Suburban Wine & Spirits

Yup....We're tasting wine again....

2012-02-11T08:52:00.002-05:00

A Smattering Of New Arrivals with
the One and Only

Weekend George

Saturday, February 11th

12noon-5pm

Here they are:

Bleecker Chardonnay NV
This delicious, unoaked California Chard is the result of an accident. The vintner accidentally blended ’09 and ’10 together in tank. Still a great wine, but with a sharply discounted price.

La Casalte Rosso di Montepulciano ‘08
Tuscan Sangiovese with a softness, and an appetizing, rustic feel. When you taste this wine, countless meal ideas will flood your mind.

Prazo de Roriz ‘07
Producer Sao Joao da Pesqueira works in a traditional manner in Portugal’s Douro. This red blend of 5 indigenous varieties tastes the way Douro used to.

Masia Carreras ‘04
Producer Marti Fabra Carreras in the Spanish D.O. of Emporda, located far in the north of Catalonia, makes a striking and modern blend of Tempranillo with 5 French varieties.

Bucklin Zinfandel Old Hill Ranch Bambino ‘09
Sonoma’s Old Hill Ranch is one of California’s oldest vineyard sites. The current Zinfandel vines are 11 years old, and this 645 case-production shows what they are capable of.

Red Heads Studio Yard Dog ‘09
Progressive growers like this one are getting away from Shiraz in Southeastern Australia, and are crafting rockin’ new wines like this blend of mostly Petit Verdot plus Cabernet and Merlot.

Washington State Day!!!

2012-02-03T14:42:00.003-05:00

Washington State Day
A Suburban Tasting Event
February 4, 2012
12noon-5pm
Free!

Here is the Line-up:

2010 Waterbrook Melange Blanc

2010 Washington Hills Late Harvest Riesling

2008 Magnificent Wine Co Syrah

2008 Pendulum Red

2008 Waterbrook Merlot Reserve

2006 Camaraderie Cabernet Franc

2009 Bergevin Lane Cabernet Sauvignon

2007 Camaraderie Grace

NV Barnard Griffin Cabernet/Merlot

2010 Independent Producers Merlot

2007 Long Shadows Nine Hats

NV Barnard Griffin Syrah Port

2010 Kung Fu Girl Riesling

2010 Charles and Charles Cabernet/Syrah

2009 Chateau Smith Wines Cabernet Sauvignon

2009 Januik Cabernet Sauvignon

2009 K Vintners The Creator Cabernet/Syrah

2010 Claar Cellars Sauvignon Blanc

2008 Roza Ridge Roadside Market Red

2008 Hyatt Zinfandel Zillah Gorilla

2008 Roza Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon

2009 Andrew Rich Mesalliance

2008 Soos Creek Ciel du Cheval Vineyard

Another Tuesday Night!

2012-01-24T15:26:00.001-05:00

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No Messin’ Around: A night out with Suburban’s wine buyers.

Last Tuesday evening, Lance treated George, Jason and me to a quiet dinner and some incredibly good wines at Dish in Mahopac, NY. As we slurped on potato and leek soup with truffle oil, and devoured duck liver pate, escargots, Venison Bolognese, and strip steak, we also enjoyed and assessed some wicked juice. Here’s what we discovered about them:

2000 Ramonet Chassagne-Montrachet Les Caillerets
This wine was easy to assess: Corked! Would have been a beauty.

1989 Armand Rousseau Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St Jacques
We were so disappointed by the Ramonet, we went straight to the top. The breed of this wine is something I only experience twice a year or so. It started off with primary cherry fruit aromas, reminding, believe it or not, of top flight California Pinot. As it decanted, notes of mint, pine forest, juniper berries, and wood smoke emerged. The texture was super velvety, and ripe acid held the whole package together. This Burg is simply surreal and very palate spoiling. A holder.

1989 Chateau Montrose, St-Estephe
Different animal, similar pedigree. This is the way Cabernet is supposed to be. It smelled like Crème de Cassis, graphite, and 1,000 sharpened pencils! It was so much drier than any new world Cab, with a satisfying bitterness in the youthful tannins. The palate grew more complex as the wine opened, and the structure was ever present. Seemed so young….I would have called it as a 2000.

2001 Rafanelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek
Here we were in Sonoma, and quite evidently. The Raff had also stayed quite youthful after a decade. It was fat in aroma, with juicy currants, tobacco and clay. The palate was at once sweet and savory, with prominent licorice notes. The oak was no longer in the picture, rendering this very interesting. Drink now.

2005 Dunham Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley
Washington State hangs in there! Opened up very slowly. This was certainly more about its fruit and oak for now, showing chocolate, raspberry jell, ripe red fruit, and proper acidity. If you have one, give it time to put on weight and gain complexity.

Thank you, gang, for the treats!
-Michael K
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New Arrivals with "Weekend" George

2012-01-20T11:00:00.002-05:00

New Arrivals
with the one and only
Weekend George!

Saturday, January 21st

12noon-5pm

Free!

St Magdalena Weissburgunder '10
Here, you're so far into northeast Italy (the Sudtirol section of Alto Adige to be exact), that the Pinot Bianco goes by its German name. Why drink Pinot Grigio when there are wines like this?

Venta Morales Organic Tempranillo '09
The newest addition to the Venta Morales label from La Mancha is a meticulously-grown, certified organic Tempranillo that sees some French oak. A substantial red for little green.

Sierra Cantabria Rioja Reserva Unica '07
Entering the world-class portion of our tasting, you'll get to be amongst the first to taste the serious and age-worthy Reserva from a familiar Rioja grower. Unica is something to behold.

Badenhorst Family Secateurs Red '10
Try on this Shiraz-driven blend from the Coastal Region of South Africa. This wine is vinified in ways similar to Southern Rhone, wherein the oak barrels used are old and neutral in flavor.

Hahn Cycles Gladiator Zinfandel '09
Celebrating the effect of the bicycle upon the liberation of western women 100 years ago, Cycles Gladiator Lodi Zin is fresh, alive, and fruitful. 15% alcohol, 100% delicious!

Longwood Shiraz The Shearer '07
The Shearer pays tribute to winemaker Phil Christiansen's former career as a wool classer. It's a McLaren Vale Shiraz of impressive proportions. As Phil would say, "Chew on this!"

Suburban's Annual Values Show!!!!

2012-01-12T17:55:00.002-05:00

Suburban's Annual Values Show!!!
Saturday, January 14th
12noon-5pm
Free, of course!

Join us as we showcase some of our favorite recent finds that all see for less than 15 Bucks!!!

Here is the line-up:

2010 Punta Pays Viognier

2010 Ala Nera Nero d’Avola

2010 Pylon Rouge

2007 Echeverria Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva

2010 Caves Hunawihr Edelzwicker

2009 Le Colombier Vin de Pays Olé

2009 Pas de Rauzan Bordeaux Superieur

2009 Chateau La Chapelle Maillard Bordeaux

2010 Vera de Estenas Bobal

2009 Los Nevados Cabernet Sauvignon

2009 Les Halos du Jupiter Costieres de Nimes

2010 Casa Marguery Malbec

NV Ca'Bolani Prosecco

2009 Lieff Sauvignon Blanc

2010 Carmim Terras del Rei Alentejano

2010 Lurra Garnacha

2008 Blue Cutting Road Cabernet/Merlot

2009 Dante Pinot Noir Reserve

2007 Ca di Ponti Barbera

Saturday Bubbles Tasting!!!!

2011-12-30T16:15:00.002-05:00

We've got some BUBBLES for you on Saturday with 'Weekend George'!
Saturday, December 31st
12noon-5pm (or until they run out)

Here is the line-up:

Adami Prosecco Superiore Bosco di Gica, Brut, NV
Ten years ago, some of us on the staff never even heard of Prosecco. Today, it's a staple, and our best-selling bubbly category. Adami is perhaps our best offering, with impressive delivery of fruit, acid, mineral and yeast. Officially from Italy's Valdobbiadene.

Hubert Clavelin Brut Comté, Cremant du Jura, NV
What a fantastic affordable alternative to Blanc de Blancs Champagne. Try a sparkling Chardonnay from Eastern France's Jura district and prepare to be dazzled by its surprising character and depth of flavor.

Parigot Blanc de Blancs Cremant de Bourgogne, NV
Here's where we get into real vineyard expression….Sparkling White Burgundy! Parigot is lean and mean, and has perhaps the best acidity in the pack. For a serious food-wine to ponder while you enjoy it, this is Exhibit A.

Gimonnet-Gonet Champagne Le Mesnil, NV
Champagne….it's the real thing. Particularly with this bio-dynamic, grand cru selection. A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from 40-year-old vines, this is what we mean by world class. Krug has a bottling from the same village, but it sells for 20 times the price! Yes, 20.

Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rosé, NV
Known widely to be the most Champagne-like of all American sparkling wines are Schramsberg's bubblies. A particularly affordable and fine example is their non-vintage rosé Mirabelle, a wine of remarkable depth and roundness.

D'Arenberg The Stump Jump Sticky Chardonnay '08
It wouldn't be the holidays without dessert wine. We all buy them, but never seem to find an occasion to enjoy them. Now is the time. Check out this fun Aussie sticky made from botrytis Chardonnay in the Adelaide Hills region.

Wine Tasting Tomorrow!!!

2011-12-09T15:29:00.002-05:00

Weekend George will be back to his old tricks tomorrow with some New Arrivals.

Please special Guest Luca Zanin from Bennett Valley Cellars will be pouring his Pinot Noir

Come on by for a taste!!!!

12noon-5pm

Hubert Clavelin Cremant du Jura Brut Comté
Feel guilty drinking Champagne on a week night? First of all….never feel guilty about that. But a more affordable option is this beautiful sparkling Chardonnay from Jura in Eastern France.

Plantagenet Chardonnay Omrah '08
One of the world's most remote wine growing regions is Western Austraila. There is a special and mysterious sense of place in the wines, and this unoaked Chardonnay delivers that feel.

Rocca di Montemassi Sassabruna '06
The Tuscan DOC of Monteregio di Massa Marittima holds a secret that this wine will unveil. That secret is its special expression of the Sangiovese grape. You'll forget about Chianti.

Luzon Crianza Seleccion '08
The Crianza kicks it up a notch from the Luzon you may be familiar with. Monastrell, Tempranillo, Cabernet and Merlot spend one year in oak, and the wine is flashy and deep.

Beau Pere Cellars Merlot '08
Here you have a Napa Merlot sourced from top growers in that county's best vineyards. Beau Pere, or Beautiful Father, is what the expensive stuff tastes like, without the expense.

Pascual Toso Finca Pedregal '05
Selling in the US market for as much as $67, the single-vineyard Pascual Toso "big gun" is 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet. The bottle is massive, the wine is outrageous, and the price is sweet.

Bennett Valley Cellars Pinot Noir '09
Presented by the proprietor will be this beautiful Sonoma Pinot. It's a new discovery of ours, and is a sexy, silky wine that eclipses many in its category.

Aussies and Zins!

2011-11-19T08:30:00.002-05:00

Zinfandel & Australia 2011

Saturday, November 19

12noon-5pm

Here is the line-up:

2009 Paringa Sparkling Shiraz

2010 Mitolo Jester Vermentino

2009 Henry's Drive Morse Code Shiraz

2010 Torbreck Barossa Valley Shiraz

2009 Mitolo Jester Shiraz

2009 Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel

2007 Marietta Angeli

2010 Rolf Binder Highness Eden Valley Riesling

2008 Hyatt Vineyards Zillah Gorilla Zinfandel

2010 Thomas Goss McLaren Vale Shiraz

2008 The Brave Barossa Valley Shiraz

2008 d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original Shiraz/Grenache

2009 C.S. Cellars Vindetta

2010 Bedrock Old Vines Zinfandel

2008 Outpost Howell Mountain Zinfandel

Pinot Noir Day @ Suburban!!!!

