In our latest sale we have discovered one of, if not the best, bargain to be found in any wine shop coast to coast. This is, by the label, just a simple French red. It is a vin de Pay d'Oc from the south of France called the Languedoc. It's catchy name is the Black Beret. The wine is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah which is common for red wines from this part of France. What makes this wine particularly good is the complexity. This wine is far better then your ordinary rouge. Even better is that the wine is sale priced at only $7.97!!! Buy this one by the case.

Tribute is a red Bordeaux blend produced from 100% estate grapes grown at the Benziger Family Ranch on Sonoma Mountain and certified Biodynamic. The conversion to Biodynamics in the vineyard is a long and slow process since the Demeter Association requires vineyards to meet a set of guidelines in order to receive their stringent annual certification. Wineries are not allowed to use artificial fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. The promotion of crop fertility is by using compost, manures, and crop rotations along with regular application of Biodynamic compost preparations and field sprays. Pest control is accomplished through a combination of diverse animal, bird and insect populations that lead to a self-regulating predator and prey relationship. The majority of composting materials must be self generated by the farm. Also the farm must be free of prohibited inputs for 36 months and under Biodynamic management for 24 months prior to certification. Benziger is one of the first wineries in North America to receive this certification.

 

Mike Benziger, the winemaker, says "this wine has a beautiful rich textured entry. Soft, fine grain tannins provide a consistent velvety grip throughout the experience. It is well balanced and well integrated. Concentration and structure provide an interesting contrast. The finish is very long with lingering flavors of berry, bittersweet chocolate and spiciness." Our sale price on this very limited wine is $69.97 per bottle. I'm sure it's good!

With a colorful tiny bird sailing along in a delicate leaf-craft, Heribert Kerpen Wehlener Sonnenuhr 'Artist Label' Riesling Spatlese 2003 is long of name but also long on minerality, a characteristic I really appreciate in Riesling. Wine Spectator gave this wine 90 points and said "Fine density and expression mark this peach and citrus flavored Riesling. It picks up a mineral element midpalate. Fine balance and harmony, with a lingering aftertaste of apricot. Drink now through 2015." This classic Mosel treat is one to keep as the flavors will really become enhanced with some extra bottle age. On sale this week for $23.97 (regularly $27.95).-Reviewed by Barbara Rooks, Schaefer's Wine Consultant

North Shore Distillery has produced a new small batch, limited addition gin Rhuginger No. 6 and it is stunning. Using the award winning Distiller's Gin # 6 as the base, the craftspeople at the Distillery infused fresh rhubarb they handpick and fresh ginger, creating a gin with dimensions of flavor that cannot be found anywhere else. The color and flavor of Rhuginger No. 6 come solely from the rhubarb, ginger and gin. Its color is a subtle peach like hue. The aroma combines the freshness of rhubarb with the spice of ginger and the taste is the same. The ginger spices follow the tartness of rhubarb. The finish is long and lingering. Try it shaken with an ice cube or on the rocks. This flavorful spirit will not disappoint even the fickle connoisseur. We'll be tasting this new product in the store this Saturday, September 1st. Hope you can attend. -Reviewed by Mui Baltrunas, Schaefer's Spirits Consultant

If your knowledge of Italian wines only goes as far as Pinot Grigio and Chianti, you're missing out on some of the world's greatest wines. Join us on Thursday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m. for a special in-store class, The Wines of Italy. This introductory class will focus on the unique wines of Italy, most of which are produced from indigenous varietals, often found nowhere else in the world. The class will be taught by local wine writer and educator (and former Schaefer's employee) Tom Hyland, a leading authority on Italian wines (he has visited Italy over 30 times).

 

The cost for this class will be a reasonable $35 per person. Class size will be limited and will be filled on a first-come, first serve basis. To enroll, please contact Tom Hyland at (773) 293-6790 or by email at: thwinewriter@comcast.net (do not contact Schaefer's). Your seat in class will be reserved by payment by check before the class. We hope to see you on September 13 for a great class on the distinctive wines of Italy!

This Saturday at the store we'll taste Spanish wines and foods. Everyone that has tasted the Manchego cheese made from sheep's milk has said "Wow this is excellent!" Also available will be the popular meat called Lemo. This is dry cured pork loin. Wines included will be Sherry, sparkling Cava, as well as red, white and rosé table wines. As always, the tastings are free on Saturdays.

Join us on Thursday evening, September 6th for a special pre-High Holiday Kosher Wine Tasting, 5-7:45 p.m. We'll be opening a range of Kosher wines, including some new options specially priced for the holidays. Remember, just because it's Kosher doesn't mean it's sticky sweet (not that there's anything wrong with that) - there are some lovely dry whites and terrific dry reds, with options from all over the world, so even if you don't usually drink Kosher wine, mark your calendar to stop by and give some a try!

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.