Happy Halloween Grab Bag

We have an interesting combination this weekend. We start with Halloween, and then we move to clock touching turning the clocks back an hour. Someone should have figured out how to do that to extend the trick-or-treating hours, right?

Halloween is a favorite holiday for kids of all ages, and that includes the staff at Joe Canal's. We wish everyone a fun and safe Halloween. To that end, we remind you of the following important cautions as you shop this weekend:

-Masks, paint or makeup that obscures your face may not be worn into Joe Canal's. This is for everyone's safety.
-We know that lots of groups will be out together this weekend. Our standard ID policy remains in effect. Everyone shopping at Joe Canal's must be 21 or older, with proper identification. Our policies are clearly posted at the entrance to each store, in case there's a question.

In Store Events

We have quite a few different events coming up in the next few weeks. Please click here to see what's on the agenda for both stores.

New Products

Antiche Terre Amarone Della Valpolicella. The Amarone is a noble wine produced from just the best bunches, collected by hand and placed in baskets for 3 to 4 months to go through the process of the so called "appassimento" withering or drying of the grapes.

The color is an intense, deep garnet red. The nose is spicy plum and cherry, with a hint of raspberry. On the palate, it's soft, velvety and full bodied. Decant for about an hour. Pair with most red meat or game, plus hard textured mature cheese. Suitable for cellaring up to about 12 years.

This is, by a significant amount, our lowest-priced Amarone. If you like Amarone, or if you haven't tried this style before, this is a perfect opportunity. Only $21.99 in the Bottle Club®.

2012 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Three Palms Vineyard. Ready or not, we are in the holiday shopping season. Fine wine is always a tasteful gift, and this wine is finally available outside of the winery. One of California’s legendary vineyards, Three Palms is revered for its history and its benchmark wines. With aromas of cinnamon and clove, and dark cherry and black raspberry flavors, this wine showcases the power and purity of Three Palms Cabernet Sauvignon.

While Three Palms is rightfully legendary for its Merlot, this wine shines a spotlight on the profound quality and character of its Cabernet Sauvignon. From its layered aromas of mahogany, marionberry, garam masala and flint to its flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate, wet stone and anise, this is a fascinating wine, with a rich, fleshy mid-palate and a long thought-provoking finish.

84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec. The winery price is $95.00, but it's available in the Bottle Club® for $84.99. Very limited availability.

Firestone Walker display
in Lawrenceville

Firestone Walker Velvet Merlin. A decadent oatmeal stout. Velvet Merlin offers robust cocoa and espresso aromas with subtle American hop nuances.  Rich dark chocolate and roasted coffee flavor with a creamy mouth feel and wonderfully dry finish create the perfect balance in this full-bodied stout. Ideal for sipping in the winter months or at the end of a meal.

Also just arrived: Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA.

Tenuta Dei Re Grignolino is a young wine with a light red ruby color with orange highlights. Its aromas have a hint of white pepper. At taste is markedly strong, pleasant and fresh with a slight almond note. We brought this wine in based on requests for lighter style Italian reds. Only $12.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Ripped from the Headlines

It's almost Beaujolais Nouveau Day. The first wine of the 2015 harvest is always available for sale on the third Thursday of November. Whet your palate for November 19.

Coming in early 2016: Cîroc Apple.

Have a great weekend!

Here's an Idea

After last week's switcheroo, we're back on our regular blogging schedule this week. We'll discuss our upcoming events today, but we'll start with a quick look back at last weekend.

We had an excursion to Dad's Hat Rye Whiskey Distillery, in Bristol, PA, last Friday. The event sold out, and everyone enjoyed the tasting and tour. Thanks to the folks at Dad's Hat for the tasty education. Here are a couple of photos from the event.

Events in Lawrenceville

Because we'll be busy with Halloween shoppers, we're keeping it simple this weekend. Look for our

regular wine tastings on Friday (4-6pm) and Saturday (2-4pm). We do have a few outstanding events coming up in the next couple of weeks.

On Friday, November 6, we're hosting an in-store Canvas Paint Night. Release your inner artist with friends. Click here for the details.

Please join us on Saturday, November 7 for a Weyerbacher Small Plates Dinner, also being held in-store. Five courses, from salad to dessert, will be expertly paired with five different Weyerbacher beers. Space is limited! Click here for information.

We have a number of other tastings on the calendar, and as we move into December, we already have two different bottle engraving events scheduled (those are great for gifts). Please click here for the full Event Calendar in Lawrenceville.

Events in Woodbridge

The weekend starts today in Woodbridge. Stop in for a sample from Yards Brewing, between 6-8pm.

