Special Tasting
Siduri, Novy & Martine's Wines
Adam Lee from Siduri & Novy
Todd Mathis of Martine's Wines
The Wine Merchant, Ltd.
20 South Hanley Road in Clayton
Tuesday, December 8
5:30 PM until 7:00 PM
Please call 314.863.6282 for information.
We cordially invite you to join us on Tuesday, December 8 for a special tasting at The Merch. Adam Lee from West Coast Pinot Noir specialist Siduri and Rhone Ranger Novy is joining us along with Todd Mathis of Martine's Wines. Here's the lineup for this exciting event...

2006 Novy Syrah Sonoma On Sale $14.99
2008 Novy Chardonnay Keefer Ranch On Sale $21.99
2007 Siduri Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch On Sale $25.99
2007 Novy Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands Susan's Hill Vineyard On Sale $32.99
2008 Siduri Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Pisoni Vineyard On Sale $49.99

Selections from Martine's Wines...
2008 Laporte Sauvignon Blanc "Le Bouquet" On Sale $14.99
2004 Thevenet Vire-Clesse On Sale $22.99
2005 Charles Audoin Marsannay Rouge "Les Favieres" On Sale $32.99
2007 Feraud-Brunel Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC On Sale $39.99
2005 Morey-Coffinet Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru "Les Caillerets" On Sale $57.99

December Classes

Sauce Magazine Says...
"If you want to learn about the taste, geography, history and use of wine for daily dining and social pleasure, there is no better place..."
-Sauce Magazine

Final Classes for '09
Here is a listing of our final classes for 2009. We take a short break from teaching in the last few weeks of December so we can focus on customer service during this busy season. Classes at The Merch are taught by our Award-Winning Staff which includes Sommeliers, Certified Sommeliers and Certified Wine Educators along with many knowledgeable, wine industry veterans. Our 2010 schedule will be out soon so stay tuned...


Tuesday, December 1
Wine & Cheese Pairing: American Edition
Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations.
In this fun and eye opening class we'll be pairing a variety of delicious wines and cheeses from the US. We're not talking about processed 'American' cheese. We'll be featuring handmade cheeses from some of the best dairies in the US paired with outstanding American wines. This class is sure to please and taught by Cheesemonger, Simon Lehrer.
$35 per person

Thursday, December 3
Wine 101
Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations.
Are you interested in learning more about wine but don't know where to start? Come try a sampling of styles and learn the basics. Perfect for people just getting into wine. This fun and educational class is taught by Certified Sommelier Jason Main.
$20 per person

Friday, December 4
Burgundy
Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations.
Wine critics say the wines from Burgundy are sensual and hedonistic. In this class you'll sample amazing Burgundies from some of the finest producers. The world's most hedonistic wines? Join us and discover for yourself.
$35 per person

Saturday, December 5
World of Whiskey
Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations.
In this class you'll learn about and sample great whiskies from around the World including examples from Scotland, Ireland and the United States. Your spirits tour guide for the evening is our resident expert Dave Davis.
$35 per person

Carlisle Winery

Carlisle Winery

New Releases with Big Scores
"Mike Officer is quickly rising to the top of the qualitative pyramid when it comes to Zinfandel, and, more recently, Petite Sirah and Syrah. Working from old vine Zinfandel vineyards in Dry Creek, Sonoma, and Russian River, he is giving some of Napa's top-notch Zinfandel producers, such as Biale and Turley, a run for their money."
-Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

2007 Carlisle Zinfandel "Papera Ranch"
On Sale $37.99
"The 2007 Zinfandel Papera Ranch is a combination of 93% Zinfandel and 7% mixed blacks. Although slightly less substantial than the Montafi Ranch and Carlisle Vineyard, it offers up elegant notes of blueberries, raspberries, crushed rocks, and white flowers. This is a pure, rich, concentrated Zinfandel to enjoy over the next 5-7 years."
-Rated 91-93/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

2007 Carlisle Syrah Bennett Valley "Cardiac Hill"
On Sale $39.99
"Deep ruby. Captivating aromas of red- and blackcurrant, smoked meat, olive and minerals remind me of a serious Cote-Rotie. Rich black raspberry and cassis flavors are complicated by cracked pepper, olive and candied violet, with silky tannins lending support and focus. The floral qualities gain strength on the finish, which is strikingly focused and very long. For this wine's quality, the price is a steal."
-Rated 94/100 Steven Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Domaine De Pouy-In Stock and On Sale $8.99

Wine Critic Robert Parker on Domaine de Pouy

"Quite possibly the greatest, dry, white wine value in America."
-Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

2008 Domaine de Pouy
On Sale $8.99
"Yves Grassa's 2008 Domaine de Pouy - a blend of Ugni Blanc and Colombard - smells typically of clover, herbs, and grasses, lime, and pineapple. A delicacy; an efficacy of ripe acidity; and an invigorating intimation of peach fuzz and salt in the finish, all make this year's cuvee especially appealing. Keep this on hand in your refrigerator..."
-The Wine Advocate

Deutz Brut Classic Champagne-Only $39.99!!!

NV Deutz Champagne Brut Classic
On Sale $39.99
Compare to Saratoga Wine's Price of $52.94
"Though it has mature, slightly toasty aromas, this wine also has great flavors of grapefruit, some lemon peel and a vibrant white fruit character. It is dry, with the clean, fresh acidity going right through to the finish."
-Rated 93/100 The Wine Enthusiast

The Wine Advocate on Champagne Deutz
"Admittedly it has been a few years since I last tasted the Deutz Champagnes, so I was not fully prepared for the consistently outstanding quality of virtually all these new releases. Although Deutz has been owned by Roederer since 1992, this is the only property in the group that is run in an autonomous fashion, as the Rouzaud family didn't want to risk losing the estate's unique identity by consolidation winemaking functions. The Deutz Champagnes undergo full malolactic fermentation and at their best offer a polished, creamy style that drinks well early but that can also age."
-The Wine Advocate

A. Margaine Champagnes

A. Margaine Champagne Demi-Sec
On Sale $49.99
"This is an utterly sensual wine that flows with the essence of perfumed white peaches, flowers, mint, pears and spices. So many Demi-Secs are forgettable, but not this one. Margaine has crafted a wine of extraordinary personality and elegance."
-Rated 90/100 The Wine Advocate

