Beverages Make Great Holiday Gifts

Come for the Tasty Wine & Beer

Stay for the Community

What’s New at Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer

1. Now On Tap: Unibroue Terrible – say: Tare-Ee-Blay
       1/2 Gallon Growler Fill: $22.99, Pint: $6.99
2. Shipping Services Now Available – In Time for Holidays
3. 12 Tweets of Christmas – Savings and Deals
4. He Said Beer, She Said Wine
5. Upcoming Tasting Events
   • Laughing Dog Beer Tasting – Bring Growlers
         Thursday, December 10th, 5 & 7 pm, $10, tickets required.
   • Gilbert Cellars Wine Tasting with Anders Zwartjes
         Friday, December 11th, 4-7 pm, Saturday the 12th, 12-7
   • K-Vintners Wine Tasting – For Sure
         Wednesday, December 16th, 7 pm, with Darin Roberson
         $10 per person, tickets required. 1/2 price!
   • Terra Blanca Wine Tasting with Ed Scapelhorn
         Friday, December 18th, 4-7 pm, Saturday the 19th, 12-7
6. Can you recommend wine and/or beer to me once a month?
7. How is wine tasting at Enoteca different?

Gilbert Cellars Wine Tasting this weekend

This Friday from 12-7 Enoteca will be hosting Anders Zwartjes as he shares a great line up of delicious Gilbert Cellars wine. We’ll be tasting these wines Saturday from 12-7 as well, which is a great time to beat the rush!

We want to give you the opportunity to “try before you buy” so we offer a flight of wine for a low cost. Taste a flight (2 oz. each of 5 wines) for $10 per flight, and follow up with a glass.

Gilbert Estate Chardonnay 2007
(Wahluke Slope, Washington)
Oaked Buttery Chardonnay from Washington! Typically the domain of Napa Chards, this is the classic style made in Washington! 2007 vintage received 90 pts and was deemed the 6th best Washington State value white in 2009 by the Wine Spectator.

Gilbert Cabernet Franc 2007
(Columbia Valley, Washington)
Deeply colored for a cabernet franc, this wine’s intricate aromatics include notes of black plum, nutmeg, cigar box and eucalyptus. In the mouth it reveals layers of plush dark fruit backed by dusty, chewy tannins and a finale that resonates with dried fruit and an earthy minerality. Drink now through 2019.

Gilbert Estate Syrah 2006
(Wahluke Slope, Washington)
Our 2006 vintage Syrah is a super-saturated, hedonistic red wine with blueberry and dark plum fruit while cinnamon, black tea and bacon accompany loamy tannins that linger on the tongue. Performs gorgeously with grilled cuisine. Drink now through 2018. 89 points and “Best Buy” from Wine & Spirits.

Gilbert Allobroges GSM 2006
(Columbia Valley, Washington)
This blend from four vineyards in the Columbia Valley creates a wine that embodies the essence of Rhone varieties in Washington. 60% Syrah, 22% Grenache and 18% Mourvedre the Allobroges is an easy drinker, exhibiting opulent black fruit and a smooth, filling mouthfeel. Drink now through 2015. 89 points and “Best Buy” from Wine & Spirits; Gold Medal San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Gilbert Estate Claret 2006
(Wahluke Slope, Washington)
“Claret” is an Old-English word from the middle ages that was used to describe wines from the Bordeaux region of France. As an English word, the pronounciation is KLARR-et. Today we use it for our Bordeaux-style blend composed of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Well-rounded and complex this wine’s black cherry, crushed herb and vanilla characters are backed by an acidity that complements cuisine as exciting as red sauces and garlic. Drink now through 2012. Gold Medal San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Gilbert Estate Grenache Ice Wine 2008
(Columbia Valley, Washington)
The fruit for this traditionally produced ice wine was picked by hand in the middle of December after it had frozen solid on the vine. The result is a super-concentrated and lavish palate that boasts flavors Saturn peach, orange marmalade and golden raisins backed by second tier notes of caramel and molasses. Its ample sweetness is well balanced by a bright acidity. 21.6% residual sugar.

This is a limited taster, so come early to try it. I love how it’s acidity balances out the sweetness, it reminds me of the top tier Niagara ice wines.

Shipping Services Now Available

Did you taste something fantastic at a recent tasting that you’d like to share with your brother in Toledo? Did this month’s Wine Club selection remind you of something your over 21 year old children in college in Phoenix would enjoy? Have a hard to shop for friend or family member that would find a bottle of craft beer or wine fantastic, but they don’t live close by?