We're also on our regular wine tasting schedule this weekend, Friday from 4-6pm, and Saturday, from 1-3pm. Click here for the tasting menu. If you enjoy wine, or are looking to improve your palate, these wine tastings will help. We typically have at least one wine that is either a Fine Wine, or pretty darn close to it. This week, our premium wine is the Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011. This rated 91 points from Wine Spectator, 90 from Wine Advocate, and 90 from IWC. (Your blogger has a bottle of this wine that's aging quietly in our cellar).

We have quite a few other tastings on our calendar (Sean Minor wine, Manayunk Brewery, Senor Sangria & more), along with bottle engraving events in December. Please click here for the full Event Calendar in Woodbridge.

Ready To Jump Into Your Shopping Cart

Yes, we are in the process of stocking up for the holiday shopping season. The displays will be so full that it will seem like the bottles and cans are trying to jump into your cart. At least that'll be our excuse when we go shopping.

We'll also keep you posted on the arrival of holiday gift sets and seasonal special items as they arrive. Most of these products will have limited availability, so shopping early is your best bet.

With that, below are some of the newest items on the shelves at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge.

Manayunk Brewing Wet Dreamin' Harvest IPA. We hand-picked bucket after bucket of fresh Cascade and Nugget hops with our friends at Vista Hop Farm in Orefield, PA to make our delicious wet-hopped IPA. We added the wet hops directly to the kettle within 24 hours of being picked, which adds incredibly fresh, crisp, earthy notes not found when simply using dried hops.

Available in 16oz, 4-pack cans.

Dark Horse Pinot Noir. At Dark Horse Wines, our passion is crafting bold wines that deliver the unexpected. We marshal the best agricultural and winemaking practices from around the world to guarantee the highest

quality.

Our Pinot Noir is fruit forward with flavors of fresh red cherry and strawberry that are complemented by hints of rose and lavender. The light notes of molasses help lift the fruit and floral character. This Pinot Noir offers a balanced palate with a velvety mouthfeel and a subtle sweetness.

Because of its ability to pair well with so many different foods, Pinot Noir is always a big part of holiday meals. Grab a few bottles of this exceptional value wine at only $7.99 in the Bottle Club®. Please note that we do carry other selections from Dark Horse, and all over-deliver at the price point.

If you already know the difference between Champagne and other sparkling wines, skip the next couple of sentences. As a refresher, Champagne is a sparkling wine that is made from specific grapes, in a particular place, in a traditional method. There are domestic sparkling wines that are made from the same grapes, in the same manner, but are not called Champagne (Gruet is a perfect example).

Similarly, not every French sparkling wine is a Champagne. We have just received two different Cremants, and they are the answer when you want a French sparkling wine that is more wallet-friendly than Champagne can be.

The Beblenheim Winery was created in 1952 by a number of winegrowers who decided to pool their expertise in order to work more effectively. Two years later, together, they obtained their first gold medal. It would be difficult to find a more ideal geographical situation for Beblenheim: the village nestles in the heart of Alsace, and the village's winery is the focal point for 620 acres of vines across five rural districts.

Look for the Cave de Beblenheim Crémant d'Alsace Brut Prestige. It has a nice and fine foam, characteristic aromas of Pinot Auxerrois with a nice balance. Serve as an aperitif or during a meal. You can hold this for up to five years. We've also received the Cave de Beblenheim Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé. This is aged on its lees for 12 months before riddling. It's nicely balanced, with typical Pinot Noir aromas. Both of these sparkling wines are made by the traditional method, using one or more AOC Alsace grape varieties. The wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, which gives a lively, delicate sparkle.

Each sparkling wine will be available at only $16.96 in the Bottle Club®.

Three in One

Ménage à Trois wines. At Joe Canal's, you’re in the right place. When it comes to wine, we believe the more the merrier, so we’re delighted to invite you to indulge in an experience like no other. Our winemakers play matchmaker, bringing together ripe, luscious flavors, alluring aromas, and sensual textures to create our collection of fun, flirtatious wines. Try one, or try them all (and we carry a dozen different wines from Ménage à Trois) —each is a most delicious dalliance.

The number "three" has always been central to the success of Ménage à Trois wines. For varietals like Cabernet or Chardonnay, they get to three by blending grapes from different growing areas. With this new iteration, Silk, they get to three by combining Pinot Noir (70%), for seamless cherry flavors, with Malbec (20%), for velvety softness, and Petite Sirah (10%) for its alluring depth.