1999 A. Margaine Champagne Blanc de Blancs Special Club Brut
On Sale $75.99
"Light yellow. Very expressive, open bouquet evokes orange, poached pear and lemon pith. Fleshy, impressively polished citrus and orchard fruit flavors offer depth as well as cut, finishing with a pleasingly bitter anise quality. Became more vibrant with air, suggesting that this will repay cellaring.
-Rated 91+/100 Steve Tanzer, The International Wine Cellar

"I was blown away by Arnaud Margaine's wines. These are Champagnes of extraordinary purity and sheer elegance. Margaine farms 6.5 hectares, 90% planted to Chardonnay, the rest Pinot Noir." -The Wine Advocate

2002 Roederer Cristal Champagne-Save Big!!!

The Ultimate Champagne
Louis Roederer Cristal
In 1876 the Czar of Russia demanded of his friend, Louis Roederer, that he fashion a special cuvee just for him and that the bottle be made of crystal, hence the birth of the now illustrious Cristal champagne. The blend is a combination of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and matures on the lees for at least six years to develop the characteristics for which it is lauded world over. Although many of today's celebrities choose to drink Cristal simply for the statement and impression it makes, this wine really shines when served in the company of fine cuisine. The complex style, rich flavors and prolonged finish are perfectly suited to the very best in gastromonic treats like lobster, oysters and caviar. Demand continues even in our trying economic times. Quantities are extremely limited. This wine is not in stock but arrives very soon. Please act quickly on this special, pre-arrival offer.

2002 Louis Roederer Champagne Brut "Cristal"
Pre-Arrival Sale Price $199.99
Compare to The Wine Advocate's Price of $457
"Roederer's 2002 Cristal is still in its infant, fresh stage. Subtle notes of pears, flowers, spices, mint, minerals and oak are woven into a cashmere-like frame of extraordinary grace and elegance. This beautifully-sculpted Champagne possesses notable clarity but with the additional depth of fruit that is characteristic of this vintage. It is a gorgeous, seductive Cristal of the highest level."
-Rated 96+/100 The Wine Advocate

Domaine Cherisey

New White Burgundies
Exciting Discovery
We love the elegant, complex and sophisticated white wines from France's Burgundy region. They're made from Chardonnay grapes grown on a rocky, slope and the region has over 1,000 years of winemaking experience. We have an exciting discovery, a producer new to us who's making stunning wines from old vines in the villages of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet. Quantities are very limited so please don't hesitate on this exciting offer.

Domaine Cherisey
"These wines (all from very old vines) are utterly distinctive and intriguing." -Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"It isn't very often that we find a new producer of white Burgundy, making wines as good as the best names in the Côte de Beaune. His name flies completely under the radar and his modesty of demeanor and price leaves you gasping for comprehension when you taste the brilliance of his wines. Laurent Martelet of Domaine de Cherisey is just that man, and we're here to tell you that there is no better investment in white Burgundy than getting your hands on some of his 2007s that are among the best of the Côte."
-Importer Kermit Lynch

2007 Cherisey Meursault-Blagny 1er Cru "La Genelotte" On Sale $64.99
2007 Cherisey Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Hameau de Blagny" On Sale $69.99
2007 Cherisey Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Les Chalumeaux" On Sale $69.99

Cellars at Jasper Hill
American Classics Aged to Perfection
Jasper Hill is an American dairy located in Vermont farmland. Jasper Hill also has a state of the art cheese aging facility... it's really a cave, modernized with all of the needed controls to age cheese to perfection. Jasper Hill works with small farms aging their cheeses and helping with distribution and marketing. It's a concept similar to Neal's Yard Dairy in London. The following selections from Jasper Hill are in stock. Stop by for a FREE sample...

Jasper Hill Dairy Bayley Hazen Blue
Cut and Wrapped Fresh to Your Order!
Bayley Hazen Blue has been produced by Mateo Kehler and from the raw milk of his herd of Ayershire cows since the fall of 2003. His farm, located in Northeast Kingdom, Vermont, is called Jasper Hill Dairy. Bayley Hazen Blue is based on the recipe for Stilton and has a woody, natural rind reminiscent of tree bark complemented by a firm, dry paste with an aggressive blue flavor. Earthy and lively, this is one of our favorite American blue cheeses. Pair this cheese with a Riesling or Tawny Port. Stop by for a FREE sample!

Jasper Hill Crawford Farm Vermont Ayr
Cut and Wrapped Fresh to Your Order!
This delicious, alpine style, raw milk, farmstead cheese is made by hand using traditional techniques and each wheel receives individual attention. Cheese making begins in a kettle-shaped vat within an hour of milking. By adding only a small amount of culture, the Crawfords succeed in revealing the complex flavors of their "terroir"-the land that the animals graze. After the rennet has worked its magic of coagulation, the curds are cut and stirred by hand for an hour as the vat continues to heat the whey. When the curds achieve the right degree of firmness, they're pu into molds lined with cheesecloth. Here they apply light pressure and turn them every few minutes. The curds spend a few hours in the molds, then overnight in a salt brine, before being placed on ash boards at the Cellars at Jasper Hill to age perfectly at 55 degrees and 80 percent humidity. The slow aging process and the development of a natural rind continues to allow the complex flavors of the milk to emerge in the final cheese flavor. The rind is edible and imparts an earthy contrast to the creamy sweetness of the interior of the cheese. Stop by for a FREE sample!


Jasper Hill Landaff Farm "Landaff"
Cut and Wrapped Fresh to Your Order!
Made from Landaff's own high quality raw cow's milk, Landaff Cheese is a mild, semi-firm cheese with a delicious combination of flavors, tangy with a clean finish. The open and buttery texture comes with a natural, cave-aged rind. It melts beautifully for cooking, and makes a wonderful addition to any cheese plate. Stop by for a FREE sample.