We just started offering Shipping Services. Here’s how we are prepared to help you:

• Proper Packaging
  As licensed alcohol retailers and licensed alcohol shippers, we’re prepared with the proper packaging to make sure your shipment arrives intact. 2 bottle, 6 bottle, and 12 bottle packaging are most common and readily in stock.
• FedEx Shipping and Tracking
  We’ve partnered with FedEx because their reputation for superior customer service matches our own goals to provide the high level of support you need. Included is email tracking and delivery confirmation.
• Great Selection
  The beverage choices available at Enoteca are extensive, and we can certainly find something unique and special for that person. If you’re looking to send something specific that we do not yet carry, we are happy to bring it in for you and ship it out as soon as it arrives.
• Fast Turnaround
  Orders ready to go will be to the FedEx station by 4 pm the following day, and ship out that night.
• Legal Compliance
  In order to keep the public safe from underage drinking, all alcohol shipments are required to get a signature from an adult to be delivered. We insure that the law is followed for your benefit.
• Reasonable Costs
  Considering the wine specific packaging requirements and additional services such as Over 21 signature required, there are some costs to shipping wine that are above shipping books and candybars. With that in mind, we offer this as a service at a reasonable price, specific to your packaging and shipping requirements.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 208-457-9885 or email us anytime here.

Holiday Shipping Schedule:

• Sunday, December 13th:
  Special orders must be placed by Sunday, December 13th, to be delivered by Christmas using less expensive Ground services.
• Thursday, December 17th:
  Orders for product in stock at Enoteca must be placed by Thursday, December 17th, to be deliveredy by Christmas using less expensive Ground services.
• Sunday, December 20th:
  Special orders and orders for product in stock must be placed by Sunday, December 20th, to be deliveredy by Christmas using overnight shipping services.
• Orders placed after these dates:
  Orders placed after the above dates will still be shipped, but may arrive after Christmas.

12 Tweets of Christmas

Ever see this icon bar at the top of the email? We taste and drink a lot of wine and beer throughout the week, and when exceptional products come in we’re thrilled to let you know right away. If you subscribe to our Twitter feed, or become my friend on Facebook (don’t worry I’ll say yes), you’ll see the latest and greatest in the fastest possible way.

To take it to the next level, we’re offering some special deals this holiday season! The 12 Tweets of Christmas will be 12 special, limited time offers, every couple days or so, from now until Christmas Eve. The way to take advantage of the offers is to go to this web page: www.corkjoy.com/buy. If your credit card is on file then it’s an order, if not, you can send it via the secure form here: www.corkjoy.com/url/i.

What kind of deals will we feature? You have to follow us to find out! If you don’t want to subscribe to Twitter, you can also check out our feed via the Twitter website.

If you were following the Tweets, you would have seen these deals so far (hurry, they’re still valid while supplies last):

• http://twitpic.com/srgao – 12 Tweets of Xmas: Chimay Gift Pack – Was $22, now $16.99. Must order online: http://corkjoy.com/buy
• 12 Tweets of Christmas, #1: Robert Hall Meritage, was $55, now $25, while supplies last, we can ship! http://corkjoy.com/buy 49% cab sauv, 42% cab franc, 7% merlot, 2% malbec. 18 months barrel age, Paso robles. Black currant, cassis, plum, cedar, chocolate notes.

Russell Said Beer, Sarah Said Wine

Sarah: Merry Christmas everybody! We started the season off with the Club Member Appreciation Christmas party this last Sunday. Thank you to everyone for coming by. Thank you to a good friend Janet G. who brought lovely fruit and cheese trays and to Hap for the killer smoked salmon. We really do appreciate all of you!

Russell: It sure was a fun party. I can’t wait til Thursday, when Laughing Dog is visiting and bringing some special Keg-only beers to the tasting. A few growlers would not be a bad idea to bring, as there will be an opportunity to take home these Lab tested, Collie approved Scooby snacks. There are still a handful of seats available too, so nudge a friend or co-worker to sign up, it’s easy to do at www.corkjoy.com/rsvp/ There’s a 5 pm and a 7 pm tasting, so be sure to specify which one you want to attend.

Sarah: I want to give a shout out of Thanks to Debbie Keller of IWM and Chris Mueller of Bistro on Spruce for helping make the sparkling wine tasting amazingly fun and educational. The food was awesome, the wine was lovely and Chris even opened a bottle of bubbly with a saber!… OK, it was a machete, still impressive! You can watch the video on YouTube here.

Russell: There are a couple wine tastings coming up, believe it or not. Friday we’ll have Anders Z. here from Gilbert Cellars. Gilbert makes an oaked up Chardonnay that’s great, and they make some high quality Wahluke Slope, Washington wines that don’t break the bank. Classy labels, tasty wine, what could be better?

