Wine Review: Lieb Family Cellars 'Bridge Lane' Merlot Blanc

2010 Lieb Family Cellars Merlot Blanc has subtle red-fruit nuances as well as the crisp, refreshing qualities of a white wine. Merlot Blanc is produced from red Merlot grapes, however, during the crushing process the juice has no contact with the red grape skins. This results in the wine’s light appearance. I'm not certain how many Merlot Blancs are out there, but I'd be open to try another one.

Wine Review: 2006 Claraval Seleccion Especial

Claraval is a delicious blend of 50% Garnacha, 20% Tempranillo, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. Flavors of dark berries on the palate are intensified by beautiful aromas of cocoa and spice. Claraval's long, smooth finish is complemented by its silky tannins. It is bodacious blend to say the least!

What’s with the cones, Ancona?

If you have been to Ancona’s this past week you may have noticed construction cones set up at the far end of the parking lot. These cones mark the ground plan for an exciting new addition to the Ancona’s family. With help from family friends, the Nazzaro Brothers, the Anconas plan to build a regulation sized Bocce court. Bocce is a fun, yet challenging game requiring the utmost precision and skill. It is a social sport as well, bringing together family and friends while bridging the gap between generations. It’s time to start practicing, the court will be finished before you know it and the Anconas just might challenge you to a match!

Fall Seaonal Beer

I am very excited to announce that Fall seasonal beers have arrived!

Personally, I cannot get enough of Harpoon’s UFO Pumpkin (available in 6 packs) and Shipyard’s Smashed Pumpkin (available in 22oz. bottles). Shipyard's Smashed Pumpkin is a bit spicier than Harpoon's UFO Pumpkin, which tends to be on the sweeter side. Both are bursting with fresh, seasonal flavors.

Erdinger Oktoberfest is a staff and customer favorite. This Oktoberfest is a Hefeweizen style beer with a modest 5.6% ABV. Although it is lighter, Erdinger does not disappoint in the flavor department. Aromas of caramel and spice entice the consumer while flavors of sweet malt and hops keep us coming back for more. The stack in our store is shrinking day by day... It's important to snag these beers early because they will not be around for much longer, supplies are limited.

Wine Review: 2008 Celler de Capcanes Mas Donis Barrica

2008 Mas Donis Barrica is an outstanding blend of Grenache and Syrah. Although the combination of these two grapes is commonly found in the Rhone Valley, Mas Donis is produced in the Cataluna region of Spain. What I really love about Mas Donis Barrica is that it is an easy-drinking red that pairs well with just about anything. It has notes of blackberry and licorice on the nose accompanied by earthy, dark-fruit flavors on the palate. A fantastic bottle for everyday enjoyment.

Italian White Wine Review: 2009 Coenobium Lazio Bianco & 2010 Marco Porello Roero Arneis Camestri

2009 Monastero Suore Cistercensi Coenobium Lazio Bianco

Coenobium is an Italian white blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia, and Verdicchio. It is from the Italian wine region Lazio, bordered to the north by Tuscany and to the east by Umbria. Coenobium is rich and full-flavored, making it a great wine to drink as the weather becomes cooler. Herbal and citrus notes on the nose with hints of honey and almond on the palate. Its smooth, medium-body is followed by a lasting, mineral finish. Overall, this is a beautiful wine with great concentration, I enjoyed it quite a bit.

2010 Marco Porello Roero Arneis Camestri
Marco Porello Roero Arneis hails from Piedmont, located in the northwest section of Italy. It has a soft, medium-body with aromas of grass, herbs and tangerine. This Arneis has beautiful, bright acidity with a crisp, clean finish. This bottle is a fantastic all-purpose white that will not disappoint. Another excellent selection to consider drinking for Fall.