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October has arrived, and with it comes an array of fun that includes: Oktoberfest beers, the Jefferson Bourbon Dinner (at the National Press Club), Bell's Annual Fall Sale (date change: Grand Tasting on Oct. 19th), and of course...Halloween! In the meantime, check out the Barrister Winery pre-sale and notes from the Saturday tasting!
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Barrister Winery Pre-Sale
Another Bell Wine Exclusive!
We recently discovered the fantastic wines of Washington state producer, Barrister Winery, and concluded we just had to bring them to Washington, DC. The name indicates the background of the winery owners and brand will undoubtedly do well in this city populated by attorneys. But don't let pretty labels fool you -- these wines have major points behind them (e.g., the flagship Cabernet Franc - 93 pts, and Sauvignon Blanc, 92 pts, Editor's Choice - Wine Enthusiast). Please see pre-sale prices below (delivery in late Oct/early Nov):
2008 Barrister Cabernet Franc (reg. $34.99) - PRE-SALE $27.99
2008 Barrister Rough Justice (reg. $24.99) - PRE-SALE $19.99
2010 Barrister Sauvignon Blanc (reg. $24.99) - PRE-SALE $19.99
2009 Barrister Merlot (reg. $34.99) - PRE-SALE $27.99
Jefferson Bourbon Dinner at the National Press Club
This popular event event returns on October 18th!
Jefferson's Bourbon Master Distiller Trey Zoeller will guide you through a tasting featuring three bourbons, including the Presidential, and a rye during a multi-course bourbon dinner at the Fourth Estate Restaurant at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18. The evening begins with a reception featuring a bourbon cocktail and includes a signed bottle of Jefferson Small Batch Bourbon signed by Zoeller (a $42 retail value). Malt Advocate calls Jefferson's "superbly balanced, sophisticated and very drinkable. An outstanding whiskey." Chef Susan Delbert will create multiple courses to pair with the bourbons.
Cost for members and their guest is $79 per person and includes the bottle of bourbon. Cost for non-members is $89 a person and also includes the bottle of bourbon. Please reserve early by calling the Fourth Estate at (202) 662-7638. This event sold out last year.
Wines On Sale
The wines below will be on sale through Saturday, October 8th:
Colder air and periodic rain meant this Saturday did not fit the tastes of many. But the lineup on our Saturday tasting seemed to offer something for all palates. From France to New Zealand, from Spain to Pennsylvania, our lineup navigated across timezones, climates, and expectations.
The identity of the Mystery Wine is:
Ledgewood Creek Estate Viognier 2007 (reg. $14.99) $13.49/12.74
Saturday’s Mystery Wine was a bit atypical for the varietal and for the region. Very restrained in aroma and palate, it display less of the typical floral and fruity aromas of the Viognier varietal. With soft notes of violet and watermelon, it was a very nice sipper and complement to light seafood or contrast with savory salad. Sorry for the stumper, folks!
Other wines in the tasting included:
Kennedy Point Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (reg. $16.99) $15.29/14.44
This Marlborough, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of fresh cut wild flowers and citrus. With a rich palate of passion fruit, gooseberry and citrus, it has a crisp, dry finish and is perfect with seafood or any light meal.
Jean-Baptiste Adam Reserve Pinot Blanc 2009 (reg. $12.99) 11.69/11.04
This Alsatian Pinot Blanc has floral aromas that lead into round pear and tropical fruit flavors. Great balance of fruit and acidity make this a quintessential food wine. The light fruity, floral note on the finish has a lingering quality that is very pleasant!
Domaine Le Murmurium Rose 2010 (reg. $9.99) $8.99/8.49
This classic style Provencal rose is pale salmon in color, with riveting flavors of currant, cantaloupe and watermelon. Recently profiled in the Washington Post as a delicious “Recession Buster,” this is a fantastic wine for a fantastic price. Enjoy the flavors of cantaloupe without the fear of Listeria!
Toad Hollow Pinot Noir 2009 (reg. $20.99) $18.89/17.84
This lovely and elegant Pinot from the Russian River Valley displays cranberry and earth on the nose. The medium-bodied palate explodes with cranberry, cherry, tobacco, leather and smoke notes. For such a complex taste, it is extremely smooth and has a light finish. This new-to-Bell Pinot was a favorite!
Tapeña Tempranillo 2009 (reg. $7.99) $7.19/6.79
If you are grilling or eating barbeque anything, pair it with this very affordable Tempranillo! Jam-packed with dark fruit flavors and a touch of austere spice, it is light in style, but offers enough juicy fruit flavors to pair well with a variety of foods. And at this price, it’s a perfect bring-to-a-party wine!
Wine Men of Gotham Shiraz/Grenache 2008 (reg. $9.99) $8.99/8.49
This blend of Shiraz and Grenache sourced from the big powerhouses of McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley is weighty and complex. The palate is refined with delicate savory flavors and rich mouth feel. Plum and blackberry are present, with a touch of lavender. Great balance and a finish tinged with dusty tannins make this a tasty and interesting full-bodied wine.
Special Additions:
Chaddsford Proprietor’s Reserve Red Wine 2007
A big thank you to our favorite Saturday pourer, Martin! On a recent trip home to Pennsylvania, he acquired this bottle of the Keystone State’s finest. One hundred percent Chambourcin, it shows a violet red color. The nose is an enticing mix of smoke, spice and blackberry. The palate is delicately coated with blueberry and layers of smoke, spice, and vanilla. Reminiscent of a Beaujolais with stronger flavors, it was an interesting contribution!
Robert Foley Vineyards Petite Sirah 2003
On a recent trip to California, Carlos picked up this gem from Robert Foley. This Petite Sirah from Napa Valley received 92 points from both Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate. With exotic spice, wood and hazelnut aromas, the palate shows rich, wild berry and blackberry fruit. Refined and elegant, you'd be surprised that this is a Petite Sirah, though the tannins on the finish would remind you of the grape's chewy personality.
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BELL WINE on the WEB
You can follow the latest updates and comments about wine at Bell Wine& Spirits at twitter.com and stay apprised of events such as wine, beer and liquor tastings on Facebook. Here are the relevant links (remember to log in first):
Follow Bell Wine on Twitter!  And on Facebook! 
Join our Facebook group! 
Come by the store! We are located in the heart of DC on M Street--just blocks from Metro's Red and Orange lines).
Order by phone: 202-223-4727. We will have it ready for pick-up.
Order by fax: 202-466-8070. Please include your name, credit card information and phone number so we can contact you to confirm your order.
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