Smooth talking is something we do rather well here at Ménage à Trois — especially when it comes to wine. So indulge us for a moment, and close your eyes. Now imagine the exquisitely soft, smooth sensation of silk as it slides across your skin. Gives you chills, doesn’t it? With this in mind, we wanted to create a wine that was seductive and soft, a wine with a texture so lustrous and smooth, it could only be called—what else?—Silk. Brimming with alluring aromas, full-bodied, bright red fruit flavors, and a marvelously smooth mouthfeel, Silk exposes the softer side of Ménage à Trois.

Lose yourself in the sensual pleasures of Ménage à Trois Silk—a smooth, seductive red blend that caresses you with every sip. With its bright, red ruby hue in the glass and alluring fragrance of dried violets and berries, Silk beckons, promising an unforgettable experience. Succulent cherry and ripe raspberry flavors mingle with delicate hints of rose petals and toasty spice, and glide gracefully across your palate like liquid silk. Seamless and lustrous, Silk is the lavish, luxurious encounter you’ve been craving.

Available in the Bottle Club® for only $9.99.

Seasonal Notes

We hear that there might be a Halloween party or two this coming weekend. Allow us to offer a few suggestions on how to improve the atmosphere with appropriate choices from Joe Canal's.

If you missed it, click here for a few cocktail recipes, including an easy-to-make punch. Today, our focus will be on wines that fit the season perfectly.

Vampire Cabernet Sauvignon. Full-bodied with Blackberry and Dark Cherry aromas, with just the right amount of Oak flavors leading to a lingering finish. Classic, small-lot fermentations, followed by aging with Oak, gives full expression to the rich varietal flavors in this wine.

Vampire Merlot. Smooth and medium-bodied with a fresh, black cherry aroma, and hints of herbal spices. Aged in oak, our Merlot develops graceful fruit flavors in the cellar, complemented by subtle shadings of vanilla and toast from the oak.

Vampire Pinot Grigio. Melon, citrus, and tropical fruits accented with a pleasant floral note lead to an easy-drinking and lively wine full of youthful,

refreshing acidity.

Curious Beasts Blood Red. Deep ruby in color; dominated by ripe red berry aromas; the palate is dry and full bodied, with refreshing acidity and flavors that reflect the aromas. Tannins add texture while remaining supple, driving to a long finish. Try this with dishes like, pork loin, or roasted rack of lamb.

Werewolf Cabernet Sauvignon is noticeable for its dark red color. It has a scent of bell peppers and spice. It has an imposing taste with good structure and fine tannins.

Werewolf Merlot has a bouquet of aromas filled with dark fruits, plums and

cherries, with a hint of spice. On the palate, it is medium bodied with soft tannins and a light finish.

Werewolf Pinot Noir is scented with a distinctive, fruity aroma. Notes of strawberries and raspberries top off a medium and light bodied wine. The finish is delicate.

You may prefer to drink local for Halloween. We do have some New Jersey wine options for you.

Tomasello Broomstick Brew. A delightful blend of red wine and mulling spices. Served warm from your Cauldron, this wicked concoction is perfect in

front of a roaring fire with baked brie, toasted almonds and sugared apples. Delicious on Goblin nights when a howling wind chills your soul. Broomstick Brew warms your heart and embraces this special time of year.

Look also for Valenzano Pumpkin Spice and Jersey Devil Port.


If you're supplementing you wine choices with beer and ale, we have choices for you, such as:

Southern Tier Pumking. All Hallows Eve is the time of year when

spirits can make contact with the physical world, and when magic is most potent. It is thought that we harness this magic to brew our powerful pumpkin ale. Not so, but it is with the great respect to the magic og their trade that our brewers produce this fine beer. take a whiff of this complex ale and your journey has just begun. At first sip, a magical spell will bewitch your taste buds, yet another victim enraptured by the Pumking.

Schlafly Pumpkin Ale. Our Pumpkin Ale blends the spices of the harvest with full-bodied sweetness for a beer that tastes like pumpkin pie. Pounds of pumpkin form a malty foundation that supports the fall flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.

While pumpkin beers were produced in the early days of the American colonies, they were different from the pumpkin beers we know today.  Colonists used pumpkin and squash as the fermenting medium, since malted barley was scarce. Once malt became more readily available, it replaced these alternatives to grain. In the 1990’s, American craft brewers reintroduced the style to the delight of pumpkin beer drinkers.

Our Pumpkin beers are seasonal products, so hurry in for some before they're gone. Happy Halloween!

The Grab Bag

Generally speaking, this is our favorite blog post to write. It works well for our short attention span, as bouncing from topic to topic is perfectly fine in this format. So let's bounce.

In-Store Events

In this week's switcheroo, we covered upcoming events in Wednesday's blog post. Click here for that post, which details the important events already scheduled for both stores. At the top of the list, of course, is Ladies Night Out, in Woodbridge on Sunday.

