Wines of the Week: 
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2020 Chene Bleu Vaucluse Grenache Blend Rosé Normally $42.99–$36.54 15% Off This Week ONLY! 2019 Brew Cru Cape South Coast South Africa Pinot Noir Normally $29.99–$25.49 15% Off This Week ONLY! * * * About the Wines of the Week: 2020 Chene Bleu Vaucluse Grenache Blend Rosé Normally $42.99–$36.54 15% Off This Week ONLY!  
About the Winery The 30 hectare (75 acre) vineyard is planted predominantly with mature (25yr+) Grenache and (40yr+) Syrah. Over the last decade they have added smaller quantities of other traditional Rhône varietals such as Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, Clairette (whites) and are planting Mourvèdre (red) to complement the classic Rhône base. Chene Bleu is blessed with a confluence of natural factors. Being so far south, on the same latitude as Gigondas, they experience more than 300 sunny days in the year. The fruit ripens deliciously and does not suffer from rot. The vines enjoy regular exposure to the Mistral and other winds that assist in flavor concentration, but our hilly topography spares us from the full force of the blast and the local mini-tornadoes. The idyllic high-altitude, geologically complex vineyard is enhanced by the most exacting no-shortcuts natural practices. Hand-picking and double-sorting result in deliberately tiny yields and superlative fruit quality. Small cuvees in the state-of-the-art gravity fed winery, and meticulous assemblage ensure that Chene Bleu’s wines are hand-crafted in the family’s unwavering pursuit of purity and quality in winemaking. 
About the Wine This rosé blend comes from vines that range from 25-40 years old. Situated in very stony, clay, and limestone soils, the Chêne Bleu rosé is a true winner. The pale pink hues result from a delicate, cool temperature skin contact during maceration, which the team uses to extract maximum aromas and flavors from the grapes before pressing. Rich and intense, mango and exotic fruits are balanced by a delicate red currant and blueberries. Structured, balanced and complex, this is a versatile food wine, ideally suited to be enjoyed with grilled seafood, roast chicken, fresh lobster, lightly spiced dishes or tender lamb. Serve only slightly chilled at 57 F for full appreciation. 79% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 8% Mourvedre and, 4% Cinsault, 1% Rolle * * * 2019 Brew Cru Cape South Coast South Africa Pinot Noir Normally $29.99–$25.49 15% Off This Week ONLY!  
About the Winery Brew Cru is dedicated to cool-climate wines from the Cape South Coast, sourcing grapes from maritime wine wards such as Elim and Walker Bay. Both their Elim and Walker Bay vineyards share hardened landscapes with constant gusts of Atlantic sea wind which contributes to a cooler climate. This unique terroir provides extended ripening periods and extremely low yields resulting in small, intensely flavored berries with great potential. Driven by a deep passion for Burgundian-style wines, the team at Brew Cru is constantly exploring the back roads of the Cape South Coast in search of unique vineyard pockets to produce authentic site-specific wines that reflect their wild origins. .jpg)
About the Wine This district, surrounding the seaside town of Hermanus, is reputed for the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines which emanate from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. It encompasses the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Sunday’s Glen and Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (as well as the Bot River ward below). This cool-climate district benefits from persistent winds from the nearby ocean. The soils are predominantly weathered shales. The Bot River ward is the gateway to Walker Bay and encompasses the Bot River village and valley, stretching from the Bot River lagoon up into the foothills of the Groenlandberg and Babylonstoren mountain ranges, and bordering the Kogelberg Biosphere. The area is renowned for its cool maritime microclimate, which is influenced by its proximity to the lagoon and Walker Bay. Soils are mainly homogenous Bokkeveld shale (predominantly Glen Rosa and Klapmuts) and Table Mountain sandstone. This elegant wine shows prominent aromas of wild cherries and raspberries with earthy undertones. It has a finely textured palate with silky tannin and strawberry, making way for slight savory notes, followed by a fresh and vibrant finish. Aged for nine to ten months in French oak. * * * Also Tasting Today: 2020 Lafage Novellum Vin de France Chardonnay $19.99  
About the Winery In the 80s, Jean-Marc, as a young boy, actively participated in the work in the vineyards. But the revelation that he was to be a winemaker came to him one day when his father gave him the sole charge of a batch of some of his finest Maury grapes. From the gene to the passion: Domaine Lafage was born! A few years later, when Jean-Marc met Eliane during their wine studies, the same subjects fascinated them both. Curious and eager for discoveries, they shared experiences in the most dynamic wine regions of the planet, experiencing the harvest and wine-making seasons in South America, the United States (California), South Africa and Australia. In 1996, settling back in France, with 36 ha of family land around Perpignan, Canet and Maury, they finally took over the entire family estate in 2001. Jean-Marc’s parents are still very active and keep a keen and caring eye on the estate. Guy Lafage devotes himself to work in the vineyard and his wife Marthe travels to fairs and shows in the 4 corners of France. As for the younger generation, they are preparing. The children already have a great interest in the life of the property: Léa is studying to become an agricultural engineer, and the young Nicolas already has a flagship cuvée of the Domaine in his name... 
About the Wine For many years European Cellars has worked with a cooperative in the Languedoc to make Novellum from a special site that in most years had some botrytis, giving the wine weight without resorting to oak. Since that time the project has been moved to the Roussillon where Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage have some Chardonnay planted near the Mediterranean that makes a remarkably complex and mineral version of the variety. There is no botrytis here so we resort to aging a small percentage in barrel – usually less than 30%. The remainder of the wine is aged in tank on the lees of Viognier. It remains one of the best values in Chardonnay that you can find. * * * Cocktail Recipe of the Week: 
Angélique Ingredients: 20 ml Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin 20 ml Giffard Rhubarb Liqueur 10 ml Giffard Elderflower syrup 20 ml Aperol or other Italian bitter liqueur 20 ml lemon juice Directions: Add the ingredients to a shaker Ice up 2/3 of the shaker with cubed ice Shake vigorously for 7 to 10 seconds Strain into a chilled glass with no ice Garnish & serve Cheers and Enjoy! * * * Snack of the Week: 
Colston Bassett Stilton Bleu The term ''Royal Blue'' must have come from the creation of Stilton. Invented by Elizabeth Scarbrow and first served in 1720 at the Bell Inn in Stilton, England, fame was not far behind. Made with pasteurized cows' milk, it is ripened 3-4 months under carefully controlled cool, humid conditions. These rustic farmstead cylinders are made by Colston Basset Dairy, for Neal's Yard Dairy. Each bite is exceptionally buttery in texture with a clean, mineral tang that you'll never forget. Traditionally served with Tawny Port or fresh pears. We like both. * * * | 
