May 23

Saturday Tasting Archive: May 25, 2013 Wines for Chilling & Grilling

Free Weekly Saturday Wine (and sometimes spirits) Tastings No Comments

5 or 6 great wines at great prices Saturday at 3pm.  We will focus on light crisp whites and hearty reds just perfect for kicking off the summer with a BBQ. With Bob from Liberty Wine Co.
 

Mionetto MO Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG NV 

“The single vineyard grapes for this Prosecco D.o.c.g are specially selected from the finest area of Valdobbiad- ene. This wine has a straw color and aromas of exotic fruits and green apples. With a fine and creamy per- lage, this delicate wine is perfect as an aperitif, with salad, pastas and shellfish. Serve through an entire light meal, fish and with pastries.” -The Winery
La Crema Pinot Gris Monterey 2012 

“Bright and balanced, this wine opens with aromas of fresh white peach, Meyer lemon and subtle oral hints. The lush palate is layered with avors of ripe pear, yellow plum, baking spice and exotic tropical notes. Mineral undertones are evident in the lengthy nish, further dening this wine as classic Monterey.” -The Winery
Runnymede Sauvignon Blanc Stich Marlborough 2011 

89 Points – Wine Spectator, June 2012
“Succulent passion fruit, honeydew melon and green apple flavors create a juicy chorus, with nice acidity. Touches of apple blossom and lime zest chime in on the finish. Drink now. 30,000 cases made.” -MaryAnn Worobiec
Byron Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2011 

“The 2011 vintage was relatively dry, warm and trouble free. The small clusters and miniscule berries produced a wine that is deep, lush and neatly balanced. The dominant themes are dark berries, cherries, rose petal, red plum, brown spice and smoke. This is a forward, approachable wine that displays the beautiful floral/mineral character typical of Santa Barbara Pinot Noir.” -The Winery
Murphy-Goode Liar’s Dice Zinfandel Sonoma County 2009 

89 Points – Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine, May 2012
“This ripe, moderately full-bodied offering reminds that ripeness does not necessarily come at the expense of good balance, for, while it claims 15.5% abv on the label, it is a deep, impressively fruity wine that shows surprisingly good manners. Marked by a keen sense of berries from beginning to end and holding on for a long finish, this is one to serve alongside richer foods such as a slow-roasted pork shoulder.”

Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley 2008

90 Points – International Wine Cellar, May 2012
“(raised in a mix of French and American oak): Deep ruby. Ripe cherry, cassis, tobacco and vanilla on the nose, with a subtle herbal undertone. Fleshy dark fruit flavors are supported by gentle acidity, taking on spiciness with aeration. Finishes sweet and persistent, with the dark berry and tobacco qualities lingering. This nicely balanced cabernet is approachable now.” -Josh Raynolds 

88 Points – Wine Advocate, February 2012
“The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is a burly wine loaded with dark red fruit, mint, flowers, spices and licorice. It reveals good depth and concentration, along with a medium-bodied personality best suited for near and mid-term drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.” -Antonio Galloni

Our price: $21.59
Market price: $26.99 save 20%
May 20

Enter our Weekly Wine Quiz- answer the question – win free wine!

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Answer The Question and win a prize

The Question:  What world famous wine apellation actually passed a local ordinance making it illegal to land flying saucers in the vineyards?

The Prize: A Mora’s Wine Tote Bag and a $20 credit to help you fill it.

The Rules:

  • Please enter your answer in the comments below
  • First best answer received based on date and time stamp on comments page wins.  Only one winner per week
  • You may enter as often as you like but you may only win once per month
May 17

A Sherry Soirée – Mora’s & C’est Cheese Present a Sherry seminar with food pairings

Wine & Spirit Events & News No Comments

When was the last time you’ve had a glass of good Sherry, or any Sherry for that matter?  Do you know the wide variety of Sherry types and the great food pairings possible with this unique wine? Well, join us for an intimate session of Sherry appreciation at our favorite local “cheese tavern” C’est Cheese of Port Jefferson. We will feature a broad range of Sherries from Bodegas Valdespino, one of the oldest and most traditional Sherry houses. They still ferment in barrel (not steel tank) and inocculate with ambient yeast and ambient Flor as in the old days. A Lambic ale lover can appreciate the complexity possible with ambient yeast. Anyway we will give you all the technical details and history of this incredible wine while feeding you great cheeses, Serrano ham and 6 different Sherries. The back room at C’est Cheese is tiny so we are limited to 16 tasters and the suppliers that will conduct the seminar. We promise no immurement during the presentation of the Amontillado. See the juicy details below and don’t wait to sign up.