Until the end of October, we'll continue selling pink ribbons for a $1 donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Ask any cashier or manager for assistance. The ribbons will be on display in the store, and you can write a personal message on your ribbon.

                         New Products

Anderson Valley Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale. Winter Solstice® is our take on the classic style of “winter warmer.” Boasting a deep amber hue and rich mouthfeel, its creamy finish will lift your spirits. Hints of toffee, spice, and caramel tease the senses making this the perfect ale to share with friends and family during the cold days and long nights of winter.

Pair with roasted almonds, candied yams, baked spiral ham, pumpkin pie, brie or aged cheddar. Serve in a pint glass. 6.9% ABV, 6 IBU's. Available in bottles and cans.

As we've been telling you, the holidays are basically here. If you want an unbelievable price on a knockout Champagne, we have just the thing.

Chassenay D'Arce Brut Champagne Cuvée Première NV. "Lightly floral and delicate overall, this is nonetheless focused by a firm frame of well-meshed acidity that drives the flavors of white raspberry, apricot, candied lemon zest and biscuit. A fine aperitif. Drink now through 2017." - Wine Spectator, 90 points. Only $29.96 in the Bottle Club®. Also look for the Chassenay D'Arce Brut Rose, at the same price.

The Chassenay d’Arce Champagnes reflect the specific landscape of the Côte des Bar. There, from season to season, bunches of grapes grow, ripen and the cuvees are elaborated.

The influence of the climate in the very South of the Champagne region, the vines'exposure - south-southeast - in a sheltered valley - Vallée de l'Arce - and the nature of the soil mean that the grapes can be harvested at full maturity at the end of the summer.

Cuvèe Première Brut is the flagship of the House. It is the essential expression of the nobility of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and of the Arce Valley’s soils.

Assemblage: Dominance of Pinot Noir, 60% combined with the mineral freshness of Chardonnay, 40%. A blend of several harvests.

Johnnie Walker Select Casks – Rye Cask Finish is a Scotch Whisky blend that showcases the best of Scottish blending and maturation expertise. With Cardhu single malt at the heart of the blend, Johnnie Walker’s Master Blender Jim Beveridge used whiskies matured for at least ten years in first-fill American Oak casks to create this blend.  He finished the Scotch in ex-rye whiskey casks, creating a complex new whisky with rich layers of flavor starting with creamy vanilla notes and transitioning to a spicier finish.

$39.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Ripped from the Headlines

We already can't get enough Pappy to meet demand. Now supplies will be even tighter? Click here for the story.

U.S. Spirits Will Outperform Beer And Wine For The Fourth Consecutive Year in 2015. 

The U.S. spirits market is expected to expand once again this year, albeit by a modest 1.3% in volume terms, representing its 20th consecutive annual gain, according to Impact Databank. Wine is projected to increase by a mere 0.2% in the U.S. in 2015, while beer is expected to register a 0.5% decline. Most of the spirits market’s growth can be attributed to projected solid gains from flavored whiskies, Cognac, Bourbon, Irish whiskey, super-premium Tequila and single malt Scotch whisky. Declines are expected from blended whiskies, gin, rum, imported vodka and pre-mixed cocktails.

Fireball is projected to become one of the five largest-selling labels in the spirits market this year, and the fastest ever to reach 5 million cases overall. Other fast-growing brands include Crown Royal, primarily due to its Regal Apple line extension, and two vodka brands: New Amsterdam, which is projected to be among the 10 largest-selling brands in just its fourth full year on the market; Tito’s, which is expected to become the third-largest-selling domestic vodka brand in 2015 (behind only Smirnoff and New Amsterdam); and Hennessy, with strong growth primarily from its VS variant.

Other brands marking significant milestones include: Svedka, which in 2015 is projected to become the market’s largest-selling imported vodka brand ahead of Absolut (which has been number-one since 1985); Crown Royal, which is expected to be the U.S. market’s number-one brand overall in value terms this year (ahead of Smirnoff), marking the first time since the mid-70s that a whisky brand will lead the market by value; Fireball, which is expected to join seven other spirit brands valued at over $1 billion at retail; and Captain Morgan, which surpassed Bacardi as the largest rum brand in value terms last year.

Switcheroo, Part 2

If our regular Thursday posting appeared on Wednesday, then our regular Wednesday feature out to appear on Thursday, right? There's logic on our side. Sometimes.

We're fully involved now in stocking up for the holidays, including some seasonal items. As we've noted previously, we do suggest shopping early. Many of the items we stock are, just by their nature, available only in limited quantities (Speaking of limited availability, look for news about Pappy in tomorrow's blog post).

