November102015
While it doesn’t feel like Fall outside, there are only two weekends after this until Thanksgiving. To kick off the wine-to-pair with turkey season, we begin with a great lineup.
On Friday, the West Burgundy Wine Group will showcase their world-class wines from California and Oregon.
On Saturday Niklas Peltzer from Meinklang and Michael Hoeffken from Hillinger will be here to promote their great Austrian wines perfect for those still celebrating Octoberfest or those looking forward to Turkey Day.
Friday, November 6, 4 – 7 pm
West Burgundy Wine Group with Sarah and Kristin
The West Burgundy Wine Group represents a portfolio of wineries consisting of estate-based, site specific wines produced from classic Burgundian varietals grown in their vineyards across the climate margins of California and Oregon.
Today we will see how different three Pinot Noirs from three different AVAs can be. This will be a joy to compare and see which you like best!
Gran Moraine Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir 2012 $39.99
Huckleberry, European plum, wild strawberries, pipe tobacco, lavender, black pepper, rosemary engage the senses. Marion berry, French roasted coffee, cranberry, black truffle and braised meat illuminate the palate. Bright but balanced acidity, powerful but elegant and age worthy tannins combine for a first-rate wine. A lengthy red fruit and earthy finish cleanses the palate and persists for ages.
Champ de Reves Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2012 $34.99
Aromas of cranberry and Chambord punctuated by notes of coriander, rose, juniper berry, brown sugar, and Douglas fir. Flavors of blueberry, sour cherry, cedar, and savory elements come through on the palate. Juicy acidity, earthy texture, and supple yet substantial tannin structure.
Wild Ridge Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2012 $39.99
The 2012 Wild Ridge Pinot Noir balances the bright acidity and spicy notes considered classic in coastal Sonoma Pinots with rich texture and smooth tannins. Aromas of fresh blackberry, red plum and cedar are complemented by pomegranate, red plum, spice, orange zest and dark chocolate on the palate.
October302015
Well, it’s taken almost a month to put the main room back together after repairing the ceiling but the work is finally done. (There are still some shades and a new side cooler but for all intents and purposes, we are done.)
To help celebrate, we will highlight the flavors of the season this weekend. On Friday, Steve Wynn will suggest great Austrian wines to pair with traditional Octoberfest fare.
On Saturday, from 4-6, Bully Boy Distillery from Boston will be here to showcase options for your Halloween party, including their new Old Fashioned.
Friday, October 30, 4-7pm
Austrian Octoberfest with Steve
When I had the pleasure of visiting Austria in January, the food, beer, wine, and culture, all screamed of Octoberfest. Friends, sausage, and good drinks came together for an exceptional experience. To help us get in the mood for a great Halloween weekend, we will recreate some of that Fall vibe today!
Anton Bauer Gmork Gruner Veltliner 2014 $14.99
I got to try a tank sample of this over the winter and it was delightful. Limey fruit with pineapple rind, zippy acidity and a hint of clove and spice. Only 60,000 bottles are produced, half of which comes to the U.S.
Steininger Kamptal Riesling 2014 $17.99
When people claim that you have to go to Germany to get a quality Riesling, they clearly have not had an Austrian Kamptal Riesling. Bright stone fruits with hints of peaches and pineapple dance around nicely framed acidity. Lucious, fresh and crisp, this wine has it all
Anton Bauer Wagram Cuvee 2010 $17.99
Made from a blend of 40% Zweigelt, 40% Blaufrankisch, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot, this Fall-Loving red blend is a wonderful combination of local and International grape varietals. Earthy red berries and black cherries dominate the palate with fine-grained tannins. Enjoy with sausage or wild duck.
Saturday, October 31, 2-5pm
Phil’s Selections
Phil and I will pick out some scary selections to highlight for your Halloween party! Come in your costume, if you dare!
October232015
The new insulation has been laid, fresh paint is on the walls, and the new ceiling tiles and lights are in place. It’s time to get back to normal at Wakefield Liquors! Once again, I thank you all for your patience over the past couple of weeks. It has meant a lot to me and my staff.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, October 24
4-6pm
Sons of Liberty
The guys from Sons of Liberty will be here to showcase their lineup of local whiskeys and vodkas.
