for any mood, event or occasion, day or night. Plus, TY KU comes in a really cool bottle that lights up when poured, giving you some serious booze with benefits.
$28.99 750 ml.

Saturday, March 28
1pm - 4pm

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
This classic california Pale Ale put these guys on the map, and they’ve been making great stuff ever since. It is creamy, citrusy and perfect for spring.
$7.99 6pak $27.99 case

Sierra Nevada Torpeda Extra IPA
Hop heads get your hands on a case while you still can! It’s got all of those wonderful IPA flavors, solid bitterness and a nice dry finish. Ratebeer.com: 96 points.
$7.99 6pak $27.99 case

Sierra Nevada ESB (early spring beer)
Brewed in the style of an english tradition, this beer is truly winter meets spring. It has wonderful sweet malty flavors and added spices, but is kicked up a notch with some added hops.
$7.99 6pak $27.99 case

Sierra Nevada Bigfoot
(not at tasting but available for sale at Midway)
This Barleywine has taken the gold 4 times at the Great American Beer Festival. It has wonderful malty and fruity aromas, a big mouthfeel and tons of alcohol (9.6%) to keep you warm and toasty while the April showers dampen your day. Put one sixer in your cellar for aging, you will thank us ever year for six years. Ratebeer.com: 98 points.
$7.99 6pak $27.99 case

Hey Liquor Lovers!

Tasting Alert!: Pyrat Rums & Patron XO Cafe
Friday, March 27
4pm - 7pm

Come taste the oh so smooth Pyrat Pistol and XO Reserve from the British West Indies, and Patron XO cafe. Just in time for the warm weather!

by Stan Bliden
for Baltimore Eats Magazine

The moment I stepped into Salvatore Molettieri’s Cinque Querce Vineyard high in the Campanian Hills, about 60 miles east of Naples, Italy, I knew I was in a special place. The slope is steep with a southeast exposure and the elevation is 550-600 meters. The soil is calcareous and clay with a core of volcanic rock that literally changes color from one part of the vineyard toanother. It is mid-September and as I devour the ripe figs off a

Salvatore Molettieri's Cinque Querce Vineyard high in the Campanian Hills

wild fig tree I admire the deeply hued purple grapes on the trellised vines. My first question is when will the harvest begin? The shocking answer from Salvatore’s enologist son Giovanni, is mid to late November. “We have harvested in the midst of a snow storm,” exclaims Giovanni.

The vineyard is home to one ancient variety, Aglianico (Ahl-ya-ni-co), an early budding, late ripening, dark-skinned Italian grape. Its origin is Greece and was brought over in the 7th century BC to Puglia on Italy’s southeast coast. The Greeks, who controlled southern Italy at the time, quickly noticed the variety thrived at high altitudes in soil that drained well. The volcanic soils in the hills of Bascilicata, Campania and northern Puglia were perfect. The Romans called it Vitis Hellenica and made their most celebrated wine from it, Falernum. Today the grape is responsible for making one of Italy’s best wines, which is called Taurasi. Italy has a set of rules and regulations governing how a wine can be named called 

Denominazione di Origine Controllata or DOC. The best wines of Italy have a designation of DOCG (garantita) Taurasi is the only  DOCG of southern Italy.

 The Cinque Querce vineyard lies in the middle of the DOCG and many critics believe it is the quintessential Taurasi. In 2006, the 2001 Molettieri Taurasi Riserva was awarded the Gambero Rosso red wine of the year, the greatest accolade an Italian wine can receive. The amazing thing about this whole story is that this holy place of vineyards was abandoned until the early 1990’s. Salvatore Molettieri and his father were poor grape farmers selling their product to the likes of Antonio Mastroberadino, whom many consider the godfather of the great wines of Campania, for very low prices. As luck would have it, Salvatore met Marco de Grazia, Italy’s top exporter of high quality wines. I’m guessing that Salvatore walked Marco through the magical Cinque Querce vineyard and the angels pulled the wallet out of Marco’s back pocket. The rest is history. 

Aglianico on the vine at the Cinque Querce Vineyard

Much like Cabernet, Aglianico yields a wine of deep ruby color, rich aromas and intense flavors. It has a black fruit core and an affinity to new oak, which adds a spicy vanilla quality, and also has a lovely floral quality not found in Cabernet. Back in the early 1980’s I was lucky enough to meet Mastroberadino. We tasted his 1977 Taurasi Riserva and I was mesmerized. I still have a 3-liter of that wine begging to be drunk in my cellar. The tannins and acid can be quite high in Taurasi, which means it requires extensive aging, but other areas of Campania, Bascilicata and even Sicily are producing wines that are much more approachable at a young age. Molettieri even produces a second wine from the great vineyard called Irpinia Aglianico for early consumption. 

I salute Molettieri and Mastroberadino for saving this wonderful and ancient grape variety and am encouraged by the many small producers who have added new plantings.

Here are my recommendations:

Campagna Gello Carraia Aglianico 2007
Sicily
$9.99 750mL $95.90 case

An amazing value that displays a nose of dark red berries and cloves. The palate has juicy berry flavors and soft tannins. 

Marianna Moro di Pietra Aglianico 2007
Campania
$11.99 750mL $57.55(6pack)

Medium garnet color with a floral nose accented by nutmeg and red berries. Medium bodied with consistent flavors. Another good deal. 

Cantina del Taburno Fidelis Aglianico del Taburno 2005
Campania
$15.99 750mL $153.50 case

A bit more sophisticated and lush style that is deeply colored, round and soft on the palate ending with a long spicy finish. 

De Angelis Lacrima Christi del Vesuvio 2007
Campania
$17.99 750mL $172.70 case

Though only 50% Aglianico with the balance Piedirosso, I feel compelled to suggest this effusively fruity, spicy red. I love it with roast chicken but you may choose the “tears of Christ from Mt. Vesuvius” for your Easter meal.

Ercolino Vinosia Irpinia Aglianico 2005
Campania
$17.99 750mL $172.70 case

Here’s the one for you big Cab drinkers. A deep dark purple extracted wine with a nose of black fruits and spice. Mouth-filling palate with soft tannins typical of the modern fruit forward style dominating many wines today. 

Salvatore Molittieri Irpinia Aglianico Cinque Querce 2005
Campania
$22.99 750mL $220.70 case

This mini Taurasi delivers in a very sophisticated old- world style. The nose of violets, black pepper, earth and cocoa is followed by similar flavors on a medium bodied palate with integrated tannins and long finish. 

Salvatore Molittieri Taurasi Cinque Querce 2004
Campania
$59.99 750mL $575.90 case

Dense and dark ruby red color with an intense and complex nose of violets, black pepper, liquorice and coffee. The palate is full and rich with ripe tannins and black fruit. Lay this baby away for about 5 years.

—- Aglianico 6 Pack —-
1 of each of the above wines
except Taurasi
$79.99 (savings of $16.95)

Remember In Vino Veritas

Stan Bliden writes Wine Talk for the bimonthly Baltimore Eats Magazine. Pick up an issue at Midway or any one of these locations.