Here is a special offer from one of the most prestigious of all the Champagne houses that just arrived: a small allocation of Krug Vintage 1996. The house of Krug has never compromised in its unswerving dedication to tradition. Krug's perfectionism is evident in every step of the winemaking process. While others have abandoned the use of small oak casks in favor of mass production methods, at Krug only oak will do. Krug firmly believes, based on 157 years of experience, that fermentation in oak is the most effective means of developing a full spectrum of aromas, tastes and textures. It has been said that Krug Vintage Champagne is like a concerto, a joint venture between the Krug style and the personality of a certain year where the year is the soloist and the orchestra is Krug.

 

Wine Spectator considers this wine near perfection, awarding it a score of 99 points. "A powerful, majestic Champagne. Deep and compelling, with aromas of whole-grain toast, coconut and dried citrus that draw you in. Lean and racy on the palate, with a creaminess that's yet to be integrated. A classic '96, with ripe, exotic aromas and a steely structure. Still a baby, with the long, resonant finish confirming its potential. Best from 2009 through 2040. 10,000 cases made."

 

In celebration of this acquisition we are offering the Krug Grande Cuvee Non-Vintage Champagne at a special price of $129.97 (normally $169.95).

 

We are also able to offer a special pricing of $399.97, on a duo of one of each Champagne to the first six requests received.

If you're a fan of Pinot Noir you ought to try a Spatburgunder. A Spatburgunder is Germany's late picked Pinot Noir. Germany also grows an early-ripening version called Fruhburgunder, and no they are not sweet wines, they are fermented dry. Last September, I met Mr. and Mrs. Kesseler at their home in Rudesheim, a small but important wine-producing village in Germany's Rheingau region. On the slopes of the hills, the area is called Assmannshauser Hollenberg. Their vineyards are on the Rhine River and like almost all the vineyards in Germany, the vines are planted facing west or southwest to obtain maximum sun for ripening the grapes. August Kesseler is a soft-spoken man who is absolutely passionate about making the very best Pinot Noir possible. I know most people thinks the finest Pinots come from France, California or Oregon, but what I tasted in Germany was easily as good. Kesseler credits the gray and red slate in his vineyards for his award-winning quality. -Don Wils

 

We have a good supply available of Kesseler's "MiniMax" Pinot Noir 2004 on sale at $29.97. This is Kesseler's inexpensive wine named after his winemaker; however the most flavorful and best made wine from the estate is the Assmannshauser Hollenberg label. We have a limited amount of two very good vintages: the 2001 and the 2002, for sale at $74.97. Sure, top quality Pinot Noir isn't cheap, but it sure is good.

Last Saturday we had the pleasure of a visit from Julia Flynn Siler, author of the new book "House of Mondavi." Julia read from her book (already #16 on the New York Times Best Seller list after only one week) and signed copies.

 

In case you missed Julia last Saturday, we have a few extra signed copies available in the store. The book is sale-priced at $22.97 (regularly $28.00). Call us if you want us to put aside a signed copy for you!

Our Warehouse Sale is coming up soon: Friday and Saturday ONLY, July 20 and 21. We've already started tasting possibilities and we're getting excited. Look for further details as the sale gets closer!

Just arrived in America, we have acquired three new mixers that will treat your premium spirits with the dignity and quality they deserve. Charles Rolls and Tim Warrilow of London have concocted Fever-Tree Premium Tonic, Bitter Lemon and Ginger Ale with the highest grade natural ingredients available on the planet.

 

Tonic Water: ingredients include spring water, cane sugar, African marigold, Tanzanian bitter orange oil and from the Rwanda/Congo border the highest quality quinine.

 

Bitter Lemon: the aforementioned quinine, plus hand cold-pressed orange oils, blended with Sicilian lemon juice.

 

Ginger Ale: a unique blend of gingers from Equador, Nigeria and Cochin (the first European colonial settlement in India) along with botanical flavors and spring water. Perfectly blended to enhance the flavor notes of great whiskies, bourbons, rums and tequilas.

 

These Fever-Tree mixers are sold in 6.8-ounce bottles, in four-packs, specially priced on sale now at $4.97, normally $5.99. Aside from being the finest most natural mixers we have found, they are equally delicious served as soft drinks. Cheers!

One of Napa's superstar wineries is one of the most overlooked labels in this age of $100-a-bottle image wines. Saint Supéry is one of our perennial favorites from Napa, and not just because they don't let it go to their heads when they set prices. With a European background, the owners have always said they want their wines to be made to enjoy, and that the tendency toward high alcohol had to be cinched in. Bravo from everyone at Schaefer's! They've done it and you can try them at our free tasting this Saturday! Join Saint-Supéry's Midwest rep, Augie Sievers, as he introduces you to their full range of wines. As usual, it's all free.

That's all for this week. If we may be of any further service, please stop by our store at 9965 Gross Point Road in Skokie (for directions, click here), visit our website at http://www.schaefers.com, give us a call at 847-677-WINE (9463), 800-833-WINE (9463), or click here to contact us.