SHERRY SEMINAR: WEDNESDAY JUNE 12, 2013 7 -9  AT C’EST CHEESE 218B MAIN ST PORT JEFFERSON NY 11777

PRICE: $22.99 PLUS TAX AND TIP BUY TICKETS ON LINE NOW

MENU
VALDESPINO Fino Inocente with:  & Manzanilla Olives

VALDESPINO Amontillado Antique with:  Mahon & Marcona Almonds

VALDESPINO Palo Cortado Viejo Calle de Ponce with: Caprichio de Cabra & Jamon Serrano

VALDESPINO Oloroso VOS Solera 1842 with:  Idiazbel & Quince Paste

VALDESPINO Oloroso Cream Isabela with: Valderon & Medjool Dates

VALDESPINO Pedro Ximenez El Candado with: Cabralas & Wild Lavendar Honey.

About Bodegas Valdespino
Bodegas Valdespino history dates back to 1264 on land granted to Alfonso Valdespino This was part of a tribute to the
24 knights that drove the Moors from Spain. Valdespino’s deep historical roots distinguish it from other Sherry houses. At heart are their extraordinary vineyards including the famous Macharnudo site, part of the “Grand Pagos de España”,  Spain’s version of Grand Cru status.

May 17

Saturday Tasting Archive: May 18, 2013 6 Wines from 6 Countries with Bill from Martin Scott Wines

Free Weekly Saturday Wine (and sometimes spirits) Tastings No Comments

As usual, no rhyme, no reason, just 6 great wines at great prices Saturday at 3pm 

“A pale straw color, aromas of ripe citrus and tropical fruits follow through on the palate. The finish features chalky, mineral tones and refreshing acidity.Established in 1990 in Marlborough, New Zealand, Ponga is owned by the Scott Family Group. Josh Scott is the winemaker, while Sara and Victoria Scott are the viticulturist and marketing manager respectively. Pinot Noir and sustainably farmed Sauvignon Blanc are sourced from select vineyards in Marlborough. The fruit is planted on free-draining, alluvial loamy soils over gravel – ideal growing conditions for these varietals. Ponga was named after New Zealand’s iconic silver fern, which is called “Ponga” by the country’s indigenous Maori people.” -The Importer
 

87 Points – Wine Enthusiast, December 2012
“There’s pure lychee fragrance on this rich, smooth and oily-textured wine. It is ripe and off-dry, with honey and white fruit flavors that are offset by spice. Screwcap.” -Roger Voss
“100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, aged in stainless steel vats to maintain optimal freshness. The wine has a beautiful clarity, and is dull dark pink with bright glints. The nose is a fairly intense combination of fruit and flowers. On the palate delicious hints of red cherry & rose petals.” -The Winery
92 Points – Wine Advocate, August 2012
“The 2007 Vina Eguia Reserva is picked from 30-year-old vines in Alavesa and sees 24 months in American oak. It has an attractive, very aromatic bouquet with dried herbs, leather, fennel and a touch of peppermint that is natural and very pure. The palate is very well-balanced with supple tannins, crisp acidity and a refined, mocha-tinged finish that is focused and persistent. This is another superbly crafted Rioja from Eguia.” -Neal Martin
90 Points – Wine Advocate, December 2010
“The Dead Letter Office Shiraz is usually a McLaren Vale dominate blend, though for the 2008 Dead Letter Office Shiraz fruit harvested after the heat-wave was not used and therefore the proportions are 62% Padthaway and 38% McLaren Vale. Very deep purple-black in color, it gives intense ripe plum, blackberry and kirsch aromas with some pencil shavings and chocolate plus whiffs of mint and undergrowth. Very concentrated and rich, this full-bodied Shiraz is well structured with crisp acid and medium-firm fine grained tannins. There’s still a suggestion of oak apparent in the long finish. Approachable now, it should continue to drink to 2016+.” -Lisa Perrotti-Brown
“Pure, rich and concentrated, offering a wonderful mix of cedar-laced currant, black cherry mineral and sage. It is both intense and supple, with excellent depth.
Best from 2013 through 2018. 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 14% Malbec.  