Jasper Hill Dairy Constant Bliss
Cut and Wrapped Fresh to Your Order!
We just received our last batch of raw milk, Constant Bliss. Jasper Hill is switching to pasteurized milk for this delicious cheese. Constant Bliss is loosely based on a classic French cheese called Chaource. Constant Bliss is a slow ripened lactic cheese made only with fresh, right out of the cow, uncooled, and for this last batch, unpasteurized, evening milk. It's aged under FDA guidelines and has their stamp of approval. It's one of our favorites and although we're sorry to see production changes we're thrilled to offer this last, authentic batch. Stop by for a FREE sample and grab some while you can.

Chef's Pantry

Berger Bluff Farm Eggs

Fresh, Delicious and Nutritious
Mention our e-mail newsletter and save 15%!
"We met Lee, Ingrid and Leena Abraham from Berger Bluff Farm a few years ago when the Clayton Farmer's Market first opened. They're good people, the kind that you wish you met more often. They're blessed with green thumbs, a love of the land and a passion for growing tasty things to eat. We buy their delicious tomatoes in the summertime to pair up with fresh Mozzarellai di Bufala and we were thrilled when we learned that they're raising chickens and selling farm fresh eggs. They're also making weekly deliveries to the metro area. Their eggs are fresh baby, and totally different than the bland-tasting, white, factory-produced eggs. Berger Bluff eggs are snatched from the layers the same week that they're delivered. These are eggs as they should be with a natural, brown shell, buoyant egg whites and dark orange yolks that are rich and delicious. I feel like I've used 'delicious' too often but wait until you try these! They're about the same price as brown eggs that grocers are pedaling but these are fresher with much more flavor. Berger Bluff eggs are a great way to splurge without breaking the bank. Affordable luxury that also supports a local, independent farm."
-John Nash, The Wine Merchant, Ltd.

PS We're still carrying Clarverach Farm Eggs when we can get 'em...

Parmigiano-Reggiano $12.99/lb
Cut and Wrapped Fresh to Your Order!
"We have a great price on Parm and we cut and wrap it fresh to your order. We've always recommend buying Parmigiano-Reggiano in hunks or wedges and highly recommend grating it yourself as pre-grated Parmigiano loses it's character quickly. Freshly grated always tastes better. Parmigiano-Reggiano is a great snacking cheese too, so don't just grate it over pasta, salads and soups. It's one of our favorite wine tasting cheeses as it has fresh acidity and doesn't coat your palate and interfere with the wine. We like to serve Parm with full-bodied reds (Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello di Montalcino!) or a chilled glass of French Champagne. Stop by for a FREE sample of Parmigiano-Reggiano so you can see for yourself!"
-Simon Lehrer, Cheesemonger, The Wine Merchant, Ltd.

Badoit Naturally Sparkling Mineral Water
On Sale $5.99 Liter
Compare to Amazon.com's Price of $8.96
This elegant, delicious, naturally-sparkling mineral water is served at most Three Star restaurants in Europe. The bubbles are tiny and subtle and the water doesn't bloat you up like artificially carbonated waters. It's perfect to serve with dinner if, god forbid, you're not serving wine. Just got a new shipment. Quantities are limited, please act quickly...

2009 Beaujolais Nouveau Pre-Arrival Offer!!!

2009 Beaujolais Nouveau
Arrives Thursday, November 19
"Beaujolais Nouveau is always released on the third Thursday in November all over the world. This tradition began as a celebration of the new harvest and has grown into an international event celebrated around the Globe. 2009 is being called the best Beaujolais vintage in the last 50 years thanks to perfect weather and growing conditions. What is Beaujolais? It's a wine produced in France's Burgundy region and can be traced back to Roman times. It's made from a cousin of the Pinot Noir grape called Gamay Noir and is required by law to be harvested by hand. Nouveau is fermented using a special process called carbonic maceration (whole berry fermentation) which produces silky, soft, fruit driven wines that are intended for near term consumption. About 1/3 of the annual harvest is used for production of Nouveau which has 3600 grower/farmers producing grapes for this classic, French wine which should be consumed within a year of release. Georges Duboeuf assembled an army of 50,000 pickers (remember it's hand harvested by law) and commenced picking on September 4 for his Nouveau '09. We receive our shipment this Thursday and we'll be sampling it as soon as it arrives. Our Cheesemonger Simon Lehrer will be serving some classic French cheeses to compliment this festive, fruity wine. You can serve it with almost anything... Chinese carryout, braised short ribs, Nacho Mama's smoked chicken, chocolate chip cookies (you really have to try that one...) and it works perfectly with a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Stop by our original location on Thursday and join the fun. We're offering Duboeuf's Beaujolais Nouveau and Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau this year and you can place your orders in advance. To order by phone call (314.863.6282 or 1.800.770.8466) via e-mail or in person on Thursday at our brick and mortar store at 20 South Hanley Road in Clayton. Hope to see you Thursday."
-John Nash, The Wine Merchant, Ltd.

2009 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau
On Sale $8.99
"Duboeuf claims that 2009 is the finest Beaujolais vintage in the past 50 years and with a glowing endorsement from the 'King of Beaujolais' it's sure to sell out fast. Place your orders now to secure some for the holidays."
-John Nash, The Wine Merchant, Ltd.

2009 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau
On Sale $10.99
"Beaujolais-Villages is produced from select vineyards that make a more serious and full-bodied example. They're just a step below the rare Beaujolais Cru. We've always liked Duboeuf's Villages bottling and it tends to keep a little longer than the standard Nouveau thanks to more structure and stuffing. Get it, stuffing? We predict this one to be another winner in 2009."
-John Nash, The Wine Merchant, Ltd.

Wine Merchant Classes

Taste While You Learn

Tuesday, November 17
Wine and Cheese Pairing: French Edition
Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations.
You've enjoyed our wine and cheese pairing classes before, but this time we'll be pairing a variety of our delicious French wines with cheeses from within those same regions.
$35 per person


Thursday, November 19
Argentina
Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations.
The winemakers of Argentina are turning heads in the world of wine. They are making great wine from classic grapes like Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonay, and have adopted other grapes like Torrontes, Bonarda, and especially Malbec as their own. If you haven't tried the wines from Argentina, now is the time!
$25 per person

Friday, November 20
Syrah/Shiraz
Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations.
In this class you get to see how different climates, soils and production techniques affect one of the longest established grape varietals-no matter how you spell it.
$20 per person

Saturday, November 21
Chardonnay
Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations.
Chardonnay is the most popular white wine varietal in the world. This class will showcase some bargains and exceptional, delicious wines made from Chardonnay grapes. Great class!
$25 per person

French Bargains-Blanc et Rouge!