Now that we've covered our usual preamble and caveats, let's see what's new.

21st Amendment Fireside Chat. Like FDR’s Depression-era radio addresses, which were like a kick in the butt and a hug at the same time, our Fireside Chat is a subtle twist on the traditional seasonal brew. We begin with a rich, dark, English-style ale and then we improvise with spices until we know we have a beer worth sharing with the nation.

Fireside Chat is our early winter seasonal brew available from October through December. Brewed like a classic, warming Strong Ale but with a subtle blend of hand-selected spices for just the right festive flair.

7.9% ABV, 45 IBU's. Available in 6-packs, 12 oz cans.

Nothing says fall like Evan Williams Kentucky Cider. It’s as American as apple pie, but better, since it's made with the all-American spirit, Kentucky Bourbon. Evan Williams Kentucky Cider is a seasonal blend of apple cider liqueur and Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. It is the original Bourbon-based apple cider that is made with extra-aged Evan Williams Bourbon.

As the leaves begin to change color and you need a little something extra to stay warm on cool nights pour yourself a glass (try it warmed) and enjoy.

Nose: Cinnamon, ripe fruit, & cotton candy. When Warmed: Apples & graham crackers.

Palate: Sweet, soft apples with allspice. When Warmed: Baked apples & nutmeg.

Finish: Short, sweet, & mouth coating. When Warmed: Longer with citrus & cobbler.

Tröegs Mad Elf Ale. The Mad Elf is a cheerful creation to warm your heart and enlighten your tongue. The combination of cherries, honey, and chocolate malts delivers gentle fruits and subtle spices. Fermented and aged with a unique yeast, this ruby red beer has significant warming strength that underlies its pleasant yet intriguing flavor.

11% ABV. 15 IBU's. Serve in a Chalice or Tulip glass.

The Mad Elf is always one of our most requested products. Grab enough for now, and to hold until Christmas. If you can wait that long.

Natura Cabernet Sauvignon. From Chile's Central Valley. The 100% organically grown grapes are hand-picked in mid-April. After the crush, the must is transferred to temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation tanks for a cold soak before undergoing alcoholic fermentation with gentle low-volume. The wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation. 20% of his wine is aged in oak barrels for 6 months.

Tasting Notes: Color: Bright lively ruby color. Bouquet: Aromas of ripe, red and black berries with a touch of chocolate. Taste: Fresh and juicy palate has good structure and sweet, smooth tannins, persistent finish.

Available exclusively at our Woodbridge location.

Glendalough Single Grain Double Barrel Whiskey. Ireland’s first craft distillery gives you a whole new style of Irish whiskey. A single grain whiskey, aged first in American Bourbon barrels and finished in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks.

This single grain will blast the cobwebs off the Irish whiskey category. A new and unique style of light and floral whiskey distilled in a Coffey still (like whiskey, another great Irish invention!) from a mash bill of Irish malted barley and corn. It spends three and a half years in American oak first-fill Bourbon barrels before being finished for six months in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. The Bourbon barrels impart deep, robust chocolate and caramel notes, while the Oloroso casks lighten the palate with fruitier notes and touches of nutty tones. With both barrels being oak, you get that beautiful vanilla thread you’d expect to run through an Irish whiskey. Both barrels are porous too, allowing Ireland’s temperate, maritime air through to make its impression.

Tasting Notes: The nose is slight but undoubtedly rich with dark fruit; cherry, raisin, fig (with Christmas pudding notes on the nose for those lucky enough to know what that is) along with floral lemongrass and a touch of nutmeg.

The taste is sweet and creamy on the palate, with butterscotch, honey and peppercorn bringing along sweet Bourbon Cask notes with dried fruit returning through notes of maraschino cherries and a pinch of brown sugar.

The finish has lingering notes of ginger spices with a faint glimmer of almond to end a complex Irish Whiskey from start to finish.

Switcheroo

Thanks for checking in at our blog. Usually, our posts on Wednesday are given over to new products. Since our deliveries are still being sorted out, we thought we'd move that back one day, and move up by one day our listing of upcoming events.

Events in Lawrenceville

Thanks to everyone who participated in Ladies Night Out, which was held this past Sunday.

Ladies Night Out in Lawrenceville, October 18

We have another pretty full weekend coming up. We start on Friday, with a tasting of Shock Top Pumpkin, from 5-7pm. You'll even get to meet the Shock Top Girl during the tasting.

Also on Friday, we're on a road trip for Joe Canal's Night at Dad's Hat Rye Whiskey. Pennsylvania Rye is the original American whiskey, and Dad's Hat is located in nearby Bristol, PA. At this point, there is only one spot are two spots left. Please click here for details.