“Strength of a Warrior and Complexity of a Nurterer. Rarely do these contrasting qualities find the balance in their intersection as seamlessly as they do in Lozen, the Chihenne – Chiricahua Apache warrior, shaman and seer. Her brother, Bidu-ya, is quoted to have said, ‘Lozen is my right hand…strong as a man, braver than most, and cunning in strategy. Lozen is a shield to her people.’” -The Winery

May 15

Tap into the craft distilling movement at our monthly in store spirits tasting

Uncategorized, Wine & Spirit Events & News No Comments

Mark your calendars! We are very excited for our tasting with Elana Effrat, spirits portfolio manager from Martin Scott. She has been called a ‘Spirits Guru’ and recognized in a national publication for her commitment to supporting craft distilleries. Her love for the history, process and, of course, taste keeps her seeking out the best the world has to offer. She manages one of the most exciting spirit portfolios in the market. Here’s the line up

Smooth Ambler Yearling Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey 375mL 

These are 375mL bottles! 

“Our handmade, limited release double-pot distilled bourbon comes from a unique mash of corn, wheat, and barley. Rich and remarkably smooth taste is assured with small cask aging in our own West Virginia rick house. Naturally sweet with caramel and butterscotch aromas and subtle notes of grain, wood, and tobacco.” -The Distillery

Great Lakes Distillery KinnicKinnic Whiskey 

“Kinnickinnic Whiskey is a blend of Straight Kentucky Bourbon sourced from one of Americas finest distilleries and an unaged Malt whiskey produced at Great Lakes Distillery. The result is a truly unique and delicious spirit. Kinnickinnic is a Native American word that means, ‘what is mixed’. The light amber color hints of what’s to come: slightly dusty aromas of buttery nut brittle, brown spices, mocha and toasted oatmeal are met with flavors of dried fruit, mocha and pink pepper. Kinnickinnic is spectacular neat, with a few ice cubes or is great mixed too!” -The Distillery
Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey Colorado 

“This unique mash bill features corn, malted barley and nearly 40% rye. Made using traditional, open-top Scottish style fermentation, it was aged in 55 gallon, Char No. 3, Missouri white oak barrels for three years. A deep amber, aromas of under-ripe bananas and notes of white pepper and toasted sesame precede a balanced, nimble mid-palate. The finish ends with a touch of bitterness and undertones of vanilla and honey.” -The Distillery 

High Praise: “Breckenridge Bourbon took one of only three Gold Medals awarded in the International Wine and Spirits Competition! Top three Bourbon in the World? You bet! Held in the UK, here’s what the judges had to say:

“Gorgeous youthful swipe of fresh flavours of corn, spice and oak. Baked apple and ginger meld with sweet corn and clean oak. Surprisingly complex for its age with all the nose had coming out in full flavours and the fruit and vanilla really taking control. Lively, spicy, fruit filled finish.”

Corsair Quinoa Whiskey 

American pot distilled whiskey from Quinoa and Malted Barley made by Craft Distiller of the Year! Quinoa is a South American grain crop grown for its seeds. Quinoa adds an earthy and nutty flavor to the whiskey. Quinoa seeds comes in red, white, and black varieties. This whiskey uses red and white quinoa grains. 

91 Points – Beverage Testing Institute, February 2013
“Amber color with an olive cast. Complex aromas of bbq rub, curry leaves, olives, chocolate, leather, and nuts with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a creme brulee, coriander, cinnamon, epazote, and peppery pickling spice finish. A rambunctious flavor ride that’s oddly reminiscent of añejo tequila.”

Balcones Distilling True Blue 100 Texas Corn Whisky 

“Since the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, ‘100 proof‘ has long stood for quality and authenticity. True Blue 100 carries on that tradition. 100% of the whisky in this bottle was born, raised, and bottled at Balcones – from mash to glass. True Blue 100 retains the depth and complexity of over-proof spirits with the softer edges, supple textures and fuller fruitiness that slight dilution can bring. Rich notes of honeyed citrus, stone fruit and cinnamon and a rich, roasted corn palate. Perfect “as is” or with as much water as you prefer.” -The Distillery

Balcones Distilling Brimstone Texas Scrub Oak Smoked Corn Whisky

“Made from 100% blue corn, this whiskey is smoked using Texas scrub oak rather than traditional Scottish peat. The sunbaked Texas scrub oak imparts a bold smokiness which is balanced by aromas of corn husk, confectioners sugar, graham crackers, chili peppers, BBQ pit and stone fruit. Sweet tea, butter, orange marmalade, fruit cocktail and chili peppers flavors come together nicely to create a long, dry finish that features slight mineral and smoky notes. With Brimstone, Chip Tate continues to assert his leadership of the craft distiller movement in Texas.” -The Distillery
May 13

Enter our Weekly Wine Quiz- answer the question – win free wine! May the best wine nerd win!