Bargains from France

Vin Blanc
Sure, France produces some of the most expensive, rare and collectible wines but there are still bargains to be found. Here are a few of our favorite white wine values from La Belle France.

2008 Domaine de Pouy Cote de Gascogne
On Sale $8.99
"Yves Grassa's 2008 Domaine de Pouy - a blend of Ugni Blanc and Colombard - smells typically of clover, herbs, and grasses, lime, and pineapple. A delicacy; an efficacy of ripe acidity; and an invigorating intimation of peach fuzz and salt in the finish, all make this year's cuvee especially appealing. Keep this on hand in your refrigerator..."
-The Wine Advocate

2007 Domaine de Beauregard Muscadet "Sur Lie"
On Sale $11.99
"With a bright cut of citrus oil and laying down a faintly bitter chalky, alkaline residue on the palate, this Muscadet would be good to reach for anytime over the next 12-18 months, particularly in pairing with fresh greens and other otherwise wine-killing vegetables."
-The Wine Advocate

2007 Chateau Lafayette Bordeaux Blanc
On Sale $12.99
"Bordeaux Blanc? That's right folks. France's Bordeaux region makes some of the world's finest, ageworthy red wines but they also make some impressive whites and a few bargains too. We figure that a large percentage of white bordeaux wines are consumed in locally with the fresh, catch of the day. The Bordeaux AOC shadows the Gironde estuary that flows into the Atlantic. Sure, the French will drink red wine with seafood but certain, delicately-fleshed varieties cry out for a glass of crisp, white wine. The main white wine grapes grown in Bordeaux are Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon and they're often blended together. Chateau Lafayette's Bordeaux Blanc is produced entirely from Sauvignon. The '07 is bursting with fresh, vine-ripened aromas followed on the palate by lively citrus, melon and ripe pear flavors. The finish rounds out the wine with a hint of minerals and refreshing, natural acidity. Makes me think of briny, oysters on the half shell or a funky, aged Chevre from the Loire. A fine bargain..."
-John Nash, The Wine Merchant, Ltd.

Bargains from France
Vin Rouge
We have some truly amazing red wine bargains from France for you thanks to the stunning 2007 vintage in the Rhone Valley. Stock up and you'll be glad down the road when you enjoy these delicious wines. The critics are raving too. Don't hesitate because when they're gone, they're gone... "Throughout the southern Rhône, 2007 is the greatest vintage I have tasted in my thirty years working in that region. Nearly every producer has attained largely unprecedented levels of quality. Moreover, the vintage is remarkably consistent from top to bottom." -Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate


2007 Domaine Piaugier VdP "Les Ramieres" On Sale $8.99
"This is a jammy, juicy mouthful of vine-ripened goodness. Jean-Marc and Sophie Autran have been working wonders at this small Rhône estate over the last 10 years. Their vineyards cover the appellations Côtes du Rhône, Gigondas and Sablet where the winery is based. They have old vines and work hard to limit yields and produce modern full fruit driven wines but with all the spicy peppery characteristics of the Rhône. The press is waking up to what they'e doing and the wines have been graciously reviews in The Wine Advocate, by English critic Clive Coates and in France's reputable Guide Hachette." -John Nash, The Wine Merchant, Ltd.

2007 La Bastide Syrah
On Sale $9.99
"The La Bastide 2007 Syrah is even more exuberant and bright and its combination of black pepper, black cherry, beef juices, tar, and violets puts one in mind of the Northern Rhone (although the prevailing temperatures and cobbled terroir here more resemble Chateauneuf). Finishing with sappy persistence, this will serve admirably for the next couple of years." -The Wine Advocate

2007 Domaine Solitude Cotes du Rhone
On Sale $13.99
"Given the brilliance of this estate's Chateauneuf du Papes, it is not surprising that they have also turned out a delicious, attractive, elegant, deep, berry fruit-filled 2007 Cotes du Rhone. With a velvety texture as well as wonderful length for a wine of this pedigree, it can be enjoyed over the next 1-2 years." -Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

2007 Feraud-Brunel Cotes du Rhone-Villages
On Sale $14.99
"Really shows the ripeness of the vintage, with a wide, almost exotic range of crushed blueberry, boysenberry and blackberry fruit, liberally layered with graphite, woodspice and tobacco notes. The long, racy finish is filled with graphite and licorice. Delicious. Drink now through 2011. 3,300 cases made." -Rated 91/100 The Wine Spectator

2007 Domaine Lafond Lirac Roc-Epine
On Sale $16.99
"A sleeper selection, the 2007 Lirac Roc-Epine is a richly fruity effort offering hints of fresh black raspberries, cherries, licorice, and earth. With abundant fruit, full body as well as loads of character, it should provide enjoyment over the next 4-5 years." -Rated 90-92/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

2007 Domaine Alary Cairanne
On Sale $18.99
"Ripe and lush, with gorgeous mouthfeel to the pure, racy beam of raspberry ganache, black cherry and blackberry fruit. The finish lets melted licorice, roasted apple wood and spice bread notes flitter on. There's solid depth and length to this. Grenache, Syrah and Carignan." -Rated 90/100 The Wine Spectator

Closeouts
White Burgundy Bargains
We have two amazing closeouts for you from one of Burgundy's hottest winemakers. You can call it a sign of the times but we see it as a tremendous opportunity for wine loving folks to purchase wines at incredible discounts. Christophe Cordier's wines are imported by Bobby Kacher, one of America's top suppliers of handmade, authentic, French wine. Here are the details but please act quickly as quantities are limited...