Saturday, we host our regular wine tasting, from 2-4pm.

In the next few weeks, we'll have additional tastings (including Laird's Applejack) and special events (click here for info on Canvas Paint Night). Please click here for our full Event Calendar.

UPDATE: We've just added a Weyerbacher Small Plates Dinner on November 7, at 6pm in our Lawrenceville store. We'll add details shortly.

Events in Woodbridge

It's a busy weekend in Woodbridge as well. We open with our regular wine tastings on Friday (4-6pm) and Saturday (1-3pm). Please click here for the tasting menu.

We hope you're able to join us this Sunday, starting at 7:30pm, for our Ladies Night Out, to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Tastings, food and fun are only part of the agenda. Click here for the details.

As in Lawrenceville, we have an assortment of other tastings and special events coming up. Please click here for the full Event Calendar.

Dominating Domaine

We're happy to welcome two new vintage bottlings from Domaine Lafage. These wines deliver amazing value for the price, as the scores can attest. Located near the Agly river, in the northernmost part of Roussillon, the Catalan vineyard thrives. It is rooted in black laminated shale and marl swept strong north winds. When you taste these wines, you'll understand why we had to feature both of them in today's Bottle Club® email.

2013 Domaine Lafage Bastide Miraflors Vieilles Vignes

"I have loved the wines from Domaine Lafage in the past, and this 2013 Bastide Miraflors Cotes Catalanes is one of the greatest red wine values I have tasted in the last year or so. A custom cuvee put together by Eric Solomon and Jean-Marc Lafage, it is a blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache that spent one year in 80% concrete tank (Grenache) and 500-liter demi-muids (Syrah). From a Roussillon vineyard dominated by gallets roules that resembles many Chateauneuf du Pape vineyards, the wine undergoes a long maceration of six weeks. The result is an inky/blue/purple-colored wine offering a big, sweet bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, acacia flowers, pepper and spice. This full-bodied, opulent, majestic dry red unleashes tremendous ripeness, richness and intensity. One would normally think such a superb, remarkable wine would cost over $50 a bottle, but this beauty is available for an astonishing $14 (regular price) a bottle. You’ll have to taste it to believe it! It should drink well for 2-5 years." - 93 points, Wine Advocate

Only $11.99 in the Bottle Club®.

2013 Domaine Lafage Tessellae Old Vines

"Another incredible wine that's shockingly good for the price, the 2013 Tessellae Old Vines checks in as a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre that was aged all in concrete tank. It offers brilliant notes of black cherries, blueberry, licorice, clove and spring flowers in its medium to full-bodied, gorgeously pure profile. Showing more and more finesse and elegance with time in the glass, as well as classic Roussillon minerality on the finish, it has loads of fruit and texture yet is never heavy, cumbersome or cloying. It's hard to believe you can get this quality for the price, but the consumer is the big winner here. Enjoy this rock star effort over the coming 4-5 years, although I wouldn't be surprised to see if evolve for longer." - 94 points, Wine Advocate

Only $12.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Mixology Monday: Hot Stuff

We needed to break out our ice scraper this morning. That was an unpleasant reminder that the hot weather is on hold for a few months, so we'll turn our attention to some hot drinks instead. Whether you're settling down in front of a fireplace or tailgating, these hot drinks will pair perfectly with the season.

Bacon, Bourbon, and Hazelnut Hot Chocolate

Ingredients
4 thick-cut slices of bacon
1/2 teaspoon corn starch
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
pinch kosher salt
3 cups whole milk
4 ounces milk chocolate chips
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
4 ounces Frangelico
4 ounces Maker's Mark Bourbon
Whipped cream and chopped toasted hazelnuts for garnish

Yields 4 servings

1. Cook bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat until crisp and rendered. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour fat into a small bowl and stir in corn starch with a fork.

2. In medium saucepan, stir cocoa with sugar and salt. Stir in reserved bacon fat/corn starch mixture, milk, milk chocolate, and bittersweet chocolate. Heat over medium heat until, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is hot. Gently whisk to completely homogenize mixture.

3. Add Frangelico and Maker's Mark. Pour into individual serving cups. Top with whipped cream, chopped toasted hazelnuts, and a strip of bacon. Serve immediately.

Hot Night in Normandy

Ingredients
1 c. sugar
1 c. fresh lemon juice
2 c. Cruzan Black Strap Rum
2 tbsp. butter
Zest of one orange
½ gal. good quality apple cider
1 whole nutmeg
1 tbsp. cloves
1 stick cinnamon
2 c. Cruzan White Rum
1 c. Busnel Calvados (alternative: Laird's Applejack)

Put the sugar and lemon juice over medium heat. Do not stir. The sugar will melt and turn brown. When it starts to steam add the Black Strap, stirring. Next add the butter. Take off heat. Now you have caramel. You can use the same pot, throw the zest, cider, and spices (grate the nutmeg) in on top of the caramel. Leave over low heat for about an hour. Add the liquor, strain, and enjoy.