I’m pretty excited about next Wednesday. We’re pouring some K-Vintners/Charles Smith wines. Charles Smith makes a billion wines, mostly in the Syrah corridor, and it’s impossible for us to keep up with them on the shelf. We could become the “Charles Smith Store” but for now we still want to have room for other wines from other wineries. So here’s what we’re going to do, for fans of the K Vintners winery, and the curious, every few months when there’s a new batch of stuff, we’re going to hold another tasting. That way you get a chance to try what’s new, and order or pre-order the ones you want, and then nobody has to feel like they’re missing out on anything. Not only that, it’s 1/2 price, at least this time around, so saddle up and let’s try some K Vintners / Charles Smith!

Sarah: We ship! I’m excited to be able to announce that we finally offer this service. It’s been a long time coming, but now (just in time for Christmas) you can send that favorite wine you enjoy or beer you had in the club to friends and family.

Enoteca Fun Tasting Events Calendar

Mark your calendars for tastings at Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer. Some are classroom format, which means we all sit down at the same time and can interact with the presenter with questions and whatnot. Our Friday & Saturday wine tastings are drop-in format, which means you can stop in any time during the tasting hours and try some excellent wine. We price our tastings to just break even on the quantity we pour for you, and our pours are quite a bit more than a typical winery tasting room experience. Join us for these excellent tasting events!

Laughing Dog Beer Tasting with Brewer Fred Colby
Thursday, December 10th – 5 & 7 pm [$10 flight, classroom]

Meet head brewer Fred Colby and other brewers from Laughing Dog. Learn more about the best local brewery, and why these beers are winning awards and getting recognition nationally. We plan on having something special to taste, and fill up growlers! After tasting a bunch of beers, you get to take home a glass from the brewery. We’ll be holding 2 tastings, one at 5 and one at 7 pm. $10 per person, reserve your tickets early! (be sure to specify 5 or 7 pm)


Gilbert Cellars Wine Tasting
Friday, December 11th – 4-7 pm [$10 flight, drop-in]

Gilbert Cellars is hand crafting fantastic wines in Washington State without a ton of fanfare, without a “crafty” label, and with passion, finesse, and style. This is a winery which turns me on first with it’s white wines, and then turns it up with reds. We’ll have Anders here to share knowledge of the winery, wine making, and answer questions! We will taste these wines on Saturday, December 12th as well, from 12-7.


K Vintners Wine Tasting
Wednesday, December 16th – 7 pm [$10 per person, classroom] 1/2 price!

Charles Smith has been deploying so many wines that we have a hard time keeping up with them! We could just forget them if they didn’t taste so darn good, but we’re stuck, they’re yummy. Oh darn. What to do? How about pour them at this limited seating classroom format wine tasting event so you can get a chance to try what’s hot and new! Reserve your tickets early.




Terra Blanca Wine Tasting
Friday, December 18th – 4-7 pm [$10 flight, drop-in]

Ed Scapelhorn will be on hand to share knowledge of this fantastic Red Mountain winery, and a line up of great wine! We’ll be pouring some of the best values in Washington State and some Reserve wine for that special occasion. We will taste these wines on Saturday, December 19th as well, from 12-7.


Bergstrom and Amity Pinot Noir Tasting
Thursday, January 7th – 7 pm [$TBD flight, classroom]

Russell loves Pinot Noir! Come try these fantastic Oregon Pinot’s with some education about what to look for in Pinot Noir. Bergstrom is a high end brand, so we’ll be tasting some of their excellent single vineyard terrior driven Pinot’s and Amity provides some great values at their price point. See how different Pinot’s can be from each other, and what a range can be had.

As soon as we lock in a ticket price, we’ll announce that here. Reserve your tickets early.


January Taste of Wine Club
Friday, January 8th – 4-7 pm [$10 flight, drop-in]

January Wine & Beer of the Month Club! Club tasting event, taste all the wine club wines! This is a great opportunity to see what the Club is all about, and to see what others are getting in their bins. We will taste these wines on Saturday, January 9th as well, from 12-7.


Saketini Tasting!
Thursday, January 14th – 7 pm [$TBD flight, classroom]

Sarah loves Saketinis! Give these fancy creatures a try on this Thursday event. What’s a Saketini? Think Sake + martini. Learn about what makes Sake unique, and learn new and fun ways to use it at a party.

As soon as we lock in a ticket price, we’ll announce that here. Reserve your tickets early.


You can keep yourself in the loop on Enoteca events! Subscribe to the Enoteca Google Calendar to keep up-to-date on the latest happenings!


Thank you for your support of our local family business.

Salute’

Russell and Sarah

Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer
208-457-9885
service@corkjoy.com

Enoteca is open:
Tuesday-Saturday: 11-7

Holiday Hours: In addition, from December 1st through December 24th, we will be open 7 days a week!

Directions, hours, and more about Enoteca: www.corkjoy.com

We’re always looking for feedback! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to let us know. Did you like a certain wine or beer? We’re here to serve you so let us know how we can help: service@corkjoy.com

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 at 8:52 pm and is filed under Enoteca News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.