"Christophe Cordier has sky-rocketed Domaine Cordier to the forefront of Burgundy's white wine producers. A believer in low yields, harvesting only physiologically ripe fruit, and being as non-interventionist as possible, Cordier fashions Pouilly-Fuisses of other-worldly quality that are often far better than Cote de Beaune Grand Crus yet at a fraction of the price. His wines have personality, intense aromatics and flavors, as well as impeccable balance."
-Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

2007 Cordier Macon Blanc "Aux Bois d'Allier"
Closeout Price $15.99
Compare to The Wine Advocate's Price of $30
"This is an amazing closeout that almost sounds too good to be true. This is a sophisticated wine made with Chardonnay grapes grown in France's prestigious Burgundy region. Made with passion by one of Burgundy's best vignerons. Here's an excerpt from Robert Kacher's website: 'Christophe Cordier is one of the hottest winemakers in Burgundy. The domaine is located in Fuissé and is renowned for making first class wines from fruit grown in only the best terroirs or sites. Christophe believes the work begins with low yields, hand harvesting only physiologically ripe fruit and intervening as little as possible. Harvest usually starts at the end of September and lasts through the middle of October. All of the wines made here are fermented in wood which allows for the sublime flavor integration. The wines found here all express intense and focused aromatics while concentrated, impeccably balanced rich, long flavors take over in the mouth. The wines from Pouilly Fuissé are often thought to rival and surpass many of the top level wines found in the Côte de Beaune and at a fraction of the price.' Well said Bobby!"
-John Nash, The Wine Merchant, Ltd.

2007 Cordier Pouilly-Fuissé
Closeout Price $29.99
Compare to Wine Spectator's Price of $46
"A deft if not invisible application of wood does not fight with the expressive, airy and ripe aromas of green fruit, pear and lemon zest that precedes the rich, full and naturally sweet flavors that possess fine volume and an excellent sense of underlying energy on the dry, pure and lingering finish that really coats the mouth. Lovely."
-Rated 90/100 Allen Meadows, Burghound.com

Berger Bluff Farm Eggs
Fresh, Delicious and Nutritious
Mention our e-mail newsletter and save 15%!
"We met Lee, Ingrid and Leena Abraham from Berger Bluff Farm a few years ago when the Clayton Farmer's Market first opened. They're good people, the kind that you wish you met more often. They're blessed with green thumbs, a love of the land and a passion for growing tasty things to eat. We buy their delicious tomatoes in the summertime to pair up with fresh Mozzarellai di Bufala and we were thrilled when we learned that they're raising chickens and selling farm fresh eggs. They're also making weekly deliveries to the metro area. Their eggs are fresh baby, and totally different than the bland-tasting, white, factory-produced eggs. Berger Bluff eggs are snatched from the layers the same week that they're delivered. These are eggs as they should be with a natural, brown shell, buoyant egg whites and dark orange yolks that are rich and delicious. I feel like I've used 'delicious' too often but wait until you try these! They're about the same price as brown eggs that grocers are pedaling but these are fresher with much more flavor. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and Berger Bluff eggs would be a great way to splurge without breaking the bank. Affordable luxury that also supports a local, independent farm."
-John Nash, The Wine Merchant, Ltd.

PS We're still carrying Clarverach Farm Eggs when we can get 'em...

Parmigiano-Reggiano $12.99/lb
Cut and Wrapped Fresh to Your Order!
"We have a great price on Parm and we cut and wrap it fresh to your order. We've always recommend buying Parmigiano-Reggiano in hunks or wedges and highly recommend grating it yourself as pre-grated Parmigiano loses it's character quickly. Freshly grated always tastes better. Parmigiano-Reggiano is a great snacking cheese too, so don't just grate it over pasta, salads and soups. It's one of our favorite wine tasting cheeses as it has fresh acidity and doesn't coat your palate and interfere with the wine. We like to serve Parm with full-bodied reds (Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello di Montalcino!) or a chilled glass of French Champagne. Stop by for a FREE sample of Parmigiano-Reggiano so you can see for yourself!"
-Simon Lehrer, Cheesemonger, The Wine Merchant, Ltd.

Carnivorale @ the Sol Lounge-Tonight!!!

November 9th 2009 Location: Sol lounge
Price: dinner package $125 includes; 7 course dinner, service, and valet
Dinner and drinks: $165 includes; 7 course dinner, service, valet, wine and beer with dinner.
Please contact www.makeminemeat.com for tickets and other information

Wine: the wine list will is still being finalized and will follow.
Beer: the beer list is also being finalized but will not disappoint.

A $5 per bottle corkage fee if you choose to bring your best

Menu

1st course: Poached Quail Egg in Stainless Chinese Spoon topped with Duck-Egg Hollandaise accented with Golden Osetra Caviar, Sliced Truffle and Bacon Fat Layered Petit Croissant
2nd course: Seared Foie Gras and Diver Sea Scallop on a bed of Celery Root Pure' topped with Fried Celery Leaves and a Red Hot Apple Ring
3rd course: Cauliflower and Pancetta Tortellini served with delicate Veal Consume' accented with Coco Nibs
4th course: "Three Cheeks to the Wind Napoli" White Port Braised Veal, Seared Halibut and Cider Pork Cheeks layered between Lavash accented with a Chive Infused Oil
5th course: Beef, Bone and Bug" Beet and Pinot Noir Braised Beef Short Rib with a 2" marrow bone garnish and a Crawfish Boudin wtih Favas and Lobster Mushroom Dice finished with a Shellfish & Tarragon Cream Reduction
6th course: Venison Liver Pate', Potted Rillet of Duck and a Nettle Meadow double Creme Kunik with Persimmon Preserve and Sliced French Baguette
7th course: Chevre and Black Chery Ice Cream with a Fleur de Sel seasoned Beignet with Duck Fat Caramel Sauce

FALL GRAND TASTING THIS SATURDAY 11/14!

2009 Fall Grand Tasting
The Wine Merchant, Ltd.
20 South Hanley Road in Clayton
Saturday, November 14
Noon until 5:00 PM
Cost: $10 per person.
Reservations are required. Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations.
We cordially invite you to join us on Saturday, November 14 for our 2009 Grand Tasting. Our Grand Tastings have become legendary thanks to the bounty that we offer at this once per quarter events. We have a nice lineup of importers, wineries and distributors for this exciting tasting. Cost is $10 per person but you'll get more than your money's worth. Reservations are required. This helps us prepare enough food for the event. Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations. FREE additional parking is available at US Bank at the corner of Hanley Road and Forsyth in Clayton.