Hendrick's Hot Gin Punch

Of course we have to have a punch bowl recipe. And while we see a range of whisk(e)y drinks in the cold months, the gin here is a nice change of pace.

Ingredients
24 oz Hendrick's Gin
24 oz Madeira wine
6  Lemon twists
1  Orange slice
3 chunks Pineapple
3 oz Honey
1 oz Fresh lemon juice
3  Cloves
1 pinch Ground nutmeg
1 tsp Ground cinnamon
1 tsp Brown sugar

Add all the ingredients to a large saucepan and simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes.

To serve, pour the hot mixture into a punch bowl or teapot and garnish with orange slices studded with cloves.

Pair with gingerbread.

First Frost Grab Bag

It was inevitable that the forecast would include frost one of these days. Your blogger is a warm weather person, so we didn't want that first frost to be this early. And don't get us started on the "s" word (snow). But it's the weekend, and we can all get out and enjoy some sunshine, along with a stop at Joe Canal's.

Store Events

After our super-low prices, amazing selection and tremendous customer service, the reason to stop at Joe Canal's is our outstanding events. From a simple wine tasting to a beer dinner to Ladies Night Out, we have it all going on this weekend. It's not too late to join in. Click here for a listing of events at both stores.

New Products

Reader of this blog know that we've already been talking about holiday season shopping. Allocations of some products are starting to arrive, and we always suggest shopping early for the best selection. Consider shopping often, too, because the supply of some of those products will not meet demand, and we'd hate to have our readers be disappointed by missing out on something special.

Pennsylvania Dutch Egg Nog. There aren't many signs of the season that are move obvious than this. This is a delicious mix of whiskey, rum and brandy blended with fresh dairy cream, making it a holiday favorite. Just add a little cinnamon and ground nutmeg to create a wonderful holiday cocktail!

Available in 750ML or 1.75L sizes.

2013 Domaine Lafage Tessellae Old Vines. "Another incredible wine that's shockingly good for the price, the 2013 Tessellae Old Vines checks in as a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre that was aged all in concrete tank. It offers brilliant notes of black cherries, blueberry, licorice, clove and spring flowers in its medium to full-bodied, gorgeously pure profile. Showing more and more finesse and elegance with time in the glass, as well as classic Roussillon minerality on the finish, it has loads of fruit and texture yet is never heavy, cumbersome or cloying. It's hard to believe you can get this quality for the price, but the consumer is the big winner here. Enjoy this rock star effort over the coming 4-5 years, although I wouldn't be surprised to see if evolve for longer." - 94 points, Wine Advocate.

Only $12.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Ripped from the Headlines

In beer industry news, SAB Miller and AB (Anheuser-Busch) InBev will become one. Will beer drinkers endure higher prices and fewer choices? Click here for the story from Fortune.

Have a great weekend!

Something for Everyone

The "Something" is our listing of upcoming Special Events. The "Everyone" is you, if you are over 21, and enjoy wine, beer and/or spirits. We have a range of events at both stores that we'll highlight today. Some, like our weekly tastings, are free, and others carry a nominal charge.

Please note that, throughout October, we are selling pink ribbons for a $1 donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. These ribbons will be on display in our stores, and you can write a personal message on yours. Ask any cashier or manager for details.

Events in Lawrenceville

This is a big, fun weekend in Lawrenceville. We open with our regular wine tastings on Friday (4-6pm) and Saturday (2-4pm). Click here for the tasting menu.

Sunday, of course, is the main event. Please join us for Ladies Night Out, starting at 7:30pm. This is always one of the highlights of the year, with tastings, vendors, raffle prizes and snacks, all at a very nominal fee. Click here for the full agenda.

The fun continues next weekend as well. Going in a strictly chronological order, we start with a tasting of Shock Top Pumpkin on Friday, 10/23, from 5-7pm. And the Shock Top Girl will also be on hand.

Next, we're hosting Joe Canal's Night at Dad's Hat Rye Whiskey. Dad's Hat is located in nearby Bristol, PA, and produces some excellent craft whiskey. Meet us at Dad's Hat for this unique event. Click here for complete information.

As we peek ahead to November, we see more fun and interesting events on the calendar. We have tastings with Laird's Applejack, Bud Light Cran-Brrr-Rita and Stella Artois. On November 6, we're hosting a Canvas Paint Night. Click here for information.