2011-11-11T14:20:00.003-05:00

Pinot Noir Day 2011
Saturday, November 12th
12noon-5pm
Free

Let's see...Oregon, California, New Zealand, New York, Burgundy, Alsace, and Austria. That's right - you are going to get to sample some of the finest examples of PN from around the globe. So, come on by and enjoy!

2009 Red Tail Ridge Pinot Noir

2009 Russian Jack Pinot Noir

2009 St Innocent Pinot Noir Villages

2009 Michel Magnien Chambolle-Musigny

2006 Martinborough Pinot Noir

2009 Alta Maria Pinot Noir Santa Maria

NV Goose Watch Pinot Noir Brut Rose

2009 Chalone Pinot Noir Monterey

2009 Stadlmann Pinot Noir

2006 Roland Rapet Aloxe-Corton

2009 Joseph Drouhin Gevrey Chambertin

2009 Andrew Rich Pinot Noir Prelude

2009 Cameron Pinot Noir Dundee Hills

2009 Danjean-Berthoux Bourgogne Rouge

2010 Gresser Pinot Noir d’Alsace Brandhof

2008 Charles Audoin Marsannay CMR
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Rhone-O-Licious

2011-11-05T09:52:00.002-04:00

"Rhone – O – Licious"
Featuring wines from the Rhone and Rhone Varietals!
Saturday, November 5th
12noon-5pm
Free!!

2009 Les Gouberts Sablet Blanc

2009 L'Ameillaud Vaucluse

2010 Robin Crozes-Hermitage Papillion

2009 Fontenilles Cotes du Luberon

2008 Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape

2009 Segries Lirac Cuvee Reservee

2009 Cercius Cotes du Rhone Villages

2009 La Garrigue Vacqueyras

2009 Triennes Viognier VdP du Var

2009 Highflyer Grenache Blanc

2008 Vinos Sin Ley G5

2009 La Cartuja Priorat

2009 Torbreck Shiraz Woodcutter's

2007 Highflyer Centerline Red

Wines from Where?????

2011-10-21T15:39:00.003-04:00

Wines from Where?
Saturday, October 21st
12noon-5pm

Representing Slovenia – Emil Gaspari

2010 Kogl Belo White Blend 1.0

2008 Santomas Malvasia Istria

2009 L.N.G. Refosk 1.0

2010 Kogl Malvasia Mea Culpa

2007 Santomas Malvasia Invasia 375ml

2001 Greben Gamay Late Harvest 500ml

The One and Only 'Weekend George'

2007 Royal Tokaji Dry Furmint (Hungary)

2009 Enjingi Welschriesling (Croatia)

2007 La Vis Mandolaia 375ml (Dolomiti Italy)

2010 Kavaklidere Yakut Red (Turkey)

2007 Enjingi Zwiegelt Late Harvest Dry (Croatia)

2004 Hochar Pere et Fils “Musar” (Lebanon)

Focus on France

2011-10-14T14:30:00.002-04:00

Focus on France Tasting

Sat, October 15th 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Augmenting our table of French selections poured by "Weekend" George will be our friend Michael Affatatto of Roche-Mere Selections.

NV Gimmonet Gonet Brut Tradition

2010 Ch Marac Bordeaux Blanc

2009 Chamfort Sablet Rouge

2009 Ch Clos du Roy Fronsac

2007 Gres St Paul Antonin Rouge

2009 La Chablisienne Cablis Fourchaume

2007 Saint-Jacques Rully

2010 Mourgues de Gres Galets Rose

2009 JJ Vincent Julienas Conseiliere

2009 Faiveley Blagny Sous Le Bois

2009 Ch du Cedre Heritage Cahors Malbec

2009 Ch Seguin Pessac-Leognan

2011-10-07T11:49:00.002-04:00

Big Italy.

Our annual Columbus Day Weekend tribute to the boot has arrived...join us! Saturday, October 8th 12noon-5pm Free! Below is the lineup of outstanding wines that we will be sampling -

2010 Riff Pinot Grigio

2010 Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco

2008 Faltognano Chianti

2010 Buglioni Valpolicella

2006 Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino

2004 San Felice Vin Santo

2010 Taburno Falanghina

2009 Romano Clelia Fiano di Avellino

2010 Casamatta Toscana

2007 Le Fonti Chianti

2006 Ambra Elzana Carmignano

2006 Tiezzi Brunello di Montalcino

2009 Venica Pinot Grigio

2009 Ala Nera Nero d’Avola

2008 Lamuri Dalamerita Nero d’Avola

2006 Paternoster Rotondo Aglianico

2008 Polvanera Primitivo “14”

2006 Settevie Barolo

2010 Terredora Falanghina

2008 Capestrano Montepulciano

2007 Clemente VII Chianti Classico

2008 Cantele Primitivo

2003 Tenimenti Ricci Brunello di Montalcino

2010 Terralba Costa Rossa Barbera 1L

2008 Sobrero Nebbiolo Langhe

2009 Bacco Primitivo

2010 Colle Stefano Verdicchio

2006 Ocone Aglianico

2007 Foradori Granato

2008 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d’Alba

Oktoberfest!

2011-10-01T09:51:00.000-04:00

Suburban’s Oktoberfest

Featuring wines from Germany, Austria and Alsace

2008 Albert Seltz Sylvaner de Mittelbergheim

2010 Leth Gruner Veltliner Steinagrund

2009 Leth Roter Veltliner Hofweingarten

2007 Lagler Neuberger

2008 Trimbach Riesling

2007 Trimbach Pinot Gris Reserve

2008 JJ Prum Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett

2008 Becker Estate Pinot Noir

2005 Schloss Schonborn Pinot Noir

2009 Caves de Hunawihr Edelzwicker

2009 Ebner-Ebenauer Gruner Veltliner 1.0L

2009 K. Alphart Rotgipfler

2010 Valckenberg Gewurztraminer

2009 Kreuznacher Kronenberg Riesling Kabinett

2007 Dr Hermann Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spatlese

2010 Gresser Pinot Noir Brandhof

2008 Marc Aurel St Laurent/Pinot Noir

2008 Heinrich Red (Zwiegelt/Blaufrankisch)

Finger Lakes Wine Festival

2011-09-23T14:47:00.002-04:00

Finger Lakes Wine Festival Featuring over 20 wines from the region Saturday, September 24th 12noon-5pm - FREE!!!

Local price will define the day, as we open many selections from New York's Finger Lakes Wine Region for you to sample and purchase. Let's Uncork New York!

Here is the line-up:

2010	Red Tail Ridge	Chardonnay (Unoaked)
2008	Wagner	Chardonnay (Barrel Fermented)
2009	Lucas	Seyval Blanc
2010	Dr Frank	Gruner Veltliner
2009	Swedish Hill	Vidal Blanc
2008	Dr Frank	Rkatsiteli
2010	Wiemer	Gewurztraminer
2010	Ch Lafayette Reneau	Pinot Noir Blanc (white zin-style)
2008	Heron Hill	Dry Riesling
2010	Dr Frank	Dry Riesling
2009	Lucas	Dry Riesling
2009	Red Newt Circle	(Dry) Riesling
2009	Hunt Country	Semi-Dry Riesling
2009	Sheldrake Point	(Semi-dry) Riesling
2009	Swedish Hill	(Semi-Dry) Riesling
2009	Lamoreaux Landing	Semi-Dry Riesling
2008	Wagner	Semi-Dry Riesling
NV	Ch Lafayette Reneau	Blend - Seyval Blanc/Chardonnay
2010	Dr Frank - Salmon Run	Blend - Chardonnay/Riesling
2009	Wiemer Frost Cuvee	Blend - Riesling/Gewurztraminer
2009	Sheldrake Point Lucky Stone	Blend - Riesling/Pinot Gris/Chard/Muscat
2008	Red Tail Ridge	Pinot Noir
2008	Lamoreaux Landing T-23	Cabernet Franc (Loire-style)
2008	Sheldrake Point	Cabernet Franc (Calif-style)

New Arrivals with "Weekend George"

2011-09-16T14:35:00.001-04:00

New Arrivals
with
"Weekend George"
Saturday, September 17th
12noon-5pm

You have met "Weekend George", haven't you????

Vignoble Dampt Bourgogne Tonnerre ‘09
100% Chardonnay…..what else? Taste the next in a continuous flow of lovely, elegant white Burgundies.

Tabali Viognier Reserva ‘10
Now for something completely different. The grape: Viognier. The place: Limari Valley, Chile. The wine: luscious, silky, fragrant and alive!

Chateau de Monrepos Bordeaux ‘09
Curious about ’09 Bordeaux? Try one from a petit chateau for less than ten bucks, and assess for yourself the quality of the vintage.

Mustang Wine Works Roller Coaster Red NV
Drink this, and you'll be consuming Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Barbera, Petit Verdot, Carignane, Merlot, Malbec and Grenache. Whew!

Mount Langi Ghiran Billi Billi Shiraz ‘07
With 30 years experience in producing Shiraz in the cool climate of Victoria, Australia, these guys have figured out the game.

Roza Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon ‘08
It’s back, and barely needs an introduction. If you haven’t treated yourself yet, now is your chance to taste the Washington State Cab that has had our customers raving for several vintages now.

Santa Ema Catalina ‘06
One of the big boys from Santa Ema, this Cab/Carmenere/Cab Franc blend used to sell for 2x the price. Cut it with a knife.

2011-09-09T13:51:00.002-04:00

Iberia 2011.
Saturday, September 10th
12noon-5pm - FREE!!!

Well, Fall is almost upon us and it is time to kick off the Fall Tasting Season here @ Suburban!!! Just as in years past, we kick it off with a profound showing of the best that the Iberian peninsula has to offer. So join us and sample!! Yes - "Weekend George" will be here!!!

Here is the line-up:

Sonim Cava Brut Reserva

Capricho Bierzo Blanco '09

Torre de Golban Ribera del Duero '07

Flaco Tempranillo '10

La Cartuja Priorat '09

Noval Black

Avanthia Rosé '10

Salia de Finca Sandoval '08

Finca Allende Rioja '05

Vivanco Rioja Blanco '10

Beso de Vino Seleccion '09

Dinastia Vivanco Reserva '05

Barbadillo PX

Fuente Milano Rueda '10

Quinta de Baixo Tinto '08

Maudes Cigales '08

Meandro '08

Ontañon Crianza '07

Viña Alberdi Reserva '05

Remelluri '07

Dow's Vale do Bomfim Douro '07

Blandy's Madeira 5 Year Bual

Dow's Trademark Port

Dow's 20-Year Tawny Port

Smith Woodhouse LBV '99

Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port '03

Labor Day Weekend Wine Tasting

2011-09-02T14:17:00.002-04:00

New Arrivals
with
"Weekend George"
Saturday, September 3rd
12noon-5pm

A special expanded grouping in celebration of Labor Day
Have a great weekend!!!!

Here is the line-up:

Bortolomiol Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze
Our new high-end Prosecco is dry and rather sophisticated. We can't wait to unveil it for you.

