Sherry Seminar @ C’est Cheese Wednesday June 12, 2013

Last night’s fine wine seminar turned into a sherry lovefest by the end of the evening. I doubt more than 2 or 3 guests were familiar with Sherry at all initially , but by the end everyone had developed a deep understanding and appreciation of this truly unique wine. Here is my take on the wines of the night. The big favorites in order of preference were: Oloroso, Palo Cortado, Cream, PX, Amontillado, Fino and Manzanillo. I think I was the biggest fan of the Fino, it was great with my sushi later that night:

The first two were “bio aged” wines, they begin life under a cap of “flor” yeast that keeps them light and white here’s my take on the two
VALDESPINO Manzanilla Deliciosa en rama (special guest star)
This was JUST bottled direct from cask with no fining and filtering (en rama) it has the least solera age of all the Sherries and is a little rougher around the edges than the Fino Inocente. It is intensely briny and savory like the fino but with less polish.

VALDESPINO Fino Inocente
I liked this one better, it has considerably more solera age and the savory qualities of the Manzanilla with a little more refinement.

The next two spend some of their lives bio aging and the second half oxy aging

VALDESPINO Amontillado Tio Diego
The Tio Diego Solera is tapped twice as often as the Inocente solera so the flor dies off and allows it to age oxidatively. It becomes quite dry with distinct havelnut flavors with a touch of carmel and the savory qualities of its Fino cousin.

VALDESPINO Palo Cortado Viejo Calle de Ponce
We now move up the sherry quality hierarchy. Select barrels from the Inocente and Tio Diego soleras that show great promise undergo further oxidative aging upto 25 years. It develops more roundness with some mahagony color and the distince hazelnut and dried fruit qualities. I found this one amazing. It has qualities of both Amontillado and Fino style Sherries and is basically a
cellarmaster’s choice.

VALDESPINO Oloroso VOS Solera 1842
Now we enter the realm of total oxidative aging for 25 years to be exact. It is kissed with sweet Pedro Ximenez to round it out and it shows deep mahagony color, nuts, more dried fruit and carmel toffee flavors. This is the best Valdespino I’ve had, though there are some rare and old sherries with huge price tags from this house I have yet to try.

VALDESPINO Oloroso Cream Isabela
A beautifully balanced cream sherry made from oloroso and Pedro Ximenez aged in barrel together so the flavors totally meld. What I most notice about Valdespino Sherries are there integrity and balance. All the flavors meld together seamlessly and I attribute this to the considerably longer aging they undergo as well as the quality of their estate vineyards and the quality of their winemaking, they stick to traditional methods that have been proven to be best

VALDESPINO Pedro Ximenez El Candado
This is Straight PX aged in cask oxidatively for over 10 years. This wine is almost too much. It is the color of molasses and almost as thick. It has flavors of dried figs and prunes with carmel, cocoa and coffee overtones. Try it over ice cream, pancakes and to glaze ribs on the grill!

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.

We have monthly spirit clubs for single malt Scotch Whisky, Bourbon Whiskey, “American Whiskey” , Vodka, and Tequila. We ship nationwide and of course deliver locally.  Wherever you dad lives you can treat  him to a bottle a month of his favorite spirit for as many or as few months as you like, he’ll be thrilled and surprised over and over again. We select limited production, high quality, artisanal  spirits that he won’t find elsewhere and include a package of   background information on each month’s selelction. Please order right on line or contact the shop directly

Single malt Scotch of the Month Club: Is our most popular spirit club. It is truly amazing what master distillers can do with nothing more than barley, water, yeast, barrels and peat. The variety is mindboggling. So a collection of single malt  whiskies  from all over the Scottish Isles is very special

Bourbon of the Month Club: The American spirit.  Mora’s specializes in finding the rare producers of small batch and single barrel bourbons produced in this country.  To me it is America’s Cognac, a smooth and refined spirit with a passionate following of purists always seeking the best.

American Whiskey of the Month Club: Along with Bourbon, our country is known for various rye and corn based whiskies. Also our neighbor to the north, Canada produces many wonderful and unique whiskies of their own. So whether it is a traditional style American Rye as they made it in the 17th century colonies or a craft distilled whiskey from one of the many brand new artisanal distiller/ mad scientist/alchemists popping up all across our fruited plains it has a strong following in Mora’s American Whiskey of the Month Club.

Tequila of the Month Club: The agave based spirit is experiencing a renaissance in this country as more and more small producers market fine sipping tequilas in various styles. The aficionado appreciates the complexities these producers put into their product

Vodka of the Month Club: the ubiquitous spirit known for its purity as well as its subtle flavors. Vodka aficionados are passionate about their favorite spirit and the new sources of small production vodkas is nearly endless. We explore them all.