We have a very complete schedule on our website. Click here to see the full Event Calendar for our Lawrenceville store.

Events in Woodbridge

It's a wine, craft beer and food weekend at our Woodbridge store. We have our regular wine tastings, 4-6pm on Friday, and 1-3pm on Saturday. Click here for the tasting menu.

Tomorrow is our Flying Fish small plates dinner. Flying Fish is New Jersey's biggest craft brewer, and they will expertly pair five of their beers with five delicious courses from the Kona Grill. Yes, the new Exit 15 will be served-and bottles will also be available for purchase. Only a few seats remain. Click here for the full schedule and menu.

Ladies Night Out arrives in Woodbridge on Sunday, October 25. This will also be an after-hours event, to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Please click here for details.

Over the next few weeks, our schedule also includes tastings from Manayunk Brewing, Senor Sangria, Yards Brewing and Sean Minor Wines. Click here for the complete Event Calendar for our Woodbridge store.

Gearing Up

Since we are a retail operation, we have to look ahead to the holiday shopping season. Certainly, Halloween is one of our favorite holidays, but the next 2 1/2 months offer other favorites as well. And when you think about gift shopping, we hope you'll include a stop at Joe Canal's. In addition to what we have available on our shelves, we always have Gift Cards ready for purchase, in any denomination.

Shop early for the best selection. Please note that many of our products are available only in limited quantities. Here are some of our newest additions, perfect for a #WineWednesday.

Molly Dooker

The good news is that we are getting an allotment of Molly Dooker wines as soon as today. The better news is that there's a new sparkling wine in the shipment. The bad news is that we're getting a very small shipment. That means if you want any Gigglepot, Enchanted Path or Carnival of Love, you should speak to Brandon or Kevin (Lawrenceville) or David or Dave (Woodbridge) right away. We simply will not have enough Molly Dooker supply to meet demand.

Molly Dooker Girl on the Go Sparkling Verdelho. Girl on the Go stands on it’s own as a unique and intriguing sparkling, captivating anyone who snags a sip. It’s delicate yet crisp floral tones and tropical fruit highlight the best qualities Verdelho has to offer. A sophisticated wine that’s not afraid to have fun as waves of citrus and pineapple nectar join with hints of spice and creamy vanilla to send your taste buds on quite the adventure. Perfect for celebrating life with friends and family.

2013 Fattoria del Cerro Manero Rosso di Toscana IGT. Aromas of flowers, lemon rind and dried cherries follow through to a full body, soft tannins and a savory finish. Really delicious. Drink or hold. -James Suckling, 93 points.

Manero has a very concentrated and deep ruby color. Intense aromas with touches of wild berries, hints of spices and vanilla undertones. Dense, with rounded decisive flavor and excellent persistence. Pairs well with roasted red meats and stews and aged cheeses. 80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot.

Only $9.96 in the Bottle Club®.

Line 39 Pinot Noir. Line 39 is a selection of varietals from the Central Coast and North Coast Appellations of California. The 39th parallel runs through the heart of California wine country and is home to Line 39. Here we craft wines expressive of their dynamic regions.

This fruit driven Pinot Noir has delicate aromas of strawberries with rich fruit flavors of raspberries and cherries on the palate and  soft, supple tannins.  This Pinot Noir pairs well with lamb, pork and pasta dishes.

90 points from Wine Enthusiast: "Aromatic and elegant, generous and supple, this tastes rich while feeling polished and complete. An enticing, light aroma of oaky spice and raspberry mixes with tasty red cherry and black currant flavors on the palate. It is medium bodied, smooth in texture, and has a mild finish."

$10.99 in the Bottle Club® .

One for the Aging

Normally, it's virtually impossible to find a good quality 1er Cru Mercurey for under $25. Fortunately, our exceptional buying power gives us the opportunity to offer this outstanding Burgundy in that price range.

"The 2013 Chateau du Bourgneuf Mercurey 1er Cru Clos l'Eveque has notes of cherry, spice and violet on the nose. A medium-bodied effort revealing flavors of bright red cherries, mixed red fruits, spice and a touch of vanilla. Very youthful and firm at this point. This will benefit from some bottle age and reward those with patience." - Brandon Bartfalvi, Senior Wine Manager, Lawrenceville.

The winery offers this description: Deep ruby red. The nose evokes raspberry and strawberry, with cherry on a spicy finish. Round and fleshy on the palate.

Wine and food pairing: steak, beef pieces, braised lamb in sauce, roast pork, stewed chicken. Soft cheeses or aged cheeses.

100% Pinot Noir, this will be well suited for your holiday table. Only $24.96 in the Bottle Club®.