Fattoria Zerbina Albana di Romagna '10
New to us, the white variety Albana from Emilia Romagna in northern Italy makes a beautiful wine. Yet another reason not to drink PG.

Commanderie de la Bargemone Rosé '10
Subtle and beautiful, with a very pale orange hue, this Provencal rosé awaits your assessment. Keep the summer alive.
Chateau Mourgues du Gres Rosé '10
Bolder and more dramatic, with a rich pink pigment, Mourgues du Gres is a long-time favorite rosé at Suburban.

Colognole Chianti Rufina Riserva del Don '06
A noteworthy Sangiovese from a Chianti district that is often overlooked. Just the thought of this wine stirs a mean appetite.

Ave Malbec '09
Number 8 in our South American red blind taste-off, this has a nice weight for food-pairing, and a pleasant smoke note poking through all its delicious fruit.

Mi Sueño Winery El Llano '06
Napa Valley Cabernet/Syrah blends are uncommon, but are often savory and impressive. El Llano is no exception, and was previously a $45 wine!

Balgownie Estate Shiraz '06
Considered to be the leading producer in Bendigo, and district in Central Victoria Australia, Balgownie's Shiraz is fragrant, mineral, smooth, and now, half price!

New Arrivals with "Weekend George"

2011-08-26T15:08:00.003-04:00

New Arrivals
with
"Weekend George"
Saturday, August 27th
12noon-5pm

You have met "Weekend George", haven't you????

Clos Blancheau Chardonnay '09
Brand new on the scene, from 30-year-old vines on Paso Robles famed James Berry Vineyard, this Chard promises to be one of the great obscurities from the West Coast.

Schloss Saarstein Riesling '08
From the steep slopes of the Mosel river valley, this crisp, mineral, semi-dry Riesling has exceptional acids, and makes one thirsty just discussing it.

Valli Unite Dolcetto Diogene '08
Just delicious, simple, organically-farmed Dolcetto from the Colli Tortonesi DOC in Piedmont. No sulfites added.

Ruca Malen Petit Verdot Reserva '09
How often do you see a varietal Petit Verdot, let alone one from Argentina? Dense, intense, and on the offense. Unique stuff.

Don David Tannat Reserva '09
While we're at it, we'll throw in another unlikely Argentina red…..a Tannat! Normally associated with France or Uruguay, expect a black, tannic beast.

Red Heads Studio The Moonlighters '07
No, this has nothing to do with Maddie Hayes and David Addison. It's a gutsy Aussie blend of Cab, Petit Verdot and Tannat from a fun group of people.

New Arrivals with "Weekend George"

2011-08-20T09:31:00.001-04:00

New Arrivals
with
"Weekend George"
Saturday, August 20th
12noon-5pm

Huber Hugo Sparkling Rosé Non-Vintage
We're off to Austria, and we won’t sleep until we drink some bubbly. I think this sparkling rosé of Pinot Noir and Zweigelt will do the trick. Not totally dry.

Leeuwin Estate Riesling Art Series '08
By contrast, this Margaret River, Australia Riesling is totally dry. Let this prove that some of the best white on the planet is dry, slatey, mineral Riesling.

M. Plouzeau Les Devants de la Bonneliere Touraine '10
Perhaps the best Touraine Sauvignon we've tasted in recent history, this Plouzeau cuvee is the essence of Loire. Very dry, super fragrant, and popping with acidity.

Santomas Malvasia '08
Santomas has stirred our interest in the wines of Slovenia. The familiar white variety Malvasia has never tasted so distinctive and full-bodied.

Chateau de la Negly La Cote '08
We are excited to have finally acquired the wines of this Coteaux du Languedoc producer. Let's start with the La Cote Rouge, a Rhone blend of epic proportions.

Lamadrid Bonarda '09
We recently wrapped up our first-ever blind taste-off of South American reds, and this nifty Argentine Bonarda had quite a performance. A single-vineyard wine.

Adobe Road Grenache '07
This Mendocino County estate is owned by sports car racer Kevin Buckler. The Grenache is a 500-case production. It's a silky, sleek example of the varietal.

Torbreck Day!

2011-08-11T09:15:00.004-04:00

Torbreck Day!
Saturday, August 13th
12noon-5pm
Free!

Join us for a rare, mid-summer opportunity to taste a size-able chunk of the many wines of Torbreck (along with some other Aussie favorites). David Powell is the man responsible for crafting what are arguably the greatest wines of Barossa Valley Australia, and Suburban will pour them for you and answer your questions about these unmistakable gems. Don't miss this free and exciting event.

Here is the line-up:

At The Bar: Martin Scott Wines: Stuart Gray

2010 Mitolo Jester Vermentino $16.99
2009 Paringa Shiraz $12.99
2008 Hesketh The Protagonist Shiraz $19.99
2007 3 Rings Barossa Shiraz $19.99
2008 Pillar Box Reserve Shiraz $19.99
2009 Mitolo Jester Shiraz $19.99

At The Table: Torbreck Wines: Shelia Healey

2009 Torbreck Woodcutters Semillon $17.99
2010 Torbreck Old Vines Barossa Shiraz $17.99
2009 Torbreck Woodcutters Shiraz $22.99
2009 Torbreck Juveniles Red $22.99
2007 Torbreck The Steading Red $37.99
2006 Torbreck Run Rig Shiraz – Extremely Limited - Pre-Offer $209.99

Best of all, all above pricing will be discounted for the tasting!

Rosé New Arrivals!

2011-08-05T15:01:00.003-04:00

New Arrivals
with
"Weekend George"
Saturday, August 6th
12noon-5pm

To celebrate the expansion of our Rosé section we are going to pap a few of 'em!

Here is the line-up:

Lobster Cove Chardonnay '09
Before the onslaught of rosés, try our favorite new affordable Chardonnay. It's refreshing to find a great Cali Chard that isn't just another "brand". You'll love the label too.

Paul Thomas Sancerre Rosé '10
On the lean side is this rosé of Pinot Noir from the famous Loire appellation of Sancerre. Lots of mineral, subtle fruit, and proper acidity.

L'Escarelle "Ma Campagne" Rosé '10
Simply a Vin de Pays du Var, a departmental municipality bordering on Provence, this is a rosé of Cinsault that is quite charming and food-friendly.

Pierre Guindon Rosé Coteaux d'Ancenis '10
This rosé of Gamay represents the final bottling of the French wine designation VDQS. It is a beautiful, well-made rosé that will probably qualify for AOC by next year.

Biohof Pratsch Rosé '10
Or, try an organic Austrian rosé of Zweigelt, and acknowledge that Austria is in the game of crafting fine dry rosé with the best of them.

Spindrift Cellars Pinot Noir Rosé '10
The big, full-fruited American rosé in this lineup is a Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, Oregon. Very hard to resist this wine.

Batic Rosé '10
Who else is pouring Slovenian rosé this week? Everything about this wines is fascinating, including the bottle. Full-bodied, touch of sugar. Organic.

New Arrivals with "Weekend" George

2011-07-29T14:01:00.001-04:00

New Arrivals
with
"Weekend" George
Saturday, July 30th
12noon-5pm, Free!

Join the one-and-only "Weekend" George as he guides you through some on the latest and greatest bottles to hit our shelves!

Here is the line-up for tomorrow:

Sonim Cava Brut Reserva NV
This Cava proudly displays Metodo Tradicional on the front label, indicating that it's not trying to be Champagne…..it's truly Spanish. Made from the three traditional Cava varieties, it's citrusy, nutty, and tastes like Cava should.

Domaine du Salvard Cheverny Blanc '10
Striking, clean, and mineral, with a saline feel, this Cheverny represents the classic European reserved style of Sauvignon Blanc. It came in 5th in our SB blind taste-off.

Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Blanc '10
A real wake-up call for lovers of white Rhone wines….they're now made in California as well. Half Grenache Blanc, plus Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne, this wine is alive with aroma, intensity, acidity and completeness of flavor.

Ala Nera Nero d'Avola '09
This wine was competing with another great and affordable Nero d'Avola last week, and it won out. Produced by a cooperative of growers in Sicily, it is soft, charming, herbaceous, and appetite-inspiring.

Chateau Castigno St-Chinian '07
There's a reason why they call this Grenache "Secret des Dieux", or "The Secret of the Gods". The packaging is very sexy, and the wine is other-worldly. You might want to investigate.

Marietta Angeli Cuvee '07
Alexander Valley is the origin of one hefty red in this case. Make way for a colossal Zinfandel plus Petite Sirah and Carignane. Those French reds too subtle for you? We have the antidote.

Greek Wine Showcase this Saturday…

2011-07-22T13:28:00.003-04:00

Greek Wine Showcase this Saturday…

In case you are still leery of the wines of Greece, you have the opportunity this weekend to taste a dozen fine examples from this emerging region. The best Greek whites are among the elite wines for food pairing and the reds are perfect for summertime grilled fare. There will even be a rose, a delicious muscat and … RETSINA!!!!

Saturday, 12noon-5pm
Free!

Here is the line-up:

2009 Gaia Notios White
A blend of Moshofilero and Roditis from Peloponisos, this is a subtle and pretty white for a warm day.

2009 Porto Carras Assyrtiko
From the region of Sithonia, this Assyrtiko is grown on the slopes of Mt Meliton. Full-bodied white with much skin contact.

2010 Mercouri Estate Foloi
Foloi features the Roditis variety as grown on the mountain vineyards of Peloponisos. The '10 is a lean and classic example.

2010 Argyros Atlantis White
Mostly the Assyrtico variety, grown in the Cyclades of Santorini. The first of 2 gems from this island in our tasting.

2010 Sigalas Athiri-Assyrtiko
Two classic varieties from Santorini create a harmonious, lean white with lovely acidity and minerality.

2010 Pavlidis Thema
Sauvignon Blanc and Assyrtico from Drama. This is a fragrant and exotic white, and is the highlight of our Greek white selections.

2010 Gaia Estate 14-18h Rosé
Dry rosé of Agiorgitiko from Nemea, with freshness and a unique sense of place. Striking color.
2010 Porto Carras Limnio
The ancient Limnio variety is grown here in Sithonia. Expect a distinctive red with spice, pepper and cinnamon notes.

2007 Spiropoulos Red Stag
The Agiorgitiko variety as grown in Nemea, and raised in French oak. Nice ripe cherry and vanilla.

2010 Vassilou Retsina of Attica
This dry white from Attica is made of the Savatiano variety, and is raised with a touch of pine resin for an ancient touch.

2008 U.W.C.S. Samos Muscat Vin Doux
Beautiful dessert wine made of Muscat from a cooperative of growers on the island of Samos. Decadently sweet and 15% alcohol.

New Arrivals with "Weekend" George

2011-07-15T15:25:00.003-04:00

New Arrivals
with
"Weekend" George
Saturday, July 16th
12noon-5pm, Free!

Join the one-and-only "Weekend" George as he guides you through some on the latest and greatest bottles to hit our shelves!

Here is the line-up for tomorrow:

Chimney Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc '10
Growing tired of the same old brands in New Zealand SB, we conducted a blind taste-off of SB under $20. Chimney Creek surfaced as one of the greats, and made us glad we sought.

San Giovanni Il Chiaretto Rosé '10
First off, the packaging is striking, reminding of a 19th century Port bottle. Grepello Freisa is the variety, hailing from a region around Lake Garda in Veneto. Charming indeed.

Finca La Linda Malbec Rosé '10
Luigi Bosca has given us a balanced and bold rosé from Mendoza, Argentina. The fruit is fresh and alive, and the body is dense. What else would one expect from a rosé of Malbec.