Enter our Weekly Wine Quiz 5 Comments

This week you must answer both of these questions to win

Question 1: Under what category dos the sherry known as “Palo Cortado” fall? Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso or known of  these

Question 2: Why is there no vintage Sherry?

The Prize: A Mora’s Wine Tote Bag and a $20 credit to help you fill it.

The Rules:

  • Please enter your answer in the comments below
  • First best answer received based on date and time stamp on comments page wins.  Only one winner per week
  • You may enter as often as you like but you may only win once per month
May 9

Saturday Tasting Archive May 11, 2013: All Over the Map, 6 wines from 6 countries with TC

Free Weekly Saturday Wine (and sometimes spirits) Tastings, Uncategorized, Wine & Spirit Events & News, Wine & Spirits Specials 1 Comment

As usual, no rhyme, no reason, just  free tasting of  6 great wines also available for sale at  great prices Saturday at 3pm

Quinta da Raza Dom Diogo Arinto Vinho Verde 2011 See details Quinta da Raza Dom Diogo Arinto Vinho Verde 2011 save 15% through may 16th

“100% Arinto. It is a wine-colored citrine, a fruity aroma and complex flavor with engaging and persistent. It is an excellent wine to accompany a meal of fish or seafood, white meats, pastas and risottos. Should be served well chilled.” -The Winery
“With a straw yellow colour and golden hues, to the nose the wine offers fruity aromas of peach, plum and apricot, in addition to sensations of honey and wild flowers, slight notes of licorice root and green almonds with a very mineral finish. In the mouth it is involving and elegant with good balance. It is long and lingering, closing with pleasant notes also of peach, plum and almond.” -The Winery
88 Points – Wine Advocate, August 2012
“A winner, the 2011 Rose (60% Grenache and 40% Syrah) offers lots of strawberry notes intermixed with hints of pomegranate and watermelon. This crisp, light to medium-bodied rose exhibits attractive flavor depth in addition to more body than is usually found in a rose. Moreover, the price is a steal. Penya has long been one of the better selling value wines in the Hand Picked Selections portfolio. This consistent estate produces well-made wines that are meant to be drunk in their first several years of life. P.S. The two dry reds were tasted one month prior to bottling.” -Robert Parker
Cannonau is an indigenous speciality of Sardinia – and a specific clone of Grenache. It produces powerful, rustic wines with deep color and body. This is a typical Sardinian red with a deep ruby color and a palate brimming with ripe fruit and hints of sweet spice. An excellent food wine that is best enjoyed with roast beef with herbs, filet mignon, stews and sharp cheeses.

Zonte's Footstep Cabernet Sauvignon Avalon Tree 2010 See details Zonte’s Footstep Cabernet Sauvignon Avalon Tree 2010 save 15% through may 16th

90+ Points – Wine Advocate, December 2012
“Deep garnet-purple, the 2010 Avalon Tree Cabernet Sauvignon reveals pronounced notes of creme de cassis, chocolate box and menthol with hints of cedar, toast and lavender. Full-bodied with a very good concentration of minted black fruit flavors, it has a solid backbone of medium to firm grainy tannins and crisp acid, finishing long. Drink this one now to 2017.” -Lisa Perrotti-Brown
92 Points – Wine Enthusiast, October 2012
“A beautiful Cabernet, this has all the hallmarks of a fine wine. It’s dry, rich in tannins and elegant, with long, deep flavors of blackberries, currants and dark chocolate. It’s already throwing some sediment, so give it a careful decant.” -Steve Heimoff
May 8

Mother’s Day is Sunday May 12th: Sign her up for the wine of the month club

Food & Wine, Uncategorized 1 Comment
Platinum Wine Club, 2 Bottles of the Best. Price Includes Nationwide Shipping Sideways Wine Club, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay ONLY. Price Includes Nationwide Shipping Gold Wine Club, Chosen Exclusively From our Finer Wines. Price Includes Nationwide Shipping
Join the Platinum Club Join the Sideways Club Join the Gold Club

Mom’s are special, remind her you are thinking of her every month with a special gift for wine aficionados. two bottles of carefully selected wines delivered each month with an informative package of information on each wine. Choose one to suit your budget and we will take care of the rest. For local delivery please contact the store directly. For nationwide shipping please order on our site.