Pinnacle Imports
Bill Kniep from Pinnacle Imports is pouring wines from his portfolio with a focus on the great 2007 vintage in California. Here are the wines. Scores are from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate...

2008 Red Car "Boxcar" Chardonnay
2007 Robert Biale Zinfandel "Black Chicken"
2007 Novy Syrah "Susan's Hill" (94 WA)
2007 Novy Syrah "Gary's" (94 WA)
2007 Radio Coteau Pinot Noir "La Neblina" (90-93 WA)
2007 L'Aventure Cote a Cote Paso Robles (95 WA)

Glazers Estates & Domaines
Indira Davis from Glazers Estates and Domaines will be sampling an outstanding selection. Here are the wines along with scores from the Wine Spectator (WS) and Wine Advocate (WA)...
NV Deutz Brut Classic Champagne (93 WS)
2006 Soter Pinot Noir Mineral Springs Vineyard Willamette Valley (94 WA)
2006 Kistler Chardonnay Les Noisetiers
2006 Tablas Creek Espirit de Beaucastel Rouge (92 WA)
2006 Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa Valley (94-96 WA)

Eric Solomon's European Cellars
Juan Guardia from Eric Solomon's European Cellars pouring selections from their portfolio including wines from the great 2007 vintage in France's Southern Rhone Valley. Scores are from The Wine Advocate

2007 Roger Sabon Lirac
2007 Domaine de la Janasse VdP
2007 La Granacha Cotes-du-Rhone Village (91 WA)
2007 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape "Tradition" (93 WA)
2006 Mas Doix "Salanques" Priorat (93 WA)

Vintus Imports
Jock Busser from Vintus Imports pouring selections from their portfolio including wines from California and Italy.

2007 Finca Decero Malbec
2008 Alma Rosa Chardonnay Santa Barbara
2007 Errazuriz Carmenere
2001 Luigi d'Alessandro Il Bosco (92 WA)
2006 Petrolo Torrione (94 WA)

Nicholson-Jones & Cellar Arts
Cal Nicholson, owner of Cellar Arts & Nicholson-Jones Winery pouring selections from his portfolio of California wines from Napa and Sonoma including upcoming releases.

2007 Cellar Arts Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
2006 Cellar Arts Napa Cuvee Napa Valley
2006 Nicholson Jones Mountain Cuvee Napa Valley
2006 Nicholson Jones Cabernet Napa Valley
2006 Nicholson Jones Cabernet Clare Luce Abbey Vineyard Napa Valley

Major Brands
A.J. Rosenblatt from Major Brands is joining us on Saturday and will be pouring some tasty wines too. Here are the wines along with Wine Advocate scores...

2007 Evodia Garnacha
2006 Verget Chablis "Terroir de Chablis"
2007 Patricia Green Pinot Noir Croft Vineyard Willamette Valley
2007 Saint-Cosme Saint-Joseph (89-91 WA)
2006 L'Ecole #41 Cabernet Walla Walla Valley (93 WA)

Garco Wine Company
Kris Hoffman from "Garco" will be joining us for our Fall Grand Tasting. We've been working with Garco closely since we opened over 17 years ago... Here is their lineup along with Wine Spectator Scores.
NV Lucien Albrecht Brut Blanc de Blanc
NV Schramsberg Brut Blanc de Noir
NV Schramsberg Brut Rose
NV Duval Leroy Champagne Brut (91 WS)
1996 Duval Leroy Brut Champagne (93 WS)

We'll also be featuring tasty items from our Chef Pantry and our Award-Winning Cheese Department. Stay tuned for further details and updates on this exciting event...

Wine Merchant Classes

Taste While You Learn

Our classes are taught by our award-winning staff and are educational and fun!

Terms: Classes start at 6:00 P.M. and are priced per evening. Sales tax is not included. Seating is limited and reservations are required. 100% payment at the time of reservations is mandatory to confirm your seats. Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations. Sorry, no cancellations and no refunds. Thank you.

Tuesday, November 10

Rum
Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations.
Rum (or Rhum) is poised to be the next darling of the spirit world. From aged to single cask rums, these are gaining acceptance as world-class spirits. It is sure to be an enjoyable and informative class.
$35 per person

Thursday, November 12
Spain
Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations.
The world's most dynamic wine producing country; Spain is a constant source of new, exciting wines thanks to young wine makers, native grapes grown on old vines and a wide variety of climates. Get hooked on Spain while it's still a great value!
$25 per person

Friday, November 13
Champagne & Sparkling Wine
Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations.
This festive class explores sparkling wines from around the world, including France's prestigious wines from Champagne. Come see why this is one of our most popular classes.
$35 per person

Saturday, November 14
Best Buys Under $15
Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations.
Good wines don't have to be expensive! Come taste some great quality examples without breaking the bank. What a bargain!
$15 per person

Spain

New Releases
We have some new releases from Spain for you... a couple of great bargains, one tremendous closeout and two rare bottles from one of the country's top producers.

2008 Vega Sindoa Old Vine Grenache

On Sale $13.99
"Exotically perfumed bouquet displays black raspberry, cherry compote, licorice and dark chocolate, plus a sexy floral overtone. Fresh, focused red and dark berry flavors are given depth by a note of bitter chocolate and framed by silky tannins. Finishes with very good clarity and mineral snap, with the black raspberry note repeating. Year in and out this is a superb value."
-Rated 90/100 Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

2008 Bodegas Borsao Tres Picos
On Sale $14.99
"Opaque purple. Exotically perfumed bouquet of dark berry preserves, smoky minerals, potpourri and Indian spices, with a strong note of cracked pepper; smells like a high-end northern Rhone wine. Very spicy and tightly focused, offering juicy red and dark berry flavors and sexy notes of candied flowers and cocoa powder. Finishes with a wallop of sweet red berries and lingering, seductive spiciness; as ridiculous a value as one can find these days. The yield for this wine was reportedly under two tons per acre."
-Rated 91/100 Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