Christian Moueix St-Estephe '06
No need for a double take. That is the correct price for this St-Estephe. 55% Cabernet and 45% Merlot, and made from fruit purchased from exceptional growers, this nicely profiles the region, for a song.

Screw Kappa Napa Merlot s/k/n '07
The unconventional approach of the Sebastiani brothers does wonders with the conventional grape Merlot. '07 Napa at this price is the craziest part. We'll twist one open on Saturday.

Salvatore Molettieri Aglianico Irpinia Cinque Querce '06
The great Aglianico variety of Campania is responsible for some of the longest-lived red wines of Italy. Molettieri's '06 is no exception. Beautiful rich tannins and a smoky nuance distinguish this wine. A selection for your cellar.

Tasting Line-up For Saturday, July 2, 2011

2011-07-01T14:53:00.004-04:00

New Arrivals
with
"Weekend" George
Saturday, July 2nd
12noon-5pm, Free!

Join the one-and-only "Weekend" George as he guides you through some on the latest and greatest bottles to hit our shelves!

Here is the line-up for tomorrow:

Six Hats Viognier '10
Fair-trade certified, organically-farmed Viognier from the Western Cape of South Africa that's loaded with honeysuckle and fun. What's not to love?

Santa Vittoria Grechetto '10
Here's another example of what we find when we let small importers in the door. It's a Tuscan Grechetto from the Valdichiana DOC that is pristine and textbook in style.

Chateau Bellevue La Foret Rosé '10
This week's rosé selection is from the slopes of the Fronton region of France, north of Toulouse. Negrette is the sole variety here, and unique is the flavor.

Vidigal Douro '05
A red blend of native varieties compose this modern-style, soft, seamless red from Portugal's Douro region. The home of cork has gone screwcap!

Gruet Pinot Noir '08
It's not just bubbly anymore. New Mexico is now the home of one of the most highly-anticipated American Pinot Noirs, and it's finally here.

Falesco Merlot '09
You'll remember this Umbrian classic from vintages past. The label has changed, but the wine has not. 100% Merlot from an unlikely place…..and it works.

Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla Real '07
Another blast from the past, the Medalla Real bottling is one of the more forceful and dramatic Cabernets from Chile. Experience the '07 with us.

Rosé '10.

2011-06-24T12:47:00.002-04:00

Rosé '10.

Few wines are better for Sumertime than Rosé! While the weather may not be cooperating right now..there is no reason we should let that stop us. Come on by for a taste!

Here is the line-up:

Eugene Carrel Vin de Savoie Rosé '10

Robert Serol Cote Roannaise Rosé Cabochard '10

Pepiere Cabernet Franc Rosé La Pépie '10

Cortijo Rioja Rosado '10

Charles & Charles Syrah Rosé '10

Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé '10

Domaine Collotte Marsannay Rosé '10

Mas de Gourgonnier Le Baux de Provence Rosé '10

Chateau Vignelaure Aix en Provence Rosé '10

Domaine Pelaquié Tavel Rosé '10

Caves Donnas Rosato Larmes du Paradis '10

Colonnella Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Cerasuolo Le Corone '10
.

Tasting...with "Weekend George"!!!

2011-06-17T15:10:00.002-04:00

New Arrivals!

...with "Weekend" George

Saturday, June 17th

12noon-5pm

Free!

Here is what we will be tasting:

Joostenberg Wines Little J White '10
Say hello to a pleasant little blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier from South Africa's Western Cape. The fruit is very pure and tropical, and the finish is off-dry.

Xtremo Torrontes '08
An aging white from Mendoza, Argentina, this Torrontes is one of the best we've had in a while. Its aromas pop with a distinctive flair, and the wine is very racy in the mouth.
Dr. Lippold Empress Josephine's Riesling '09
Here's a Mosel Riesling that has more than meets the eye when it comes to style and quality. It placed in the top ten in our blind taste-off of the best whites under $10. Exotic and semi-dry.

Domaine Labbé Vin de Savoie Rouge '08
Ever had a Mondeuse? That's the grape variety that composes this cool-climate red from France's Savoie. Light-bodied and very pretty. 12% alcohol…..how often is that seen anymore?

Wooloomooloo Red Blend '08
Perhaps the most fun wine name to pronounce, Wooloomooloo Red blends Shiraz, Cabernet, Grenache and Mataro. This is a juicy, sappy, bold-flavored Aussie.
Bussola Valpolicella Ripasso Ca' del Laito '06
George F. flipped out over this Ripasso from the well-liked producer Bussola. Although it is a "big" wine, it is not about its bigness as much as it is about its diversity of flavor.

Xavier Flouret uQamata '07
Produced by Amani Vineyards in Stellenbosch South Africa, this Cab Franc-driven Bordeaux blend is the brilliant work of a seasoned female winemaker. It's worth coming just to taste this wine alone.
.

Saturday Wine Tasting @ Suburban

2011-06-10T09:17:00.002-04:00

Little Guys!

It is certainly no secret that we taste an awful lot of wine here at Suburban. This also means that we taste a lot of awful wine! But we are committed to finding those "under-the-radar" values that drink more than they cost. This is why we deal with over 75 different distributors in seeking out the best bang for your buck. Join us on Saturday and have a taste of some of our more recent discoveries.

Saturday, June 11th
12noon-5pm
Free!

Here is the line-up

Chateau de Berzé Macon Milly-Lamartine '09

Domaine Les Goubert Sablet Blanc '09

Chateau de Berzé Macon Rouge '09

Chateau Haut-Rozier Bordeaux Superieur '09

Domaine Les Goubert Gigondas '07

Rock Point Pinot Grigio '09

Camaraderie Cabernet Franc '06

Ventisquero Merlot Queulat Gran Reserva

Del Rio Claret '08

Bergevin Lane Cabernet Sauvignon

Villavid Tempranillo Joven '09

Alpha Zeta Corvina '09

Chateau du Prieure Cotes du Rhone '09

Venica Pinot Grigio Jesera '09

Melville Chardonnay Verna's '09

CC: Cabernet Sauvignon '07

Luzon '09

Filon '10

Bula '09

Paul Kubler Kintet '04

Viu Manent Sauvignon Blanc '10

Chateau Belingard Bergerac Rouge '09

Viu Manent Malbec Reserva '09

Chateau Belingard Monbazillac '06

Saturday's New Arrivals!

2011-06-03T14:18:00.002-04:00

New Arrivals
Saturday, June 4th , 12-5pm
"Weekend" George will sample you through a gathering of the newest arrivals to hit Suburban's shelves.

Here is the Line-up:

Buchegger Rosé '10
Our weekly featured rosé comes this time from Austria. Made of Pinot Noir, this is one of the delights of the season. Very easy to love.

Cantina del Taburno Falanghina '10
Almond blossom, lemon, and fresh nectarine come to mind when considering this Campanian Falanghina, made from the best fruit of a cooperative of growers.

Schug Chardonnay '08
We've been impressed lately with the wines of this Carneros producer. The '08 Chard is precise and beautiful. Conservative use of oak, and noteworthy balance.

Le Fraghe Bardolino '10
Each spring/summer, we like to feature a light-bodied, chill-able, dry Italian red to offer our red wine drinkers in the warm weather. Say hello to Bardolino made the old-fashioned way.

Goulart Cabernet Sauvignon Clásico '09
Here's a sexy new find in Argentinean Cabernet. Goulart Clásico is eye-popping good, and way under-priced. Vividly sweet and plumy with notes of licorice and brambly fruit.

Portal del Alto Carmenere Reserva '05
We love when great new-world wines are released late. This '05 is in full stride; while it's still fresh and alive, it has grown smoky and complex.

New Arrivals Tasting!

2011-05-27T14:40:00.002-04:00

We recently concluded one of our famous taste-offs! The results are what we are tasting tomorrow – stop on by!

12noon-5pm

Suburban Blind Taste-off

White Wines, $10 or Less

Goal: Taste blind as many ten-dollar white wines from around the globe as we can and isolate the best ones in the bunch.

# of Wines Tasted: 148

Panel: 8 acid-resistant palates from the Suburban Staff

Scoring: 4-10 points, averaged, with highest and lowest scores for each wine dropped

It's not a surprise that the top 6 is Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc-heavy. But what's more exciting is the appearance of Austria and Long Island this time around. 6 exciting wines have emerged, each and every one for less than a Hamilton.

#1: Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc '10

Chile nails the top spot this year! Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc is the only wine in this lineup that was already on Suburban's shelves before the contest. This is a fragrant beauty, offering peach, orange and white pepper notes. The palate is loaded with pit fruits, and has beautiful nervy acidity. This does not taste like a ten-dollar wine.

#2: Kreuznacher Kronenberg Riesling Kabinett '09

Very affordable, off-dry Riesling from Germany's Nahe region. Aromas of flowers and Manuka Honey. Not just a semi-sweet white. One of distinction.

#3: Groiss Gruner Veltliner '09 1L

This Gru-V is fat and Chenin-like. Dry, stylish, and offering a very long lingering of flavor. Austria is coming on strong. This is a one-liter size.

#4: Duck Walk Sauvignon Blanc '09

Local pride saves the day. This Sauvignon Blanc bursts with tropical fruit aromas and notes of melon and lechee. This vintage boasts a round mouthfeel, yet finishes clean and dry.

#5: Kreuznacher Riesling Spatlese Kronenberg '09

This Nahe Spatlese is an extraordinary wine that just happens to be sweet. The aromas are rich with botrytis, and the slatey flavors are haunting.

#6: Ockfener Scharzburg Riesling '09

On the drier side for Mosel Riesling, this is even more compelling than most sweeter examples. Classic slatey flavors, and that unique fruit/mineral/acid interplay.

Goin' Back to Cali....

2011-05-20T10:19:00.002-04:00

Goin' back to Cali…

Saturday, May 21st

12noon-5pm - FREE!

The tasting that needs no introduction is our annual California show. The north and south coasts will be represented, and the juice will be wild.

Here is the Line-up:

Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier '09

Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir ’09

Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel ’09

C&C California Chardonnay '09

Melville Estate Carrie's Pinot Noir ’09

Melville Estate Terraces Pinot Noir ’09

Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rose 'NV

Cartlidge & Browne North Coast Chardonnay '09

Cliff Lede Stag's Leap District Sauvignon Blanc ’09

Rabbit Ridge Le Lapin Speed Bump Red 'NV

Routestock Napa Cabernet Sauvignon '08

Grey Stack Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc ’10

Highflyer Centerline Red '07

Jocelyn Lonen Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon '07

Snowden Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ’08

Bedrock Kick Ranch Sauvignon Blanc '10

Wyatt Cabernet Sauvignon '09

Sean Minor 4B Pinot Noir '09

Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir'08

Davis Family Old Vine Zinfandel '07

Layer Cake California Cabernet Sauvignon ’09

Oreana Sugar Mountain Vineyard Zinfandel ’08

Esca Napa Syrah ’06

Foley The Griffin Red ’08

Lail Blueprint Cabernet Sauvignon ’07

Lioco Sonoma County Chardonnay ’09

Alban Vineyards Central Coast Viognier '09

M.Autumn Napa Valley Merlot ’07

Ilsley Seis Primas Stag's Leap District Red ’07

Penche Argent Napa Red '07

Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tasting and Book Signing with Harry Karis

2011-05-13T13:06:00.001-04:00

Saturday, May 14^th, 12-5pm:

Book Signing & Tasting at Suburban

Meet the author of the award-winning Chateauneuf-du-Pape Wine Book, and acquire an autographed copy. While you're here, why not taste some CNDP for free? There will be a generous lineup of Papes open for sampling.

