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Say Vino: July 1, 2008
By Don Wils
 We
email Say Vino every Tuesday evening. It contains news
from the wine world, our own opinions, and special offers
for our subscribers. Say Vino is available by email, at
our
website
and is also posted in our store.
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Firecracker of a Zin
 To
celebrate the 4th of July this year, I'm drinking Alexander
Valley Vineyards "Redemption" Zinfandel 2005. Winner of a
silver medal at the 2007 San Diego International Wine
Competition, this amazingly delicious red is exactly why I
like Zinfandel. "Redemption" is a big wine, a little tannic,
but it has the classic flavors of blackberry, raspberry and
black pepper and all the aromas of blueberries and spice.
Whenever I barbecue, which is often these days, the family
likes hearty red wines with steaks, burgers, brats and
chicken. This big, jammy Zinfandel almost seems destined to
join barbecue ribs on the table. Though not often thought of
as a wine to cellar, this Zinfandel could be cellared for
5-9 years.
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Skyrocket of a Chard
 With
summer getting into full swing, it's time to break out the
cool summer whites. One of my favorites right now is the
Raymond "R Collection" Chardonnay 2005. Raymond Estates
consistently produces both high quality reds and whites.
Opening with a nose of pineapple, citrus, melon, pear and
vanilla, you'll also pick up a light touch of oak. On the
tongue, bright flavors of pineapple, mango, and green apple
mingle with vanilla and honey on the finish. The rich,
smooth mouthfeel adds to this wine's drinkability. This
Chardonnay will pair well with just about any grilled fish
or chicken, Latin American and Asian dishes.
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Salute all-American flavors
 We've
been fans of Schmeisser's Burger Patties and dogs
for years. Boxes of these pre-made, juicy, seasoned burgers,
and excellent homemade hot dogs or franks from the butchers
at Schmeisser's in Niles rank at the top of our most popular
summer items. Ta-dah! New, for your grilling pleasure,
Schmeisser's Brat Patties, coarsely ground
pork and beef that's perfectly seasoned and formed into a
skinless pattie ready to throw on the grill for super juicy,
crispy brat experience. So easy! And what better way to top
these than to go retro with the simply delicious Stonewall
Kitchen condiments?
Stonewall Kitchen's reputation has been built by
consistently creating items of the highest quality with the
most exciting flavors. Stocking your pantry with these
award-winning condiments helps you prepare great cookouts
with your own fresh ingredients and very little fuss and a
lot of fun. Especially nice for easy meals on the grill.
For your dogs, burgers and brats (patties!)
Stonewall Kitchen's Country Ketchup is the grown-up
ketchup kids will love too! It's chunky, zesty and spiced
just right. The Traditional Yellow Mustard
is just the thing for grilled dogs and brats or a baloney
sandwich! Try adding a dollop to your favorite potato salad.
The Farmhouse Green Relish is a flashback
to the relish you loved as a kid...only better. This sweet
pickle relish is great added to your favorite deviled egg
recipe, mixed into a creamy salad dressing and, of course,
on your hot dog! The traditional but Spicy Corn
Relish is the perfect compliment to grilled
hamburgers, fish or chicken. Great with crisp tortilla
chips.
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Hot dog -- have we got the beer for you!
 There's
something to be said about kicking back on a warm summer
evening with your dog and enjoying a refreshing beer with an
indulgent snack. In my case, though a dog lover, the dog I
speak of is the Flying Dog Brewery! Influenced and backed by
the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, this small Colorado based
brew pub which opened its doors in 1990, now distributes
nearly a half million cases of their beer across the
country.
Flying Dog's German-style Hefeweizen, In-Heat Wheat,
is a full flavored unfiltered beer that begs for micro-brew
lovers to give it a try. Their combination of malted white
wheat and proprietary yeast makes this beer smooth and
intriguing, with hints of banana and clove.
With its light flavors and smooth mouthfeel, In-Heat
Wheat is the ideal match for most summer dining. Can
you picture a more All-American Summer treat than kicking
back with your best brew?
Due to shipping limitations, we are unable to sell this item
online, but you can order it via email and we will hold it
for you to pick up in our store.
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Briana's back!
 Made
by the dynamic duo of Bruce Walker and Wayne Hansen of
Starry Night fame (no, Adam West is not involved) and
sourced from one of the most extraordinary high-elevation
vineyards in Napa Valley, this is the second vintage of
Briana's Blend. This year, the blend is of 93% Cabernet
Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc, so barely a blend at all.
It is aged for over a year in French and American oak
barrels and only 2050 cases were produced. It is incredibly
dark, tight and tannic at first. Once it opens up, it
becomes almost plummy, full of deep dark berry flavors. It
is well balanced and can be enjoyed now or cellared for up
to 10 years.
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Buy the gin that beat the Brits
 The
British will never learn. After all these centuries of
American triumphs, we've won yet another battle - the gin
battle. Once considered the consummate English spirit, North
Shore Distillery has laid all competition to rest by
creating a truly perfect super-premium gin. Forget the days
of Beefeater and Sapphire. The gin drinker's train has just
pulled in!
Their flagship distillation, Distiller's Gin No. 6, is made
in the style of a London dry gin, but with a much-welcomed
complex and intriguing flavor. North Shore's careful
selection of unique ingredients creates a harmonious balance
of juniper, citrus, spice and floral notes - the likes of
which you will not find in any of its British counterparts.
Recently rated "Best Gin" by Chicago Magazine,
North Shore also took home a Gold Medal from the Beverage
Tasting Institute. This is the perfect gin for a laid-back
summer evening, sipping gimlets on your screened porch as
you watch the fireflies flutter in your yard. Chalk another
one up for the U.S.!
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This Saturday in Our Tasting Room
Stop by for our FREE Saturday Tasting, 11:00-5:00, when we'll
be showing off our new TriWines, including two that are new to
the store, as well as some other recent additions and summer
specials. See you here! |
Droplets
 Some droplets
of interesting wine news you may have missed. Just click the
links to read.
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See you next week!
 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.
Sincerely,
Your Friends at Schaefer's
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