Grab Bag Friday

We're at the final weekend before Christmas, so we expect the stores to be a bit busy. Shop early, if you can. We will have extended hours on Sunday. Below, we'll link to the holiday hours schedule for both stores. Please note that today is the final day of our Holiday Toy Drive. Your donation of a new, unwrapped toy will brighten the holiday for a local child.

If you still need gift suggestions, click here for a listing of the gift sets that we have available. It'll save you some time when you get to the store.

Events in Lawrenceville

We have a couple of events on the agenda for this weekend. Today, from 5-7pm, we have a free tasting of Bulleit Bourbon, with a complimentary rocks glass etching available. Click here for details. On Saturday, we have a free tasting of Hetta Glogg (a variation of mulled wine), from 4-7pm.

Win the Barrel! We're raffling off this (empty) Woodford Reserve barrel, with the proceeds to benefit HomeFrontNJ. The drawing will be this Sunday, December 21.

Click here for the Lawrenceville store holiday schedule.

Events in Woodbridge

Today, from 2-4pm, we have a free tasting of The Macallan. Sample their 10, 12 or 15 year expressions. Complimentary gift wrap is also available.

Click here for the Woodbridge store holiday schedule.

Champagne/Sparkling Wine

Since you're likely looking for it as well, it won't surprise you to know that we sell a lot of Champagne and Sparkling Wine at this time of year. Just so we all speak the same language, Champagne refers to a specific type of sparkling wine, made in a specific manner, from the Champagne region of France. Sparkling wine made elsewhere can be made as Champagne is made (Méthode Champenoise or Méthode Traditionelle), but, by treaty and tradition, should not be called Champagne. You will find some domestic sparkling wine listed as Champagne, and they were "Grandfathered" in.

Champagne and sparkling wine also have a range of styles that reflect sweetness. What you'll usually see is "Brut," which is dry, and Sec or Demi-Sec, which have a bit of sweetness.

We recommend Aubry Brut Champagne. This NV Champagne rated 92 points from Wine Advocate. From the review: "This contains just one-quarter each Chardonnay and Pinot; 45% Meunier; and a mixture of Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Fromenteau (a.k.a. Pinot Gris). Nearly half of it is reserve wine, and more than half of that from a solera going back to 1998. If that sounds like a recipe for delivering complexity, you’re right and won’t be disappointed! Bittersweet perfume suggestive of gentian and iris mingles with intimations of fresh lime and sea breeze that in turn manifest themselves on a seductively silken palate in both juicy, vivacious exuberance and mouthwatering saliva-inducement. A scallop-like sweetly saline and mineral amalgam takes hold in a vibrant finish that leaves me caught between the urge to linger and the urge to take the next sip."

Our staff loved it as well: "A brilliant “value” among Champagne!  Citrus and mineral notes take the lead with green apple and pear flavors in the background.  A slight ginger note takes hold on the finish.  A dry, clean style that has a very attractive green apple juiciness that keeps you coming back for more.  This puts some of the big house Champagnes to shame!" Available at $35.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Blanc de Noir

If you prefer a domestic sparkler, one that is made like Champagne, it's hard to beat Gruet. This is available as a Brut or Blanc de Noir. It's produced in New Mexico by the family of Gilbert Gruet, a Frenchman who produced Champagne in Bethon, France. They began their great American experiment with an experimental vineyard in 1984, and their first bottlings available in 1989.

The Blanc de Noir rates 90 points from Wine Spectator. The rich and toasty character of the Blanc de Noirs is balanced and superb. Aged for two-year minimum, the palate is developed and shows rich complex flavors. The amazing berry aromas and the creamy texture play a leading role and create a great finesse. Winemaker's Note: A fine salmon color, aggressive mousse and a lovely fruity wine with plenty of immediate charm and toasty aromas. There is also an explosive juicy flavor of raspberry. $13.99 in the Bottle Club®.

The Brut offers a crisp, and full-bodied sparkling wine, which has developed rich complexity and fine mousse. The allure of toasty finish from twenty-four months on tirage, is a complement to the sophisticated apple and citrus flavor.Winemaker's Note: Brilliant with ultra fine bubbles. A wonderful fine bouquet dominated by green apple and grapefruit flavors. A truly classic house style! A Wine Spectator Best Buy, at only $12.99 in the Bottle Club®.

 Ripped from the Headlines

Wine industry "cutting edge" technology? Click here for the story.

Have a great weekend!