This is a "can't-miss" event!!!

Also joining us tomorrow will be Sprout Creek Farm with a selection of cheeses. Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Harry Karis AND Cheese? You can't go wrong!

Check out this line-up:

2009 Domaine de La Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc

2001 Domaine de La Solitude Cuvee Barberini Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc

1999 Domaine de La Solitude Cuvee Barberini Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge

2008 Domaine Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc

2007 Domaine de Villeneuve Chateauneuf-du-Pape

2008 Tardieu-Laurent Cuvee Speciale Chateauneuf-du-Pape

2008 Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape

2008 La Ferme du Mont Cotes Capelan Chateauneuf-du-Pape

2008 Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Roussanne Pur

2006 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape

2008 Clos St-Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape VV

2004 Clos St-Jean La Combe des Fous Chateauneuf-du-Pape

2009 Mont Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc

2007 Mont Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge

2005 Les Cailloux Chateauneuf-du-Pape

2007 Laurence Feraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape

2008 Domaine Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape

2007 La Roquete Chateauneuf-du-Pape

2007 Domaine de La Charbonniere Les Hautes Brusquieres Cuvee Speciale Chateauneuf-du-Pape

2005 La Nerthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape

New Arrivals Tomorrow!

2011-05-06T13:35:00.001-04:00

New Arrivals
Saturday,May7th , 12-5pm
"Weekend" George will sample you through a gathering of the newest arrivals to hit Suburban's shelves.

Here is the line-up:

Pazo de Arribi Godello '09 ~~$11.99~~ $9.59

The Godello grape is beginning to make its mark in the U.S…..anyone caught up in the Pinot Grigio trap should be drinking this instead. Pazo de Arribi is from Spain's Bierzo region.

Rolf Binder Riesling Highness '10 ~~$13.99~~ $11.19

Pure, dry, and stunning, this Eden Valley, Australia Riesling gives substantial credibility to Southern Hemisphere white wine. Slate, mineral, high acidity, lots of body, very complete.

Neumayer Gruner Veltliner Engelberg '09 ~~$19.99~~ $15.99

We head to Austria as often as possible, and when we do, we drink colossal wines like this Gruner. You could spend big bucks on Alsatian wine, but it ain't gonna taste like this!

Chateau Lamargue Syrah Les Grandes Cabanes '08 ~~$8.99~~ $7.19

Negociant/winemaker Jean-Luc Colombo is behind this Southern Rhone Syrah, from the Costieres de Nimes AOC. Fresh and young with red berry fruit and licorice notes. A steal.

Blue Coast Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon '09 ~~$9.99~~ $7.99

This too is a South of France red, made of Cabernet by a progressive and environmentally-sustainable producer. Stylistically somewhere between Bordeaux and California.

Poggio del Querce Il Guado '07 ~~$23.99~~ $19.19

Il Guado is a Bolgheri Rosso, meaning that it's a Bordeaux blend from coastal Tuscany….the home of Sassicaia and Ornellaia. 80% Cabernet and 20% Merlot, with impressive depth.

Plus One Surprise Mystery Wine….

Wine & Food Expo Today!

2011-04-30T09:31:00.004-04:00

This is a big one! Come taste a couple of dozen wines with some terrific food, cheese and dessert samples from local favorites!

Here is the line-up:

Chasing Venus Sauvignon Blanc '10

Saintsbury Vincent Vin Gris '10

Morse Code Shiraz '09

Bitch Garnacha '09

Buglioni Valpolicella '09

Trevor Jones Boots Dessert Wine NV

Vivanco Rioja Blanco '10

Goulart Torrontes ’10

Beso de Vino Selección ’09

l'Hortus Classique Blanc ’09

Vindemio Regain Ventoux ’08

Saint-Roch Chimeres Roussillon ’08

Champagne Godmé Pére et Fils Blanc de Noirs NV

Benjamin Leroux Bourgogne Blanc ’08

JL Chave Cotes du Rhone Mon Coeur ’09

Arcadian Chardonnay Sleepy Hollow Vineyard ’06

JK Carriere Pinot Noir The Provocateur ’08

Le Gode Rosso di Montalcino '08

Wurtz Riesling Trocken Bag-In-Box 3L ’10

Esteva Douro ’08

Gotham Shiraz ’08

Avanthia Godello ’09

Wrongo Dongo Monastrell ’10

Atteca ’08

Here is what we are tasting!

2011-04-22T11:26:00.003-04:00

New Arrivals
Saturday,April 23rd , 12-5pm
"Weekend" George will sample you through a gathering of the newest arrivals to hit Suburban's shelves.

Domaine Guillemarine Picpoul de Pinet '09 ~~$ 9.99~~ $ 7.99

The simple and delightful white of Provence is always a bargain. Take it south of eight dollars and it's irresistible.

Cuvee Cep d'Or Cotes de Provence Rosé '10 ~~$13.99~~ $11.19

As spring inches in, we try to keep the rosé teasers coming. The Cep d'Or, a blend of Grenache and Cinsault, is a favorite from past vintages. Let's check out the '10

Chateau du Prieuré Cotes du Rhone '09 ~~$ 9.99~~ $ 7.99

'09 CdR's have all been easy to love. But we nearly flipped when we heard the price on this beauty. 100% Grenache in all its splendor.

Ontañon Rioja Crianza '07 ~~$13.99~~ $11.19

Our wine of the week, Ontañon is the next in a long lineage of great Rioja under twelve bucks. Has to be tasted to be believed.

Castell 'In Villa Chianti Classico '07 ~~$25.99~~ $20.79

Top Tuscan vintage, under-acknowledged producer, kind of expensive and worth it. Aren't you dying to find out what's in this bottle?

Les Cousins Pinot Noir '09 ~~$32.99~~ $26.39

The famous Beaux Freres of Willamette Valley, Oregon, is co-owned by wine critic Robert Parker. This 2^nd label shows the beauty and elegance that Pinot is all about.

You Had Me at Merlot....

2011-04-15T15:14:00.002-04:00

Bringin' Merlot Back

Saturday, April 16th, 12-5pm

We are on a mission, and the outcome is clear.

Merlot is about to come off the list of cliché wine categories, with the arrival of so many impressively-made examples. Let's taste 'em.

Here is the line-up:

2007 Code Noir Rattlesnake Hills Washington Merlot

2008 Trentadue Alexander Valley Merlot

2006 Keenan Estate Napa Valley Merlot

2007 Osso Anna Napa Valley Merlot

2006 J.Kirkwood Napa Valley Merlot

2008 Chateau la Rose Tour Blanche Bordeaux

2009 Tres Palacios Reserve Chile Merlot

2008 Domaine de la Patience Vin de Pays France Merlot

2007 Ventisquero Queulat Gran Reserva Chile Merlot

2005 De Trafford Stellenbosch South Africa Merlot

2008 Chateau Beauregard Pomerol Bordeaux

2009 Crosby California Merlot

2007 Aquinas Napa Valley Merlot

NV Candor Lot 2 California Merlot

2009 Charles Smith The Velvet Devil Merlot

2007 Jaqk Bone Dance Napa Valley Merlot

2008 Pride Sonoma/Napa Merlot

Bordeaux: Part Deux

2011-04-01T11:03:00.003-04:00

Bordeaux: Part Deux: Due to our power outage last Saturday we will be opening more Bordeaux this weekend! Some old favorites and some new ones as well; we hope you are able to stop by! Saturday 12n-5pm.

Here is the line-up:

2009 Graville Lacoste Blanc

2008 Tour de Mirambeau Blanc

2005 Fonguillon L'Enclos Montagne Saint-Emilion

2006 Bel-Air 1er Cotes de Bordeaux

2006 Faugeres St-Emilion

2009 Tayac Margaux Cuvee

2008 La Rose Tour-Blanche Bordeaux AC

2008 Fonroque St-Emilion

2004 La Conquete Pomerol

2008 Lauriol Bordeaux Cotes de Francs

2008 l'Heritage de Chasse Spleen Moulis

2005 Moueix Merlot

Bordeaux Day is Upon Us!

2011-03-26T08:52:00.002-04:00

Bordeaux Day
Saturday, March 26th, 12-5pm
This tasting is always a favorite. And with so many ‘09s entering the market, it promises to be an event not to miss. We’ll do the decanting, you just taste.

Here is the line-up:

2008 La Croix de Carbonnieux Pessac-Leognan

2009 Haut-Laulion Bordeaux AC 1.5L

2008 La Rose Tour-Blanche Bordeaux AC

2000 Sainte-Gemme Haut-Medoc

2006 Bel-Air 1er Cotes de Bordeaux

2006 Charmant Margaux

2007 Les Charmes Godard Cotes de Francs Blanc

2009 Blanchon Lussac Saint-Emilion

2008 Lauriol Bordeaux Cotes de Francs

2006 Puygueraud Cuvee George

2009 Bel-Air Gallier Graves Blanc

2008 La Chapelle Maillard Bordeaux AC

2005 La Tour Cordouan Medoc

2009 Picampeau Lussac St-Emilion

2008 Macquin Saint-Georges Saint-Emilion

2005 Moueix Merlot

2004 La Conquete Pomerol

2005 L'Hospitalet de Gazin Pomerol

2005 Clauzet Saint-Estephe

2009 Laffont-Fourcat Bordeaux Blanc

2008 l'Heritage de Chasse Spleen Moulis

2008 Connetable de Talbot Saint-Julien

2008 Rouget Pomerol

2005 Fonguillon L'Enclos Montagne Saint-Emilion

2005 Duplessis Moulis-en-Medoc 1.5L
.

Tasting Tomorrow!!! Saturday, March 19th - 12n-5p

2011-03-18T12:37:00.002-04:00

This marks the first-ever Suburban blind taste-off of Iberian wines! For the most part, it was a pleasure to sample these wines, as the majority of the wines entered were interesting and well-made. We narrowed the results to the top six, in order to bring you the very best selections from the contest. All 6 turned out to be Spanish, entries of which far outnumbered the Portuguese entries. Here are the winners, for your Saturday tasting enjoyment - stylistically old-world and new:

#1: Capҫanes Montsant Costers del Gravet '07
From early in the contest, this wine was so far ahead in the numbers that we began to carry it, preemptively. It held on through 8 subsequent rounds and remains our new favorite Iberian red under twenty bucks! It's a blend of Garnacha and Syrah from the emerging region Montsant….famous for being attached to Priorat. This is a heady and serious effort with plenty of guts, structure, and flavor development, and needs to be tasted to be believed.

#2: Isabena Somontano '08
Discovering the obscure makes these taste-offs all worthwhile. With our Iberian contest, it's a Garnacha/Syrah/Merlot blend from the Somontano region, an isolated area in the northeast of Spain. Isabena is full of fruit up front, and offers an interesting earthy finish.

#3: Ijalba Rioja Crianza '05
We've proudly worked with Ijalba wines in the past. This Crianza has a fascinating old-world aromatic profile (earth, birch beer, dill), is nicely oxidative, and offers compelling mineral-laden flavors. Just lovely.

#4: La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Rioja Reserva '03
You may recall that this Tempranillo was Michael's Wine of 2010! It's back to receive a new accolade. Vanillin American oak, minerals, herbs, cola, tea leaf, and a Burgundian texture/minerality. One of the greats.