May 6

Enter our Weekly Wine Quiz: Get your Geek on and win free wine!

Enter our Weekly Wine Quiz 6 Comments

Question:  By acreage, what is the most widely planted white wine grape in the world? It is almost exclusively planted in Spain and covers some 760,000 acres, also it is NOT Chardonnay.

The Prize: A Mora’s Wine Tote Bag and a $20 credit to help you fill it.

The Rules:

  • Please enter your answer in the comments below
  • First best answer received based on date and time stamp on comments page wins.  Only one winner per week
  • You may enter as often as you like but you may only win once per month
May 4

Saturday Tasting Archive:May 4 2013 Drink Locally – Taste Jamesport Vineyard’s Wines

Free Weekly Saturday Wine (and sometimes spirits) Tastings, Uncategorized, Wine & Spirit Events & News, Wine & Spirits Specials No Comments

All 50 states of the United States produce others, with varied results I’m sure. Luckily we live next to the most happening east coast wine region with a 40 year track record of producing (some) great wines. We look forward to hosting Jamesport Vineyards and Winery at our weekly tasting and hope you come. It is also Kentucky Derby Day (May 4th) so don’t forget to enter our Derby Day contest and possibly win free wine and a tote bag! We will also be pouring Rock Hill Farms Bourbon in honor of the Derby. They expect to make 120,000 Mint Juleps at Churchill Downs on Derby Day! That’s a lot of Bourbon. See you at 3.

Jamesport Vineyards East End Cinq White See details Jamesport Vineyards East End Cinq White Save 15% Through May 9

“Cinq Blanc is a crowd pleasing blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Blanc. This wine has true varietal character of kiwi, papaya and key lime, held together by its natural acidity. Serve with oysters, seasonal bounty or as an aperitif.” -The Winery
Jamesport Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2012 See details  Jamesport Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Save 20% Through May 9

“This exuberant white was stainless steel fermented, with a small portion fermented in barrels. The barrel fermented portion gives the wine its richness and depth. The nose is intensely aromatic pineapple, mango and keylime. The flavor is rich with melon, pear and hint of fresh peaches. The bottling is more proof that Sauvignon Blanc is very well suited on Long Island. Drink with panfried scallops, whole baked salmon, chicken, veal or as an aperitif.” -The Winery
Jamesport Vineyards East End Cinq Red See details  Jamesport Vineyards East End Cinq Red Save 15% Through May 9  

“A voluptuous blend of 5 grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah & Pinot Noir. Cinq has a silky mouth feel with beautiful dark fruit aromas and a long finish that hints of peppers. It also possesses flavors of cassis, blackberry and fig. Truly a versatile wine- one that can accompany any meal.” -The Winery
Jamesport Vineyards Merlot Bloc E 2005 See details  Jamesport Vineyards Merlot Bloc E 2005 Save 20% Through May 9 

“The ruby hues of this wine give hint to its rich aromas of blueberry and plum. Flavors of dark chocolate, black cherry and vanilla are balanced with soft integrated tannins. It will improve with age and will pair well with rich flavorful dishes such as steak, veal or chicken. This wine was aged for 24 months in new French Oak and 24 months in bottle, 500 cases made.” -The Winery
Jamesport Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2007 See details  Jamesport Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2007 Save 20% Through May 9 

“Coming from the amazing 2007 vintage, our luscious, crimson colored Cabernet Franc has aromas of sweet cherry and spice, cedar and cloves. Its mouthfeel is round and rich with notes of dark juicy fruit that linger into a mature and lengthy smokey finish. It has amazing balance and is surely proof of how well this variety thrives in our region. Pair with flavorful dishes such as beef, lamb, and game.” -The Winery
Jamesport Vineyards Melange de Trois 2007 See details Jamesport Vineyards Melange de Trois 2007 Save 20% Through May 9
“A luscious blend of the three noblest varieties of Bordeaux: Cabernet sauvignon 49%, Merlot 25%, and Cabernet Franc 26%. This wine’s bouquet is rich with blackberry, blackcurrant and sweet tobacco. The flavors are perfectly balanced with plush, ripe fruit and chewy tannins. Its finish is round and long, showing vanilla and spice notes. This wine was aged for 24 months in new French Oak and 24 months in bottle, 400 cases made.” -The Winery
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