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If you’ve popped into the Chapel Hill store, I’m sure you’ve seen the pictures of my beautiful red-headed daughter and my spastic little buddy. They were taken by photographer Abigail Blosser, and are pretty awesome, if I may say so. Abigail has also graciously donated her time and gift certificates to Corks for Kids, helping us raise over $80,000 last year, and almost $250,000 overall.
She’s such a fabulous person and a great photographer that I wanted to take the time to highlight her. In turn, Abigail has offered a special promotion to you. Schedule a session between January 18 and March 31, 2010 and receive one of her new custom albums with 10 of your favorite images. Your session includes: an initial phone consultation, up to 2 hours of photography coverage, 25-30 images in private online gallery, and an optional design and ordering session with Abigail.
Abigail Blosser is a custom photographer specializing in fine art children and family portraiture. All sessions are held in your home or favorite location to capture your unique family in its most genuine moments. http://www.abigailblosserphotography.com
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Check out this image… that dirty butt belongs to my little buddy!  |

Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva 2005Sale $9.99 / regularly $15.99 – save 38% [Schmitty] This is one of those years where I looked at the calendar this morning and said “$#%&-- Christmas is a week away? Are you kidding?” I have gotten absolutely zero shopping done… well, none for my wife anyway, and she’s the one who matters, right? My one saving grace-- even though I haven’t gotten my Christmas shopping done, I have the wine for Christmas dinner locked and loaded. Dark red fruit—intense without being overpowering? Check. Beautiful balance? Check. Medium bodied, and versatile enough to pair with a leg of lamb, roast duck, or crown roast of pork? Absolutely. |
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Last week’s Spanish value case was a big hit… why stop there? I know everyone needs a little break on the old wallet this time of year. So this week I’m offering up not one, but two value case options… red and white. White Value Case Domaine du Tariquet Chenin Blanc – Chardonnay 2008 - $12.49 - 75% Chenin Blanc / 25% Chardonnay – Floral aromas give way to a crisp wine loaded with exotic fruit and melon flavors and a hint of vanilla. A great crowd-pleaser for all of your holiday parties. This’d be great with a nice warm crab dip – some crabmeat, touch of cream, some butter, some dry white wine – toss in a pinch of tarragon and you’re golden!
Domaine du Tariquet Chardonnay 2008 – $13.99 - Looking for an alternative to Chardonnay? Try Chardonnay! “Uh, Todd… huh?” |
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Hanzell Vineyards Sonoma Chardonnay 200693 pts Wine Advocate / 92 pts Wine Spectator Reg. $75.99 / Sale $46.99 net- Save 38% “The 2006 Chardonnay (4,600+ cases) was 80% tank-fermented with no malolatic, and 33% spent 18 months in barrel. It possesses lovely white peach, pear, and crushed rock characteristics, full body, splendid acidity as well as purity, and a gracious integration of subtle oak.This beautiful white can be enjoyed over the next 5-6 years...This winery is fully back. The winery has been rebuilt and modernized, and since 2005, former Acacia winemaker Michael Terrien has been in full control.” WA |
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Pieri Azzardo Shiraz 2006Sale $32.49 net 91 pts Wine Advocate Pieri dries the grapes for two weeks on racks a la Amarone, concentrating the sugars and flavors of the grapes, resulting in a rich expression of Shiraz. In order to avoid over-ripe flavors and through the roof alcohol, the grapes are harvested earlier than the typical bombs of the region. The result is incredibly fascinating. |
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Champagne Social at Revolution Restaurant - Next Monday, February 8th, at 6:30 pm, $35 per person. Wanna sample some amazing bubbles before Valentine's Day? Check out the hottest bar scene in Downtown Durham? Gnosh on killer hors d'oeuvres from Chef Jim Anile? You can do all of these for a song, can't imagine a better way to spend the after-work hours on a Monday. They're working with Vintage '59 Imports, another favorite partner of ours, to feature some top-notch Champagnes, like Pierre Moncuit, E. Barnaut, and Diebolt-Vallois, paired with selections from Chef Anile ranging from raw oysters to sweet treats. Come to sample and select fabulous champagnes for your romantic Valentine's weekend or just to prove that you don't need a special occasion to drink great bubbles. More information will be available at revolutionrestaurant.com. You can call the restaurant directly at (919) 956-9999 if you have any questions, or to reserve some seats. Or, if it's Monday at 5pm and you find yourself thirsty, stop on by! More information will be available at revolutionrestaurant.com. |
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$33.99 net 95 pts Wine Spectator "Displays gorgeous fruit, with a medley of wild berry, blackberry, huckleberry and boysenberry fruit that’s pure, rich and intense, yet elegant, supple and refined. The fruit flavors are sustained on the finish, ending minerally, with fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2017.—" WS In case that's all you need, go ahead and order. If not, here's a compilation of my first two emails on this wine so you can get on the Tensley train like I have! |
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 Juan Magana started his winery in 1970, smuggling cuttings of Merlot, Cabernet and Malbec from some of the greatest vineyards in Bordeaux, including Ch. Petrus. At the time, those grapes were illegal to plant in the Navarra region of Spain. For years, Magana was questioned why his Tempranillo wines were so much better than his neighbors. It was only with the passing of Francisco Franco and Spain’s transition to democracy that he could reveal his secret! As the vines approach 40 years in age, Bodegas Magana is now able to produce wines that compare and compete with the legendary sources for his vines.
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David Ramey Tasting – On Friday, February 5 from 5 to 6:30 pm, we are pleased to host David Ramey, of his eponymous winery, to taste through some of his spectacular offerings. In case you’ve been in a cave, let me explain that I think David Ramey to be one of the best winemakers in the U.S. I had the pleasure of meeting him last May. In the era of “rock star” winemakers, I was more than a little impressed by Ramey’s down- to- earth appeal. He didn’t just take the time to answer my questions, he engaged me and elaborated with real passion. I got the impression he’s not just out “making the rounds”, as it were, but he really enjoys talking about wines in general. |
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