#5: Castaño Solanera Viñas Viejas '07
Another blast from the past is Solanera, a wine we've carried in multiple vintages. The '07 is still spot on. It's a young and energetic blend of Monastrell and Cabernet from the Mediterranean Yecla region, and promises to unfold into a captivating wine as it matures further.

#6: Avan Nacimiento Ribera del Duero '08
Great Ribera is not often encountered in the under $20 price range. Avan is one of those rare offerings. Earthy, funky, silky and low in acidity, we just loved how different it was from almost everything else in the contest.

Southwest France

2011-03-11T08:36:00.004-05:00

Southwest France

Saturday, 12noon-5pm

Here's an exciting category that doesn't often get the attention it deserves. Taste some compelling wines from Bergerac, Cahors, Gaillac, Buzet and several other appellations.

Here is the line-up:

2009 Domaine des Terrisses Gaillac Blanc

2008 Domaine des Terrisses Gaillac Rouge

2006 Domaine du Cros Marcillac Vielles Vignes

2005 Chateau Laffitte-Teston Madiran Reflets du Terroir

2008 Caves Plaimont Saint-Mont Vignes Retrouvees

2007 Domaine La Croix Buzet

2007 Vignerons du Madiran 1907 Madiran

2005 Chateau Haut-Borie Cahors

2009 Colombelle Cotes de Gascogne

2007 Chateau Jolys Juranҫon Sec

2009 Chateau Richard Bergerac Cuvee Naturel

2008 Georges Vigouroux Pigmentum Malbec, Cahors

2008 Clos La Coutale Cahors

2007 Chateau Richard Saussignac (500ml)

New Arrivals for March 5th, 2011

2011-03-05T10:45:00.001-05:00

New Arrivals for March 5th, 2011

Bastianich Vespa Bianco ’08
The 10th Anniversary release of Vespa from Joe Bastianish’s Friuli vineyards happens to be a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and the rare Picolit. This is the new Italy.

Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc ’09
Why should Marlborough get all the fame? Martinborough holds the future of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and Te Muna Road Vineyard is the site that will prove it.

Barista Pinotage ’09
The Western Cape of South Africa grows some of the most aromatic and assertively flavored Pinotage. Barista has that chocolate/coffee/smoky thing going on.

Capcanes Costers de Gravet ’07
Montsant, right next to Priorat, is responsible for exceptional wines with more realistic price tags than that of their neighbors. Cabernet, Garnacha and Carinena steal the show here.

Vina Ninquen Syrah Antu ’06
Colchagua Valley Chile is growing the usual grape suspects, but is experimental as well. Here, Syrah shows its potential as an up-and-coming varietal from an unlikely place.

Hazyblur The Baroota Shiraz ’06
This hazy, crazy Barossa Valley Shiraz is making a dramatic return to Suburban. If you like them dense, lusty, and 15% alcohol, you may have found your new best friend.

New Arrivals Tasting

2011-02-18T14:03:00.003-05:00

New Arrivals

Saturday February 19^th, 12-5pm

"Weekend" George will sample you through a gathering of the newest arrivals to hit Suburban's shelves.

Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc Les Setilles '08
Outstanding Chardonnay from declassified Mersault and Puligny-Montrachet vineyards. This is in the elite of Bourgogne Blancs, and truly over-delivers.

Casa de Mouraz Encruzado '08
Gorgeous organic white from the Dao region of Portugal, made from the Encruzado variety. The vineyards were mentioned in documents from the 16th century!

Domaine Matignon Anjou Rouge '08
This is another reason why Loire Valley Cabernet Franc is among the greatest red wines values on the planet. Mushroom torte, anyone?

Italo Pietrantonj Montepulciano d'Abruzzo '07
Made the old-fashioned way, this is the way Montepulciano should taste…..soft, earthy, leathery, and with notes of anise and dried tobacco.

Calera Pinot Noir Central Coast '08
Impressive, as one would expect. We tasted the wine this week and just had to have it. For a wine sourced from 10 vineyard sites, this tastes rather distinctive.

Heretat de Taverners Mallaura '05
A flat-out steal from Valencia, this maturing blend of Cabernet, Tempranillo, Garnacha and Monastrell is gutsy and substantial, and used to cost 3 times as much.

Pacific Northwest Wine Tasting!!!!

2011-02-11T10:50:00.002-05:00

The Pacific Northwest

Saturday, February 12th, 12-5pm

With all this focus on California & New York, how about extending some love to Oregon and Washington! This tasting offers the most surprises each year. And it ain’t just Pinot and Merlot. We’ll explore deeper into what the northwest has to offer.

Here is the line-up:

2009 Claar Cellars Unoaked Chardonnay

2008 JK Carriere Provacateur Pinot Noir

2006 Belle Pente Pinot Noir Belle Pente Vineyard

2007 Cadence Coda Red Blend

2006 Betz Clos du Betz

2009 Rock Point Pinot Grigio

2008 Bergevin Lane Calico White

2007 Del Rio Claret

2008 Bergevin Lane Cabernet Sauvignon

2008 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir

2009 Stonecap Cabernet Sauvignon

2007 Duck Pond Red Blend, Wahluke Slope

2009 Illahe Gruner Veltliner

2009 Illahe Viognier Willamette Valley

2008 Illahe Pinot Noir

NV Va’Piano Bruno’s Red Blend

2009 Hyatt Vineyards Pinot Gris

2009 Montinore Estate Borealis

2007 Hyatt Vineyards Zillah Gorilla Zinfandel

2009 Evesham Wood Pinot Noir

2008 Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red

2007 Code Noir Merlot

2006 Brunello Tasting Tomorrow!!!

2011-02-04T13:41:00.005-05:00

The moment you all have been waiting for! Here is the line-up for tomorrow's Brunello tasting. Now remember…these wines will not be in the country until the Spring, so this is a rare opportunity to taste a tremendous vintage BEFORE anyone else!

We were lucky to get our hands on the following:

'06 La Colombina Brunello di Montalcino

'06 Mocali Brunello di Montalcino

'06 San Filippo Brunello di Montalcino

'06 Scopetone Brunello di Montalcino

'06 Tiezzi Vigna Soccorso Brunello di Montalcino

'06 San Filippo Le Lucére Brunello di Montalcino

'06 Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino

Hope to see you! And..stay tuned on Monday for a BIG announcement!

Saturday's Tasting Line-Up!!!!

2011-01-28T09:46:00.004-05:00

Saturday's Tasting Line-up:

Burgans Albariño '09 $14.99/$11.99
The Rias Baixas fruit sources are far better today that when this was offered as a Martín Codax wine years ago. A bold Albariño with rich acids.

Tiré Bouchon Bourgogne Aligoté '09 $14.99/$11.99
Very high-quality Aligoté coming from a secret source in the Cote d'Or. This will make you hungry for shellfish or fondue.

Chateau La Nauze Cotes de Castillon '04 $8.99/$7.19
A maturing Bordeaux from a modest property. Scents of herb, licorice, tobacco, leather and soft redcurrant fruit.

Venturini Valpolicella '09 $12.99/$10.39
Our latest exciting find in very affordable Valpolicella. This is not a baby Amarone; It is a soft, elegant expression of traditional Valpolicella varieties.

Domaine de Beaurenard Rasteau '07 $19.99/$15.99
From the growers behind several Chateauneuf-du-Papes of great pedigree, this Rasteau promises to have much character in store.

Hesketh Shiraz The Protagonist '08 $19.99/$15.99
From gnarled old Shiraz vines in Australia's Barossa Valley, this offers the expected ripeness and texture, but backs it up with balance and structure.

The Choosing of Suburban’s Wine of the Year….A Study in Endurance.

2011-01-27T17:51:00.002-05:00

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Many have asked how we go about it...so Michael put some pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard):

With the holidays wrapped up, and our 2010 Wine of the Year sold out (we have ordered more), I thought it would be interesting for our readers to have a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the process of choosing our winning wine. And I assure you, this is no simple task.

As you may have read when ’07 Mocali Mirus was announced in early December, the wine was actually discovered by Lance and George independently at a NYC trade show way back in the spring. It is normally the case that we begin to think about the next Wine of the Year (WOTY) shortly after the turn of the new year, as the trade show season begins, and as the sales reps from the 100+ wine distributors we do business with begin to reveal their latest offerings right at our desks. It’s a long shot that a wine we taste in January will still be available in November, but simply discovering a hot producer will ignite a spark in our heads that stays lit all year. Throw in a few blind taste-offs, and don’t forget our own wine consumption outside of work. Before it’s all over, we’ll have tasted 10,000 wines collectively, generating an intimidating vinous sea of possibilities to reference in retrospect. But creating all this work for ourselves will make that one final selection all the more special.

Fast-forward to mid-autumn; The WOTY discussions begin, primarily between Lance, George, Jason and me. We start to brainstorm about all of the wines that made a huge impression on us during the year, and we investigate their current status. We also begin the process of assembling samples of all the contenders. Many of the wines in the game are also considered as our individual staff WOTYs, and at times, one of our personal WOTYs is a wine that was eliminated in the final round for Suburban’s WOTY. Above all else, the contending wines must meet certain qualitative criteria to even be part of the mix in the first place.

In gathering our samples, we also consider the market-ability of what will ultimately become our WOTY. This by no means involves any dumbing-down of the selections or even a thought of playing politics or going commercial by sticking with “safe brands”; Quite to the contrary…..our WOTY is always a wine that is very “Suburban-esque”, meaning a wine whose quality is inside the bottle, not just suggested on the outside. We are also careful not to choose a wine that is too “geeky”, or of uncommon origins, regardless of the high quality (I think it’s safe to say that Austrian Blaufrankisch is out of the question as a Suburban WOTY for the time being).

The other WOTY factors to consider are the availability of the wine (we wouldn’t want to tout our prized selection, and be sold out of it by the next morning), the style of the wine (since our WOTY is revealed as we enter the cold months, you may notice that it’s almost always a red wine), and the price range (which should be reasonable, but not in the cheap zone). The wine should be an exceptional take on a particular terroir, be of small-to-medium-sized production, and offer not just an exemplary price/quality ratio, but come with a fun story or commendable background. So, as you may have begun to realize, the WOTY selection process is not just another taste-off!

Finally, as the moment approaches in early November, we make some last-minute eliminations (sometimes with solemn lament), narrowing the field down to the final dozen. We then have an independent 3rd party conceal the bottles in paper bags, numbered 1 thru 12. After the wines are packed into a case and crammed into the trunk, the four of us are off to lunch, where we’ll put these picks to the ultimate test…..alongside food! Traditionally, the deal went down at the local restaurant The Heights, which sadly closed in ’10. But for this year’s assessment, we were excited to dine with our friends at the brand-new Thyme, on Crompond Road in Yorktown Heights.

After we sat and settled in for our prearranged gathering, outfitted with 3 glasses each and plenty of dump buckets, we uncorked the bottles and entered into a trial tasting round, without food. In our first sample-and-spit session, we were disappointed but not surprised to discover that no less than 3 of the 12 wines suffered cork-taint (that’s 25%!)….quite an alarming but simple way to narrow it down to 9 players. Some outstanding thin-crust pizzas were served, followed by a delightful bistro-styled meal. Throughout, we continued to taste, analyze, and even conjure a few guesses as to which wine was which, until our dump buckets were overflowing. We each kept independent notes with our impressions and speculations, anticipating where this all will lead us.

