I will miss these views though...
Hours of Operation
Monday – Saturday
10am to 6pm
Calendar 🗓
October 14 (Saturday) - Second Saturday… Croque Monsieur and French Fries!!! I just returned from France, so what else would you expect?
November 7 (Tuesday) - Our annual Alternative Wine Dinner. We are now taking reservations for this annual event, so please call to reserve your space.
November 16 (Thursday) - It's that time of year again... Beaujolais Nouveau! As usual, to celebrate the new release, we will have French fare all day long, so make sure to add this exciting day to your calendars.
Store News 🏬
You know better than me… I just got back. The girls did just fine without me, cleaned and organized everything (it’s so much easier when I’m gone). I’m pretty sure there will be some changes coming soon. We’ve been kicking around some different ideas, and sooner rather than later, we’ll be sharing them with all of you. Stay tuned because this is where we’ll let you know.
Wine News🍷
There’s not a lot of wine news… a couple new bottles, one being my feature, and another is an Italian that I have always enjoyed but which hasn’t been in our racks in quite a long while. Weeks ago, we preordered a significant amount of grower-produced champagne, and it apparently has arrived in the country. We bought enough that we thought it wise to spread it out over the next three weeks. These are some of our favorites, and there will certainly be enough to get us through the holidays. Additionally, after my visits to the champagne houses, I’m planning on loading up on a few of theirs as well. Yeah, we do have wine news... a couple new reds and a lot of bubble are heading our way.
Dan’s Feature ⭐️
This week’s feature is another bottle from Crane Vineyards: their 2018 el Coco Napa Valley Red Wine is the perfect bottle for those individuals that remember what Dave Phinney’s wines are all about. I don’t think Dave’s involved with Crane Vineyards anymore, but his recipe-style winemaking is certainly in tact. “In 1885, Dr. George Beldon Crane planted an assortment of grape vines on an eight-acre plot of land, just south of St. Helena. Today, it is one of the oldest vineyards in the Napa Valley, consisting of a field blend traditionally known as ‘mixed blacks’. This vintage of G.B. Crane Vineyard el Coco pours a rich and dark garnet with a purple tint in the glass. Aromatically, the wine is boisterously expressive with notes of violet, lilac, blackberry, dark roses, supple leather and exotic spices. An energetic entry that is both elegant and vibrant, the palate is rife with notes of black plum, black cherry, currant, ripe raspberry and a touch of vanilla. Soft tannins abound with palate coating density resulting in a luscious finish that lingers." If you’re a Prisoner fan or Crane Lake Assembly fan, this big delicious $84.99 bottle has your name on it. I only brought in a few of these for the fans I’m aware of, but there’s always more where they came from.
Dan’s Pick 🥂
Catena 2022 White Clay Semillon-Chenin is my pick for this week. We’ve always carried Catena wines, but this is one of the few whites they produce that we became a bit smitten with. Whereas Semillon is many times used as a blending grape in White Bordeaux, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen it accompanying Chenin Blanc, and apparently this is the predominant white wine of Argentina. “Catena Zapata White Clay Semillon-Chenin 2022 is a remarkable white wine that showcases the harmonious blend of Semillon and Chenin Blanc. Grown in Mendoza, Argentina, the grapes benefit from high-altitude vineyards, abundant sunshine, and chalky clay soils, resulting in a wine that embodies the region's terroir. In the glass, this wine presents a pale straw color and captivating aromas of citrus blossoms, white peaches, and green apples, accompanied by delicate floral notes. On the palate, it offers a balanced and finesseful experience. The Semillon contributes richness, apricot flavors, and a creamy texture, while the Chenin Blanc adds vibrancy, zesty acidity, and citrus flavors like lemon zest and grapefruit. Catena Zapata White Clay Semillon-Chenin is a versatile wine that pairs well with seafood, creamy cheeses, roasted poultry, and vegetable-based dishes. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it captures the unique character of the terroir and delivers a sensory journey filled with elegance and complexity.” This 92-point white from Argentina is priced at $24.99 and will be a pleasant addition to any table. Stop by and pick up a few to try out this weekend.
Oyster News 🦪
Last week I was fortunate to have maybe some of the best oysters I have ever had, Utah Beach from Normandy. We purchased what are known in France as 2s and 3s (medium to medium large), and these oysters were low salinity, plump, elegant, and sweet and meaty. Something I’m sure is only available in France. While those may be my new favorite oysters, they’re over in France… so this week we went back to our favorite PEI Oysters, Glacier Bay. We’ll try something new for next week, but it’s just nice to come back to a few of your favorite things.