Get dad a mixed case of his favorite wines! You pick 12 bottles we give you a

15% discount on the wine off, plus a

FREE Mora’s wine tote and a

FREE Mora’s waiter’s wine key, all steel with a teflon coated worm. We’ll even gift wrap the whole box with a pretty ribbon if you like. This

offer ends Sunday June 16th. Just ask for the  father’s day special when you order. Don’t forget we ship to almost every state in the country!

-It’s a custom gift, you pick the wines that you know dad will like, we of course are happy to offer our expert opinion
-You decide how much you will  spend.
-It’s a great presentation, a large gift wrapped box full of wine and accessories.
-We offer free local delivery and nationwide fedex shipping.

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.

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

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See details Tre Monti Albana di Romagna 2012 save 15% through may 16th

“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

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See details Penya Rose Vin de Pays Cotes Catalanes 2011 save 15% through may 16th

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

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See details Picco del Sole Cannonau di Sardegna 2010 save 15% through may 16th

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.

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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

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See details Korbin Kameron Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley 2007 save 20% through may 16th

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

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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See details Jamesport Vineyards Melange de Trois 2007 Save 20% Through May 9

Tequila, Bourbon and Blackberry Moonshine for our third tasting at Flame Fine Cigars! We will be pouring Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila, a couple Bourbons and finish with a Blackberry infused Moonshine from North Carolina. Joe will be happy to suggest cigar pairing. See you there!

Picking winning wines is a bit like handicapping the ponies. You look at the producer’s reputation, vintage, growing conditions, ratings and reviews. Then you pay your money and take your chances. Even our weekly tastings sometimes remind me of horse races, especially since I usually attend from start to finish. Sometimes you get a lively youngster that is fresh and appealing right out of the gate and charms everyone in the first hour. Meanwhile the brooding tannic wine doesn’t offer much nose or palate pleasure, initially. then an hour or two into the tasting the tannins air out and the tannic monster comes on strong and everyone cheers him in the home stretch  while the lighter bodied entry starts to fade.

In the spirit of picking winners and in honor of the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby, Mora’s Fine Wine & Spirits wants you to pick the winner of one of the biggest annual horse races. Prizes will be given for the first three of you that pick the winner of the race.

THE PRIZE: A Mora’s wine tote bag and a $20 credit toward any purchase at the store.

TO ENTER THE CONTEST:
Simply leave a comment including your horse’s name AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST, name and email address are required.

THE RULES:

1.Three Prizes will be  awarded for the first three contestants to picking the  Winning horse. Prizes must be claimed within 30 day

2. Entries are accepted up until Post Time, around 7 pm Saturday May 4, 2013

3. Only one entry per person. If your initial entry is scratched or doesn’t run for any reason you may enter again with another horse before post time. Your first valid entry will be accepted as your entry in the contest.

4. Entry must include valid name and email address. Winner will be contacted via email and need not be present to win.

5.Mora’s Fine Wine & Spirits is the sole arbiter of the validity of any entry as well as the order in which they are received.

6.Mora’s is not responsible for your horse not being entered or being scratched. We will make every effort to list the field for your convenience but it is your responsibility to choose a horse that is actually in the race.

Here is a list of POSSIBLE CONTENDERS AS OF APRIL 25. These are the top 20 contenders according to horseracingnation.com Please check the actual field closer to the time of the race so you don’t enter a horse that is not running. We’ll try to keep this up to date.

• Black Onyx SCRATCHED

• Oxbow 22-1

• Revolutionary 5-1

• Golden Soul 29-1

• Normandy Invasion 7-1

• Mylute 13-1

• Giant Finish 37-1

• Goldencents 7-1

• Overanalyze 14-1

• Palace Malice 23-1

• Lines of Battle 32-1

• Itsmyluckyday 9-1

• Falling Sky 37-1

• Verrazano 9-1

• Charming Kitten 29-1

• Orb 7-1

• Will Take Charge 30-1

• Frac Daddy 23-1

• Java’s War 24-1

• Vyjack 34-1

From the Jerez-Xeres-Sherry Blog

Giuseppe Verdi wrote no less than four operas with a Spanish theme: Ernani; Il Trovatore; Don Carlo and La Forza del Destino. His opera Falstaff, while based on Shakespeare, contained references to Sherry. He was a big fan of Spain, and when he came to Madrid in 1863 to direct La Forza del Destino at the Teatro Real (with enormous success), he took time off to do some tourism.

He travelled all over Spain, and spending some time in Andalucia with his second wife Giuseppina Strepponi. Naturally he visited Jerez, and it was there that he bought a cask of Sherry (from Gonzalez Byass, it is thought), and took it away with him on the train, back to Italy.

Charles Dickens adored Sherry. There are references to it in 12 of his most important novels, and when he died, his cellar was full of Sherry.

During his bicentenary celebrations, London City Council included Sherry (Williams & Humbert Dry Sack Oloroso 15 Years Old) at a dinner held at the Mansion House.

At the suggestion of the Cine Club Popular in Jerez, the Jerez Council approved the dedication of a public street to Charles Dickens in recognition of his work in promoting Sherry for its human and literary value.