As our meal was in progress, we unveiled the wines one-by-one. Collectively, we had guessed correctly on only 2 out of the 9 wines….all the rest had fooled us! We loved them all, of course, but began to eliminate-- based this time solely on aesthetic appeal, including how food-friendly they were, and where they stand within their drinking windows. After some supplemental deliberation, and a few more tastes, it became clear that Mirus was the winner. That was when the phone call was placed to secure our allocation of a wine that would be imported exclusively for Suburban. I snapped a quick picture (seen above), and began to write the wine’s review in my head. The process was now complete (Whew!).

History was made once again, and like with most great events, full bellies ensued. But more importantly, we had once again employed a time-honored, bias-free approach to bringing our customers a special wine that represents a composite of our staff’s palates and preferences. The results are priceless, and the process so fascinating and unpredictable that we’re excited to get started again. Who knows which WOTY 2011 will bring us? I already tasted a pretty good one last night….. –Michael Koehler
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Saturday's Tasting Line-Up

2011-01-21T16:27:00.003-05:00

Here is our modest tasting line-up for tomorrow...hope you can join us!

La Cappuccina Soave '09 $12.99/$10.39
This ain't no Soave Bolla! This is the real McCoy, made from 100% Garganega on a single estate in Verona, matured on the lees. Very classy and appetite-inspiring.

Leth Roter Veltliner '08 $17.99/$14.39
Made from the red-tinted Veltliner variety, this is the Wagram region of Austria at its finest. Beautiful intensity of flavor, full body, rippling with acidity. A red wine drinker's white wine.

Fronton de Oro Tinto '08 $19.99/$15.99
From the Gran Canaria Island of the Canary Islands (Spanish territory, but is closer to Morocco), this is a unique and elegant red blend of the native Listan Negra and Tintilla varieties. Burgundy……watch out!

Crosby Merlot '09 $9.99/$7.99
The next contender in our "Bringing Merlot Back" campaign is this affordable and delicious California Merlot with surprising flavor sophistication.

Wilderkrans Estate Pinotage '08 $16.99/$13.59
A striking wine, this Bot River South African Pinotage is a real mouthful. Wreaking of blackberry preserves, smoke, and game, and loaded with texture and tannin, it might be the perfect wintertime red.

Broc Cellars Vine Starr '08 $29.99/$23.99
Based on the spicy Zinfandel fruit of Arrowhead Mountain Vineyard in Sonoma Valley (75%), and rounded out with the minerality and depth of Syrah (23%), and the bright berry fruit of Carignan (2%), this is a fresh, aromatic and compelling red with real energy and sophistication beyond our expectations. Organic.
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Saturday's Tasting Line-up

2011-01-07T15:00:00.002-05:00

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Back into the routine!!

Here is our modest tasting line-up for tomorrow...hope you can join us!

'08 Qupé Bien Nacido Cuvee Blanc
Bob Lindquist is one of our top 3 favorite California Rhone Rangers. This Santa Maria Valley blend of Viognier and Chardonnay profiles his work.

'08 Educated Guess Chardonnay
We ran with the Cabernet for several. Finally, it's the Chard, and it's a real Napa treat!

'10 Gouguenheim Pinot Noir Valle Escondido
For a while, the Malbec was hot. Now the Pinot is here, and it's one of the first from Mendoza to really nail it.

'09 Chateau Picampeau Lussac St-Emilion
One of the first '09s from St-Emilion….sure to be a reference point for one of the most spectacular Bordeaux vintages in our lifetime.

'07 La Mozza I Perazzi Morellino di Scansano
A special Tuscan red, from a top vintage, at a sharply-reduced price. Need we say more?

'04 Orzada Carignan
This maturing Chilean surfaced recently, and happens to be a beautiful, textbook Carignan from organic vineyards.
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Happy NewYear!!!!

2011-01-04T08:50:00.002-05:00

Well..…where to begin? Happy New Year to all of our customers and friends…and many of you are both! It has been an utter joy sharing our passion with you this past year, and we are looking forward to doing it again in 2011. So a big “Thank You” to all of you! I have said it many times before…without you, there is no Suburban.

As you might imagine, the last six weeks of the year get a bit hectic for us. So my goal is always to clean off my desk on my first day back in the New Year. A daunting task, as paper seems to accumulate and take on a life of its own. But I am happy to say I have tamed that beast (for now) and am ready to concentrate on bringing all of you the best that the wine world has to offer.

Our initial tasting line-up has been posted to the website (you can see it here). With our completed renovation we are looking forward to offering up large scale tastings again on a regular basis. The reconfiguration of the store allows us to host larger tastings, and still keep the store shop-able for those who like to take their time and browse through our ever-growing selections. And remember…if there is no event listed, fear not, we have wines open every Saturday for your tasting enjoyment.

We are also getting ready to unveil some terrific wine dinners, exclusive events and…you guessed it…more tastings!!! So stay tuned on that front as well.

On the wine front, I have to apologize for our inability to keep our “Wine of the Year” in stock. It proved to be such a runaway hit, we simply did not order enough. We have ordered more, direct from the winery in Tuscany, and it will be here in the next few weeks.

Enough rambling…..you can’t see this, but we here at Suburban are raising a glass, wishing you and yours all the best in 2011! – Lance Cerutti

Suburban's Wine of the Year!!!

2010-12-03T14:44:00.000-05:00

The Moment Has Finally Arrived.......

The big day is here! Today we unveil Suburban Wines & Spirits' 2010 Wine of the Year. And before you peek, keep in mind the rigorous test this wine has to endure to claim the top spot. At any given moment, our shelves are stocked with 3,500 different wines. Collectively, we as Suburban's staff tasted nearly 10,000 wines this year at dozens of trade shows and through conducting our own blind taste-offs. To single out one label in this vast sea of wine is almost an impossible task. Hence, rest assured that you will be dazzled by this selection. It tops the short list of wines that we like to call "wow juice"! A drum roll, please.......

Suburban's 2010 Wine of the Year

"Mocali is a producer you may be quite familiar with, particularly if you've taken our Tuscan wine recommendations over the last ten years. Most of their properties are located right in Tuscan viticulture's sweet spot.....Montalcino. This year, we're taking you on a detour to the southwest from Montalcino, to a tiny spot in the Maremma zone called Magliano, where Sangiovese is not the only treat the Ciacci family has in store. The warmer climate, higher altitude vineyards, and the cooling Mediterranean breezes set the stage for the successful cultivation of French varieties, giving birth to a Mocali wine that you may not have encountered before.

After careful consideration, and much deliberation, 2007 Mocali Mirus, a Maremma Toscana, has taken the title of Suburban's Wine of the Year! And with so many exceptional wines in the running this time, it was no easy choice. We discovered it at a huge trade tasting way back in the spring. We appeared to be so enamored by it that we were offered, by the distributor, to have it brought in specifically for us! This fall, we finally took them up on the offer. Made half from Sangiovese, plus 25% Merlot, 15% Syrah and 10% Alicante, this wine sets itself apart from so many blends categorized as "Super Tuscans", in the way that it delivers such precise and intense components with absolute elegance. Its structure mimics that of the famous "aia's" from coastal Bolgheri (but not their 3-digit price tags), and promises a fruitful evolution for a decade to come, while its fresh, vivid personality makes it a smart choice for immediate consumption. Congratulations Mirus!" - Suburban Wines Staff

Zintastic!

2010-11-19T09:18:00.004-05:00

Zinfandel!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
12noon - 5pm
Free!!

We used to do Zin and Aussies together. Now we're getting more serious about each category, and we're excited to design, for you, a tasting that's nothin' but Zin.

Here is the line-up:

NV Le Lapin Zinfandel

NV Marietta Old Vine Lot 53

2008 Liveli Orion Salento Primitivo

2008 Klinker Brick Old Vines Zinfandel

2007 Rabbit Ridge O.V.S Paso Robles Zinfandel

2008 Old Ghost Old Vines Zinfandel

2008 La Natura Salento Primitivo

2007 Hyatt Vineyards Zillah Gorilla Zinfandel

2007 Thomas Henry Sonoma Zinfandel

2006 Trendadue La Storia Zinfandel

2006 Starry Night Tom Feeney Vineyard Zinfandel

2007 Outpost Howell Mountain Zinfandel

Peter Weygandt, Up Close.

2010-11-17T10:31:00.003-05:00

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On Friday evening, Oct 22nd, we pulled it off once again, as importer Peter Weygandt and his daughter Ida joined us for a thrilling, delectable, and educational wine-pairing dinner at Yorktown's Peter Pratt's Inn. The outrageous 5-course dinner was built around some of Mr. Weygandt's favorite Burgundies from his own portfolio, and he gave us an informative presentation preceding each flight. This exploration into '07 and '08 white and red Burgs, at all levels of pedigree, was attended by 60 ecstatic Suburban customers.

All the chatter about these 2 recent vintages being sub-standard in quality was finally disputed that night, when one wine after another impressed and delighted us. It's one thing for greats like Dugat-Py Coeur du Roy and the Grand Cru Clos des Lambrays to have stupendous showings regardless of vintage, but when relatively under-the-radar wines like '08 Domaine Servin Chablis Vielles Vignes Massale and '07 Jobard-Chobloz Auxey-Durresses had unsuspecting imbibers reeling over their price/quality ratio, a light went off in everyone's head. Importers like Weygandt are so passionate about wine that he only signs on with producers who take a similar pride in what they create. The proof is in the bottle, as we confirmed for ourselves in celebratory mode.

The evening was not just a "Burg-hound's" fantasy, but it was a foodie's delight. Jon Pratt's crew set a new standard for fine dining in Westchester County. In addition to sipping on generous portions of Mersault, Nuits-St-Georges, and Chambolle-Musigny, we feasted for nearly 4 hours on Pratt's unique and mostly locally-derived cuisine. Try not to drool as you look over that evening's menu below. This is why you absolutely must join us for our next wine dinner. –Michael Koehler

Potato Gnocchi with Braised Rabbit
Pheasant Ballotine with Hen O' The Woods, Pheasant Glace
Loin of Lamb Wellingtion, Foie Gras, Local Grown San Marzano Tomato Confit
Cheeses Of the Hudson Valley
Bedford Peach Ice Cream, Almond Biscotti
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Aussie Time!!!

2010-11-12T09:00:00.003-05:00

Australia!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
12noon - 5pm
Free!!!

If you like it big, this is the tasting for you. Shiraz in all its glory, plus a nice selection of the other wines the Aussies do best.

Here is the line-up:

NV Paringa Sparkling Shiraz

2008 Torbreck Woodcutters Semillon

2008 Torbreck Woodcutters Shiraz

2009 Torbreck Juveniles Red

2006 Buckshot Heathcote Shiraz

Grant Burge 10 Year Tawny Port

2007 Kilikanoon Mort's Block Reserve Riesling

2008 d'Arenberg Stump Jump Shiraz

2008 Pillar Box Red

2008 Jim Barry Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon

2005 Parson's Flat Cabernet/Shiraz

2004 Yarra Yering Dry Red #2

2001 Kreglinger Brut Tasmania

2008 Wakefield Clare Valley Riesling

2006 Small Gully The Formula Cabernet/Shiraz

2008 Thorn Clarke Shotfire Shiraz

2009 Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz

2005 Kilikanoon 1865 Attunga Shiraz
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Investigating Pinot Nior

2010-11-05T13:30:00.002-04:00

Investigating Pinot Noir
Saturday, November 6, 2010
12noon-5pm
Free!