Friday,October 23
4 PM – 7 PM
Portuguese Wines with John
Saturday,October 24
2 PM – 5PM
Marc features California wines
September232015
Our friends up the street at Whaler’s Brewing Company have been creating unique beers in Peace Dale for close to a year and a half. These elixirs, however, have only been available on draft in local bars and in their taproom in Growlers. Beer lovers from across the state have been asking for bottles of their beers for months but we have had to sadly turn them away.
Until now….
Josh Dunlap, Brewer of Whaler’s, came in to purchase a case of his freshly bottled beer yesterday. The East Coast IPA is their debut package. If you have yet to try it, someone from their team will be here next Saturday, September 26 from 4-6.
June72015
One of the best things about being in this industry is getting to meet people who have such a passion for the liquids they produce. I had met Hugh Sisson, founder and brewmaker at Heavy Seas Brewery in Baltimore once before, but hadn’t had the opportunity to relax and talk about beer with him. On Wednesday night at a beer dinner at Red Stripe in Providence I got to pick his brain on a variety of topics including where the beer industry is going and just how much time and effort it takes to be successful at making beer.
Hugh said, “I can’t say that everything we’ll make will be a homerun, but I can say that it will be well-made.” I love the confidence he has and the love for sharing his creations.
The best pairing was braised short ribs with the Heavy Seas Blackbeard’s Breakfast Bourbon Barrel Aged Porter brewed with coffee. The sweetness of the bourbon ale was amazing with the richness of the sauce. Truly great. Thank you, Hugh, for all you do for beer lovers everywhere!
Keeping on the beer front, come in on
Saturday from 4-6 to see what’s new from the June Beer of the Month, Harpoon. They will be featuring their new session IPA, Take 5, along with beers from their UFO, or Unfiltered Offering line.
May292015
Now that the weather is finally in our favor, what better way to celebrate than to sample over 100 wines, beers, and ciders on the grounds of URI while helping support women’s athletics.
URI’s An Evening of Grapes & Grain is next Saturday, June 6, from 5-8pm. In addition to the dozens of hand-picked elixirs, a bevy of local restaurants will be there to provide samples of their favorite dishes. It is a great opportunity to try wines and food in a unique setting while benefiting a good cause.
For more information, go to: http://advance.uri.edu/programming/events/athletics/grapesgrain.htm
May262015
Over the last two to three years, if you read any article about the liquor industry, it would lead with how hot Bourbon is. Between a shortage of juice and a lot of good press, the demand keeps getting higher and higher. To highlight this ever expanding category, we reset our liquor aisle and now, Bourbon is right at the front. (Sorry Single Malt Scotch, you have moved to the middle.)
After all that talk of Whiskey, let’s get back to something simple and pure: vodka. Tito’s from Texas took the US by storm several years ago and is still going strong. On Saturday in the main room, come check out the delicious summer concoctions they are featuring from 4 to 6.
May152015
Last month, our friends up the street at the Sons of Liberty Distillery got together a group of their most loyal customers to sample a trio of new Gin recipes. After what I’m sure was an evening of very difficult work, they came up with their first Gin: True Born.
It was introduced to Rhode Island stores and pubs this week. Come grab a bottle from their first batch in our New England Craft Liquor section.
On Saturday in the main room, come check out selections from the Shiner Brewery from Texas. Well known for their original Bock beer, see what new offerings they have new to feature from 4 to 6.
Spring Hours:
Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday & Saturday 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday, May 15, 4 – 7pm
Justin and Landmark Wineries with Emma
Justin Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $14.99
The 2014 Sauvignon Blanc is crisp with ripe lemon, green apple, peach and guava on the entry. Chamomile flower comes toward the mid-palate along with a fine mineral texture that adds a depth to the wine’s clean palate. The finish is fresh with lingering citrus and herbal notes.
Landmark Overlook Chardonnay 2012 $21.99
The 2013 Overlook Chardonnay has a bright, medium gold color with complex aromas of ripe pear, Meyer lemon, sage and lemon curd. On the palate flavors of pear blossom, apricot, and pie crust are balanced by lively citrus notes completing this refreshing wine.
Landmark Overlook Pinot Noir 2012 $24.99
The 2013 Overlook Pinot Noir has a medium ruby core with intense aromas of raspberries, red cherry, with hints of cola and mahogany. This medium-bodied Pinot Noir exhibits bright acidity with flavors of red currant, orange zest and milk chocolate that is balanced with soft integrated tannins.
Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $28.99
A classic California Cabernet featuring blackcurrant, cherry fruit and baking spice flavors on the entry. Sweet tobacco and savory herbal notes arrive on the mid palate, along with beautifully balanced tannins that provide a structure that supports the wine through its perfectly balanced, clean finish.
April242015
It has not been the easiest of weeks here at Wakefield Liquors. We want to say thank you to everyone who has reached out to us after the death of our friend, DeAnna Bates, last Saturday. We truly appreciate it and our continued prayers will go out to her family.
Today we will be featuring wines from the Castelfeder Winery in the Alto Adige region of northern Italy. Export Manager Ines Giovanett will her here to showcase her family’s wines and discuss the terrior and what makes these wines unique.
Friday, April 24, 4-7pm
Castelfeder Winery with Ines Giovanett
Castelfeder Pinot Grigio 2013 $22.99
Light green lusters run through the radiant straw-yellow colour of this wine. Its aroma is rich in fruits, the most striking of which are pears and apples. An excellent balance gives this wine strength and structure. It is dry and smooth on the palate with a pleasant, mineral aftertaste. Pinot Grigio goes well with many dishes, especially lighter foods, fried mushrooms and fresh water fish.
Castelfeder Kerner 2013 $26.99
Kerner is a grape variety developed in Germany in the early-mid 20th century as a cross between Trollinger and Riesling. Picked from select vineyards with southeastern exposure on gravel and clay soils, the grapes are fermented at low temperatures to retain fresh and aromatic characteristics. The profile is spicy and bright with good body and persistence.
Castelfeder Vernatsch/Schiava 2013 $21.99
Castelfeder’s “Breitbacher” Vernatsch is sure to become a favorite for fans of light and food friendly reds. Luscious fruits like plums and raspberries combine with floral hints on the nose and palate. The wine’s fresh and lively acidity, is balanced by a smooth, oily texture and supple tannins on the finish.
Castelfeder Lagrein 2012 $24.99
Castelfeder “Rieder” Lagrein is dry and medium bodied, with a mix of black and red cherry fruit, plum fruits with a hint of violets. It is a softly textured wine that perfectly represents Lagrein, but with the tannin influence minimized.
April172015
You may have noticed that we have a new “open” neon. The previous sign alerted the village of Wakefield that we were here for business for over twenty years. It was sad to see it go. The amusing thing (to me at least) came during the two weeks that we had no working open sign. Potential customers would slowly walk through the unlocked doors, regardless of the time of day, and ask the cashier, “Are you guys open?” Yes, at two o’clock in the afternoon, whether the sign is on or off, we are open. Thank goodness our new bright light is here!
On Saturday in the main room, come check out selections from our
April Brewery of the Month: Woodchuck. Their Vermont Hard Ciders have been ahead of the curve in the adult alternative beverages category for two decades now. They are the perfect companion for a warm spring day. See what they have new to offer from 4 to 6.
April Brewery of the Month: Woodchuck
Friday, April 17, 4-7pm
Four Country Friday
Corte Moschina Roncathe Soave 2012
$10.99
Made from 100% Garganega grapes from the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, this perfect for springtime white features flavors of citrus and melon with a round mouthfeel. Fresh lemons appear on the finish with a touch of acidity. Time to grill up some fish!
Zolo Unoaked Chardonnay
2013 $12.99
Unoaked Chardonnay from California has certainly gained in popularity over the past several years. Now our friends in Argentina are jumping on the bandwagon. This version bursts with tropical fruit flavors and notes of crisp golden apples.
Domaine de Saint Guilhem Fronton 2012
$14.99
From the corner of southwest France, this is a blend of Negrette, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. The nose floats notes of violets and red berries. It is meaty, spicy and dry, perfect for that lamb that your Aunt made at Easter that you now need to try to make on your own. Good luck!
Viu Manent La Capilla Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
$19.99
This single vineyard Cabernet from the Valle de Colchagua in Chile has been our go-to $20 Cab of 2015. Robert Parker gave it 90 points and for once, I agree with him. Rich and dark while not being too over the top, this wine features ripe blackberry and mocha notes with dusty tannins on a long finish. After the fish and lamb you just made, throw a flank steak on that grill too!