Market Items 🛒
*Fresh Hand Cut Prime Strip Steaks - $22.99/lb
*Fresh Wagyu Hanger Steaks, 2 Pack (1lb) - $29.99
*Fresh Wagyu Burgers 4pk - $16.99
*Fresh Oysters - $24 a dozen
*Fresh North Atlantic Salmon - $18.99/lb
*Fresh Sashimi-Grade Ahi Tuna - $18.99/lb
*Fresh Duroc Double Bone-In Pork Chops - $12.99
Frozen Wild Caught Halibut - $29.99/lb
Frozen Whole BMS 6/7 Wagyu Tenderloin - $39.99/lb (1 remaining)
Frozen CAB Steak Burgers 4pk - $14.99
Frozen CAB Dry-Aged Ribeyes - $18.99/lb
Frozen Center Cut 8oz Beef Tenderloin Filets - $16.99
Frozen Choice Sirloin Cap Strip Steaks, 8oz - $9.99
Frozen Lamb Sirloin Roast - $22.99/lb
Frozen Lamb Racks, 2lbs - $49.99
Frozen Spiral Cut Dearborn Hams, approx. 9lb - $27.99
Frozen Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin - $12.99
Frozen Pre-Cooked Frozen BBQ Ribs (approx. 3lb racks) - $23.99
Frozen Bratwurst, 5pk - $8.99
Frozen Italian Sausages, 4 per pound - $8.99
Frozen Dearborn Knockwurst, 5pk - $8.99
Frozen Black Pepper Bacon - $14.99
Frozen Chilean Sea Bass, 6oz - $16.99
Frozen Buddy’s Detroit Style Pizzas (Cheese or Pepperoni) - $17.99
Frozen Ahi Saku Block Tuna AAA Sushi Grade, avg. 16oz - $19.99
Frozen U-16/20 Raw Shrimp deveined (1lb package) - $19.99
Frozen U-10 Scallops - $29.99/lb
Frozen Lobster Tails, 2pk - $35.99
Frozen Whole Petite Potatoes - $8.99
Frozen Arrezzio Basil Pesto, 16oz - $18.99
Fresh/Frozen Bacchini Strozzapreti from Italy - $14.99/lb (serving for 2)
Fresh/Frozen Bacchini Lobster & Crab Tortelli from Italy - $16.99 1/2 lb
Fresh/Frozen Drake’s Pasta Ravioli (Veal or Butternut Squash) - $12.99/lb (serving for 2)
1932’s Pasta Sauce (Arrabbiata, Pomodorina with Fresh Basil, Pomodorina with Barolo) - $7.99
Maurizio Casarecce Dried Pasta from Italy - $5.99
Maurizio Spaghetti Chitarra Dried Pasta from Italy - $5.99
Maurizio Trofie Dried Pasta from Italy - $7.99
Tribeca Bakery Bread (Rosemary or Asiago) - $5.50
New Wine🍷
Crane Assembly 2018 el Coco Red Wine, Napa Valley - $84.99
Lievland 2021 Bushland Pinotage, South Africa - $21.99
Scott Harvey 2019 Mountain Selection Barbera, California - $25.99
Tenuta di Trinoro 2021 Toscana le Cupole Rosso, Italy - $49.99
Escudo Rojo 2021 Reserva Carmenère, Chile - $25.99
Moussé Fils NV L'or Eugène Blanc de Noirs Champagne 1.5L, France - $159.99
Moussé Fils 2018 Les Fortes Terres Special Club Champagne, France - $134.99
H. Goutorbe 2012 Special Club Millesime Champagne, France - $129.99
New Beer 🍺
North High Stick Amber Ale, 6pk cans - $10.99
B. Nektar Zombie Killer Cherry Honey Cider, 4pk cans - $14.99
Jackie O's Dark Apparition Imperial Stout, 4pk cans - $12.99
Kegs - 1/6 Barrel 🛢
Outerbelt Glasstown Lager - $109.99
Country Boy Cougar Bait American Blonde - $109.99
Tröeg’s Perpetual IPA - $114.99
Duck Rabbit Amber - $135.99
Masthead Single Origin Coffee Stout - $109.99
Final Thoughts 💬
It’s always good to be back… Sure, I love traveling and exploring new cultures, but ultimately here is where I belong. We visited three Champagne houses in a single day (not something I would suggest), and quite possibly that was my favorite part of this year's travels. The Rhone is unbelievably beautiful, and the the small hill towns that surround the area are each in their own way very special indeed. Traveling back through Paris and having the opportunity to spend a day with family was a moment that prepared us for the best part of vacation… coming home.
Cheers from all of us here at the Wine Merchant!
📞 419-424-0391
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