They're not just from Burgundy anymore. We'll open the newest from California, Oregon, New Zealand and some unlikely places.

Here is the line-up:

2009 Evesham Wood Pinot Noir

2008 Vinum Cellars Pinot Noir

2009 Russian Jack Pinot Noir

2007 Alma Rosa Santa Barbara Pinot Noir

2008 Faiveley Mercurey 1er Cru Clos Myglands

2006 Mugnier Nuits St Georges 1er Clos de Marechale

2009 Cooper Hill Pinot Noir

2008 Carmel Road Pinot Noir

2009 La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir

2008 Kenwood Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2006 Louis Jadot Chambolle-Musigny

2008 Laetitia Pinot Noir

2007 Drouhin Bourgogne Laforet

2008 Eradus Marlborough Pinot Noir

2006 Laguna Ridge Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2006 Lachini Cuvee S

2006 Bouchard Beaune 1er Cru du Chateau

1998 Billard-Gonnet Pommard 1er Cru Chaponnieres

The Big Show

2010-10-29T12:22:00.003-04:00

Suburban's Big Show is here!!
Saturday, October 30th
12noon-5pm

The time has finally arrived! Our Big Show....more wines than we can list here will be open tomorrow, all to be enjoyed with samplings from Peter Pratt's Inn, Umami and La Cucina Toscana.

As if that were not enough to entice you, all wine in the store will be discounted by 20% (excludes items that are already on sale and wines in 3L, 4L or 5L formats).

Come on by!!

Whats New for Fall?

2010-10-22T16:43:00.004-04:00

Whats New for Fall?
Saturday, October 23rd
12noon-5pm
Free!

Here is the Line-Up:

Gran Sarao Cava Brut

Huntington Sauvignon Blanc ’09

Raimat Cabernet Sauvignon ’06

Jean Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon ‘09

Goulart Malbec The Marshall ’08

Barbadillo Pedro Ximenez

Wilhelm Walch Pinot Grigio ’09

Tolosa Chardonnay No Oak ’07

Belle Pente Pinot Noir Dundee Hills ’08

Gricos Aglianico '07

Soos Creek Sundance ’06

Cusumano Angimbe Bianco ’09

Hyatt Vineyards Pinot Gris ’09

Marc Aurel Pinot Noir / St Laurent ’08

Tenuta di Blasig Refosco ’07

Bruce Wayne Ella’s Blend ’07

Montes Alpha Syrah ’06

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Tasting Line-up for Saturday, October 16th

2010-10-15T11:53:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow's Line-up - Come on by!!
12noon-5pm

2009 Borealis White Blend

2009 La Craie Sancerre

2009 Dupont-Tisserandot Borgogne

2008 Fontanafredda Briccontondo Barbera

2007 Osso Anna Merlot

2004 Long Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

Going Italian!

2010-10-08T16:36:00.002-04:00

Going Italian!
Saturday, October 9th, 12noon-5pm, Free

Some say we have the most impressive Italian wine selection around. Why not open a bunch of 'em?

San Pietro Pinot Grigio Kristall '09

Gini Soave Classico '09

Casamatta Toscana '08

Giacomo Mori Chianti '07

Rainoldi Nebbiolo '08

Corino Barolo '05

Romano Clelia Fiano di Avellino '09

Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso '09

Ambra Carmignano '06

Santa Lucia Melograno '07

Vallana Spanna '07

Vallana Gattinara '99

Bisol Prosecco Crede '09

Regillo Frascati '09

Damilano Nebbiolo d'Alba '08

Cantele Amativo '05

Camigliano Brunello di Montalcino '05

Pederzana Lambrusco '09

Amaro Montenegro

St Michael Eppan Pinot Bianco Schulthauser '08

Ceretto Arneis Blange '09

Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 750ml

La Massa Toscana '08

Mastroberardino Taurasi Radici Riserva '99

Di Lenardo Verduzzo Pass The Cookies '09 (500ml)
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A Brand New Suburban

2010-10-01T14:27:00.002-04:00

A Brand New Suburban
Saturday, October 2, 2010 – 12noon-5pm – FREE!!!!

In case you haven't noticed, we've been under renovation. We'll, we are done and are celebrating the "new" Suburban with a grand tasting of some very special wines.

Also with us tomorrow will "Thyme", the hot new restaurant, and the delicious treats of La Cucina Toscana!

Sounds like a "can't miss" event!!!

Here is the line-up:

NV Champagne Agrapart

2008 Sean Minor Pinot Noir

2007 Mayard Chateauneuf-du-Pape

2008 Nyakas Sauvignon Blanc Budai

2007 Dexter Lake Red

2007 Meadowcroft Mt.Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

2008 Adelsheim Pinot Noir

2006 Massaya Silver Selection

2007 Montirius Le Clos Vacqueyras

2006 Hugel Pinot Gris

2008 Chappellet Mountain Cuvee

2007 Ridge Lytton Springs

2008 Alta Maria Chardonnay

2007 Lewelling Cabernet Sauvignon

2005 Cimarosa Howell Mtn Cabernet Sauvignon

2006 Echeverria Cabernet Sauvignon Curico

2007 Elizabeth Spencer Grenache

2008 Jaffurs Syrah Verna's

2009 Melville Estate Chardonnay

2006 Domaine des Grecaux Terra Solis Montpeyroux

2009 Melville Syrah Verna's Vineyard

2009 Pastou Les Boucaults Sancerre VV

1999 Valanna Gattinara

2005 Siro Pacenti Brunello Brunello di Montalcino
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Portugal - An Exploration in Wine

2010-09-17T08:36:00.005-04:00

Portugal
Saturday, September 18, 2010
12noon-5pm - FREE

For the first time, Portugal gets its own day. Lots of new wines will be revealed, with a focus on Port.

Here is the Line-up:

Varas Tinto Lisboa '08

Paulo da Silva '01

Quinto do Sobreiro de Cima '04

Fita Azul Woman Espumante NV

Aveleda Vinho Verde '09

Lab '08

Reguengos '08

Ciconia Reserva '08

Auratus Alvarinho/Trajadura '09

Dorado Alvarinho '08

Niepoort Twisted '07

Niepoort LBV Port '05

Quinta do Vale do Bomfim Douro Red '07

Dow’s Trademark Port NV

Dow’s Crusted Port NV

Dow's 20 Year Tawny Port

Sketches of Spain

2010-09-10T09:16:00.005-04:00

Sketches of Spain
Saturday, September 11th, 2010
12noon-5pm - FREE

We'll explore multiple Spanish wine regions, including a special focus on Vibrant Rioja.

Vibrant Rioja
Cune Monopole Blanco
Cosme Palacio Blanco '06
Conde de Jauregui Crianza '06
Rondan Crianza '05
Cune Crianza '06
La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva "904" '97

Tempranillo, Inc. / Regal Imports
Tarima Monastrell '09
Finca Nueva Rioja Crianza '06
Avanthia Mencia '07
Castell Roig Xarel-lo '08
Castell Roig Ull de Llebre / Cabernet '05
Laudate Dominium '07 (500ML)

Aviva Vino / David Bowler Wine
Manon Tempranillo '07
Luzon Verde '08
Granate Garnacha '08
Primitivo Quiles Cono 4 '08
Benaza Mencia '09
Vevi Golden Solera 1954 (375ml)

The Bar: Martin Scott Wines / Polaner Selections
Cristalino Cava Brut
Enguera Pelta '08
La Cartuja Priorat '09
Don Simon Sangria
Altos de la Hoya Monastrell '08
Petalos Bierzo '08
Lopez de Heredia Rioja Reserva Vina Bosconia '01

The Fall Schedule

2010-09-09T16:29:00.004-04:00

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Here is an update for you on several fronts! The renovation is just about complete; the wine racking for the ‘fine wine room’ is being installed this week. Hopefully you have had a chance to stop by and see what we have done. The feedback has been excellent, and we are thankful for the continued support.

We begin our Fall tasting schedule with a ‘bang’ this coming Saturday. The theme will be Spain! For the Fall, you can expect bigger, bolder tastings and we now have a touch of extra space to stretch out in…so expect at east 4 tables of vino for Saturday’s show!

In addition, we have lined up an amazing wine dinner for October 22nd for all of you Burgundy lovers out there. It is one of those ‘don’t miss’ occasions as famed importer Peter Weygandt will be hosting! More details can be found here.

Here is the line-up for the remainder of the Season…and do not miss our “Renovation Party” on Saturday, October 2nd. We hope to open up some pretty special wines for you!

Sketches of Spain
Saturday, September 11th, 2010
We'll explore multiple Spanish wine regions, including a special focus on Vibrant Rioja.

Portugal
Saturday, September 18, 2010
For the first time, Portugal gets its own day. Lots of new wines will be revealed, with a focus on Port.

A Brand New Suburban
Saturday, October 2, 2010
In case you haven't noticed, we've been under renovation. When it wraps up, we'll unveil our new-and-improved Suburban with a grand tasting of some very special wines.

Going Italian
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Some say we have the most impressive Italian wine selection around. Why not open a bunch of 'em?

Wine & Food Expo
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Our semi-annual grand tasting will be the biggest of the year, and will feature free samples of delicious foods from local restaurants and purveyors.

Investigating Pinot Noir
Saturday, November 6, 2010
They're not just from Burgundy anymore. We'll open the newest from California, Oregon, New Zealand and some unlikely places.

Australia!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
If you like it big, this is the tasting for you. Shiraz in all its glory, plus a nice selection of the other wines the Aussies do best.

Zinfandel!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
We used to do Zin and Aussies together. Now we're getting more serious about each category, and we're excited to design, for you, a tasting that's nothin' but Zin.

The Many Faces of Suburban
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Taste Suburban's staff's personal favorite wines of the year, and find out why we chose them.

WINE WITH DINNER – Summer Dining with Great Bordeaux?

2010-09-07T12:38:00.001-04:00

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For me, well-aged Bordeaux and high-end California Cabernet Sauvignon are really best enjoyed during the fall and winter seasons when the foods they normally go with are usually enjoyed. Not during the hot days of summer. However, I've learned something new!

Bear with me as I give you a little background. It all started several years ago, when my wife and I began to shop at local farmers markets. We quickly found out that there's more to buy than fresh fruits and vegetables in these great venues. It wasn't long before we started buying and experimenting with different ways to prepare "grass-fed grass-finished beef".

Now here's another part of this disjointed story. A long time ago we stopped eating steak tartar (ground raw top sirloin*), not because we didn't like it, but because we didn't know what the butcher ran through his grinder before he ground the meat and, later, because we just stopped eating commercial beef. So, when we found out that our local farmer who sold us grass-fed, grass-finished, Black Angus beef also ground choice cuts of top sirloin and packaged it into freshly frozen servings for steak tartar, we decided to get back into enjoying this delicious summer dish again.

I guess in celebration of finally being reconnected with this delicious delicacy, I decided to serve a well aged, high-end Pomorol with it the first time we served it. The next time I tried a Saint-Emilion and then moved over to the left bank communes of Pauillac, Saint-Julien and Margaux. The last time I had a 1970 Montrose Saint-Estephe with it. I prefer spreading the meat on thinly sliced rye bread, but the traditional bread is pumpernickel. Whichever bread you use, you are sure to be pleased with how it pairs with great Bordeaux. – Jay Roelof

*Here's a simple recipe.

p.s. – Since the recipe calls for a raw egg, it would be a good idea to buy it from a local, farmer who raises his chickens in accordance with sound organic farming methods