"If I had to select just one Spanish wine that consistently over-delivers year after year, it would be Tres Picos."
-The Wine Advocate

2005 Clos Galena Galena
Closeout Price $24.99
Compare to The Wine Advocate's Price $40
"The 2005 Galena is a blend of 35% Garnacha Negra, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 15% Carinena aged for 12 months in French and American oak. Purple-colored, it offers an enticing bouquet of cedar, spice box, earth, mineral, black cherry, and black currant. Supple-textured, ripe, and already complex, this easy-going effort is already delivering much pleasure although it will continue to evolve for another 2-3 years. Drink it through 2020."
-Rated 92/100 The Wine Advocate

2007 Alto Moncayo Garnacha
On Sale $39.99 (Very Limited)
"Deep, bright ruby. Complex bouquet offers scents of blueberry, boysenberry, cola, dark chocolate and mace. Broad, sweet dark berry flavors display liqueur-like depth and power and are nicely framed by velvety tannins. A tangy mineral note gains strength with air and adds vivacity to the long, sweet, spicy finish. I'd drink this alluring wine on the young side for its exuberant fruit character."
-Rated 93/100 Steve Tanzer, The International Wine Cellar

2007 Alto Moncayo Garnacha "Aquilon"
On Sale $144.99 (Very Limited)
"Inky purple. Powerful, mineral-driven aromas of cherry, blueberry, violet oil, licorice and minerals, with a strong overlay of Asian spices. Large-scaled yet elegant, offering sweet dark berry flavors and exotic notes of candied flowers and fruitcake. The mineral element drives the finish, which is broad, sweet and focused. Offers an uncanny blend of power and finesse."
-Rated 95/100 Steve Tanzer, The International Wine Cellar

Grower Champagne

We love wine made by farmers. You have to start with excellent raw materials to make great wine. In France's Champagne region the wines are dominated by large producers who don't necessarily grow all of their own grapes. We're not knocking the big houses... they can make delicious wine. We taste a lot around here and we discovered the whole "grower champagne" scene in search of quality and value and we were happy to discover the story behind the movement. Production of grower champagne is tiny, less than 5% of the region's annual volume. Grower Champagne at The Merch represents about 1/3 of our selections from Champagne and we'd stock more if we could track them down. Here are two of our favorite growers...

"Unlike the brands that serve a mass market and aim for a consistent house style, the grower Champagnes are made artisanally in small batches - tens of thousands of bottles, compared with tens of millions for the bigger houses. Because the grapes come from the growers' own small estates, they tend to display that elusive quality known as terroir, which expresses a particular soil and climate. And because the growers don't have the huge marketing budgets that the grand marques do, their Champagne is often less expensive. Champagne from a grower in a top-rated grand cru village can be an especially good deal." -The New York Times

A. Margaine
"I was blown away by Arnaud Margaine's wines. These are Champagnes of extraordinary purity and sheer elegance. Margaine farms 6.5 hectares, 90% planted to Chardonnay, the rest Pinot Noir."
-The Wine Advocate

A. Margaine Champagne Demi-Sec
On Sale $49.99
"This is an utterly sensual wine that flows with the essence of perfumed white peaches, flowers, mint, pears and spices. So many Demi-Secs are forgettable, but not this one. Margaine has crafted a wine of extraordinary personality and elegance."
-Rated 90/100 The Wine Advocate

A. Margaine Champagne Brut Rose
On Sale $49.99
"Light, bright pink. Vibrant strawberry, raspberry and blood orange aromas are complemented by exotic floral and incense qualities, along with a zesty mineral undercurrent. Dry and sharply focused, offering racy red fruit and floral pastille flavors, with a slow-building note of honeysuckle. Youthful, sharply focused citrus notes linger on the spicy finish."
-Rated 91/100 Steve Tanzer, The International Wine Cellar

1999 A. Margaine Champagne Blanc de Blancs Special Club Brut
On Sale $75.99
"Light yellow. Very expressive, open bouquet evokes orange, poached pear and lemon pith. Fleshy, impressively polished citrus and orchard fruit flavors offer depth as well as cut, finishing with a pleasingly bitter anise quality. Became more vibrant with air, suggesting that this will repay cellaring.
-Rated 91+/100 Steve Tanzer, The International Wine Cellar

Pierre Peters
"It is hard to get a word in edge-wise with Rudolf Peters, as he is incredibly passionate, something that clearly comes through in these exceptional wines. The family-run domaine oversees 17.5 hectares of vineyards, 10 of which are planted with Chardonnay in the prestigious Le-Mesnil-sur-Oger. All of the wines undergo malolactic fermentation."
-The Wine Advocate


Pierre Peters Champagne Brut Cuvee Reserve
On Sale $52.99
"Light, bright green-gold, with a strong bead. Vivid citrus and green apple aromas are complicated by subtle lees, spice and brioche qualities, as well as a slow-building floral quality. Firm and focused, offering tangy orange and orchard fruit flavors along with anise and sweet butter. Gains weight with air but not at the expense of the crackling fruit. The citrus notes linger impressively on the finely etched finish. I really like this wine's delicacy and sneaky power."
-Rated 92/100 Steve Tanzer, The International Wine Cellar

2000 Pierre Peters Champagne Brut Cuvee Speciale
On Sale $99.99
"...a sumptuous, opulent wine that flows with layers of smoke, licorice, lime, minerals, ripe fruit and spices, all of which are supported by a gorgeous streak of minerality. This is an exciting, racy wine that I find completely irresistible and sensual."
-Rated 95/100 The Wine Advocate

2007 Karma Cab

On Sale $10.99
"2007 is a knockout vintage in California. Both the Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate rate the year 96/100. 'A' quality. We've learned over the years to search out bargains from 'great' vintages. Trickle down theory. This '07 Cab bargain is from California's Paso Robles region. Dark color. Lush nose of ripe black cherries and dark plum. None of the herbal stuff on the nose that you usually find in an inexpensive Cab, just pure fruit. It's a big wine on the palate but without hard edges. There's complexity there too; hints of cocoa, tobacco and cedar. The finish is balanced by soft, round tannins. A new staff favorite." -John Nash, The Wine Merchant, Ltd.

Fiscalini Farmstead Cheddar Premium Reserve
Cut and Wrapped Fresh to Your Order!
We love Fiscalini's Cheddar and so do the critics. This classic was voted 'Best Farmhouse Cheese in North America' by The American Cheese Society. This is an exceptional cloth-bound cheddar that's made by hand in Modesto California. Fiscalini's Master Cheesemaker is Jorge Mariano Gonzalez who was the man behind the excellent Cheddars from Shelburne Farms in Vermont. Their 'Premium Reserve' Cheddar rivals the great Cheddars of England in its complexity of flavor and exquisite texture. Stop by for a FREE sample.

Special Events

In Store & Around Town

We love providing the opportunity for our customers to taste new wines and sample products both at our original location in Clayton and various venues around town. There's always something going at The Merch. Here's the latest scoop.

Kacher Selections Tasting

Monday, 11/2 at Café Provencale

Kacher Tasting @ Café Provencale
Café Provencale
427 South Kirkwood Road in Kirkwood
Monday, November 2
Starts at 6:00 PM
Cost: $35 per person plus tax.
Please call Café Provencale at 314.822.5440 for reservations.
Craig Baker from Robert Kacher Selections is visiting us and conducting an open house tasting of new releases from Bobby Kacher's portfolio of wine producers at Café Provencale in Kirkwood on Monday, November 2. Eddie Neill and his staff will be preparing a selection of French delights to compliment the wines and our staff will be on hand to help out too for this open house tasting. Please call Café Provencale at 314.822.5440 reservations.

Fall Grand Tasting

Saturday 11/14 at The Merch

2009 Fall Grand Tasting
The Wine Merchant, Ltd.
20 South Hanley Road in Clayton
Saturday, November 14
Noon until 5:00 PM
Please call 314.863.6282 for reservations and information.
We cordially invite you to join us on Saturday, November 14 for our 2009 Grand Tasting. Our Grand Tastings have become legendary thanks to the bounty that we offer at this once per quarter events. We have a nice lineup of importers, wineries and distributors locked in and we're working on a few last minute additions. Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 14 for this exciting tasting. Here's a sneak peak for you.

Jock Busser from Vintus Imports pouring selections from their portfolio including wines from California and Italy.

Juan Guardia from Eric Solomon European Cellars pouring selections from their portfolio including wines from the great 2007 vintage in the Southern Rhone.

Cal Nicholson, owner of Cellar Arts & Nicholson-Jones Winery pouring selections from his portfolio including upcoming new releases.

Bill Kniep from Pinnacle Imports pouring wines from the great 2007 vintage in Sonoma & the Central Coast of California. Stay tuned for updates.

Closeouts

Incredible Savings

We were amazed at the response to our Kacher closeout wines from last week. Some of them sold out but we have a small amount of stock remaining on the following wines. Please act quickly on this money-saving offer from America's best wine importer.

Wine Critic Steven Tanzer on Kacher
"The Robert Kacher Selections imprint on a label is a virtual guarantee of high quality wine."
-Steven Tanzer, The International Wine Cellar

Original pricing listed by the critics is in parentheses along with the wine's rating. For space saving we used abbreviations and here's a key for them.

Key: WA = Wine Advocate, IWC = International Wine Cellar, WS = Wine Spectator, BH = Burghound.com

2007 Saint Antoine Syrah Closeout Price $6.99 (WA - $13)
2005 Mas de Guiot Cuvée Alex Closeout Price $10.99 (WA $22 - 89)
2005 Les Cailloux Chateauneuf du Pape 375 ml Closeout Price $14.99 (IWC $30 - 93)
2006 Amouriers Vacqueyras Les Genestes Closeout Price $15.99 (WA $32 - 91)
2006 Domaine Fondreche Cuvée Nadal Closeout Price $15.99 (WA $27 - 91)
2006 Domaine Fondreche Cuvée Persia Closeout Price $17.99 (WA $32 - 92)
2007 Cordier Pouilly-Fuissé Closeout Price $29.99 (BH $46 - 90)
2006 Cordier Saint Veran En Faux Closeout Price $29.99 (WS $46 - 90)

Domaine Albert Morot

Bargains from Burgundy

"This small estate verifies the importance of old vines and the outstanding and underrated terroir of Beaune. Morot's cellar is cold and deep producing fermentations that are slow to start and take their time to complete. This results in complex, deeply layered wines that have an uncanny ability to age while retaining their vine-ripened, vibrant, fresh fruit. If you haven't noticed some Burgundy wines are now priced in the stratosphere. Morot has continued to hold fast to one of the most sane and fair pricing strategies in Burgundy. The wines of Morot are imported by our good friend Bobby Kacher." -John Nash, The Wine Merchant, Ltd.

Robert Parker on Kacher's Burgundies
"Robert Kacher Burgundy offerings are unequaled in quality by any other importer."
-Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

2007 Morot Beaune 1er Cru Bressandes

On Sale $49.99

"A discreet hint of wood spice sets off a very ripe, indeed this is a bit like a dry porto yet there is no underlying sense of anything spirituous and in fact there is a good sense of freshness here. The rich, delicious and generous flavors are very Beaune and the natural elegance of Bressandes is present with the relative refinement of the tannins and good finishing minerality. I very much like the mouth feel as it's precise but fleshy."
-Rated 89-92/100 Allen Meadows, Burghound.com

2007 Morot Beaune 1er Cru Teurons

On Sale $49.99

"A more typical nose of red and blue pinot fruit laced with plenty of floral influence, particularly violets, slides gracefully into textured, vibrant and very precise medium-bodied flavors that are supported by ripe structural elements and a firmer as well as mouth coating finish. Excellent."
-Rated 90-92/100 Allen Meadows, Burghound.com

2007 Morot Beaune 1er Cru Marconnets

On Sale $49.99

"A very subtle hint of wood frames notably ripe plum and black cherry aromas that display underbrush and earth notes that continue onto the rich, full and serious medium-bodied flavors that are at once generous and powerful on the sappy and highly complex finish."
-Rated 90-92/100 Allen Meadows, Burghound.com