Thanks to everyone who joined us for last week’s festivities! The next time we host a shucking event, I’ll double down on my oyster purchases…
Hours of Operation
Monday – Saturday
10am to 6pm
Calendar
Sep. 24 - Oktoberfest Dinner (reservations required) — Party on Main St. all day and dine here that evening. This will sell out fast, so give us a call so we can include you in this special event. More news coming later.
Store News 🏬
So one of our distributors calls Monday and says, “we finally got in the remainder of your rosé order!” That was in March… In Dan World, that was at least a year ago! But being the nice guy I am, I tell him to go ahead and send them to me. Three new rosés just in time for fall! Really though, it’s always rosé season, and these are three that have been some of the favorites in the past few years, so even though we have quite a few new wines in, we’re featuring the last of this year’s new rosés.
Wine News🍷
Couldn’t help myself this week, kinda went big on some purchases — the type of bottles that will be great for 20, 30, or even 40 years. Even though Chateau Mouton Rothschild is a 2018 vintage, this is the wine that was distinguished as the the wine of the century and had better be at $899.99 a bottle. Others that I brought in aren’t that pricey, but they’re still up there. Why do I buy bottles like these? It’s simple — if I don’t buy them now, I’ll never have the opportunity again. These wines are some of the best in the world, and many times, we’ll have people asking for extra special wines for a big anniversary or like me, for each of my grandchildren’s birth years. These are the only wines that will last that long that I can stand behind and assure you that yes, when you open this bottle, it will be exactly what you wanted to celebrate that very special event. I’m planning on the future… for you.
Dan’s Feature ⭐️
Shafer 2018 TD-9 is my feature for this week. John Shafer was not a winemaker or a farmer… after buying his property in 1973, he had to teach himself how to drive his first tractor 🚜 That tractor that just happened to be an International Harvester TD-9. This American-style Bordeaux is comprised of 56% Merlot, 23% Cabernet, and 21% Malbec, and as the winemaker notes, “the 2018 is an aromatic feast of summer berries, rose petal, rhubarb, raspberry, and black cherry jam. In the mouth, this racy red blend is all juicy, briary red and black berry fruit that’s spicy and energetic with a structure of ripe tannins and a long, plush finish.” I was first introduced to this wine by a customer, and after trying it, I understood the hype and every so often would bring in a few. This week, I decided to bring in enough to share with all of you. Shafer is an iconic wine, and this bottle is one that’s affordable enough ($69.99) to be brought out to accompany dinner on Saturday night.
Dan’s Pick 🥂
It’s the three rosés that came in this week: Bellula from Languedoc, La Perdrix from the Costieres De Nimes in the Rhone, and Domaine Pral from Beaujolais are a very welcome (although late) addition to our rose section. While stylistically Bellula and the La Perdrix winery will be similar, Domaine Pral will stand out as more unique. Bellula is comprised of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache. “As striking in its pale color as it is in its fullness of flavor, Bellula’s sleek and sprightly qualities make it wildly refreshing. Inimitable Southern French aromas of wildflowers, wild red berries, and tea olive mingle with the peach, muskmelon, and thyme flavors on the light-bodied palate. It’s a subtle wine that will nevertheless transport you to the South of France. Enjoy by itself and with any light or spicy dishes. Serve at 45°.” La Perdrix is the same 60/40 makeup and is described as “having strawberry and raspberry aromas that introduce this zingy, red-berried rosé. Medium-bodied and vibrantly balanced in acidity, it's a juicy blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah that should accompany grilled poultry and fish beautifully.” Last but certainly not least is Domaine Pral from the southern tip of Beaujolais. The Pral family has made wine for several generations and is a quintessential producer for the region! They very aptly describe this wine as having “delicate notes of roses, strawberry, wild red cherry with a smooth fruity finish. If you love Sancerre rosé, this is a fantastic value option from Beaujolais.” All three of these are great values and great wines, just what we all need for the nearing end of summer and a great tailgating fall quickly on its way.
Food News
We’ve been lucky to get some great items in down here for a fair price. Even though we’ve been stocking the market items for a couple years, we still get excited when we get in new items or great deals. I would never make it as a grocer, but I do like being the shop that can always find a great steak or seafood item to complement our wines and our beers. We do our absolute best to make sure whatever reason you stop in the store, you’re always happy that you did. Be it beef, pork, or seafood, we’ll always have the best available for you.
Food Feature
I hate to lead with Oysters, but these new ones that came in are spectacular! Fortune Oysters are brought to us from the very, very cold waters of Nova Scotia. Small in size but packing a flavor that’s like taking a taste of these waters, fresh, cold, and with unprecedented brine. The owner of Fortune Oysters suggests a squeeze of lime to create a fantastic experience much similar to a shot of ice cold tequila. I tried it, and guess what… he’s right! I tried to order another hundred, but they were out. We now have plenty of oysters, but only about 75 of them are Fortunes. Come and try them out and see for yourself. We’re also happy to let you know that this week, we have in Fresh Halibut and Icelandic Salmon. Three great items from the cold waters of Canada and Iceland.
Market Items
*Fresh Hand Cut to Order Demkota Strip Steaks - $18.99/lb
*Fresh Prime Demokota Hand Cut Ribeyes - $22.99/lb
*Fresh Dry Aged Prime Creekstone Farms 12oz Ribeyes - $36.99
*Fresh Dry Aged Prime Creekstone Farms 12oz Strips - $39.99
*Fresh Wagyu Burgers 2pk - $8.99
*Fresh Double Cut Pork Chops - $12.99 per chop
Frozen Prime Whole Beef Tenderloins - $23.99/lb
Frozen Center Cut 8oz Filets - $16.99
Frozen Pre-cooked frozen BBQ Ribs - approx. 3lb racks $29.99
Frozen 8oz Pork Ribeyes - $8.99
Frozen Bacon Wrapped 5oz Pork Filets - $5.99 per filet
Frozen Merguez Lamb and Beef Sausage 4-pack - $9.99
Frozen Rinaldi Italian Sausage 4 per pound - $6.99
Frozen Beef Brisket Sausages 5 per pound - $15.99
Frozen Nueske Cheddar and Bacon Sausages 5 per pound - $9.99
*Fresh Fortune Oysters Nova Scotia - $24 a dozen
*Fresh Anarlax Icelandic Salmon - $17.99/lb
*Fresh Halibut - $31.99/lb
Frozen Bakkafrost Salmon Burgers Chipotle Lime 2pk - $10.99
Frozen Bakkafrost Salmon Burgers Spinach and Feta 2pk - $10.99
Buddy’s Detroit Style Pizzas Original Pepperoni or Cheese - $17.99
Au Gratin potatoes 4-pack - $9.99
Frozen Chilean Sea Bass 6oz - $16.99
Frozen Ahi Saku Block Tuna AAA Sushi Grade avg. 14oz - $29.99
Frozen Lobster Tails - $12.99 each
Frozen U-16/20 Raw Shrimp deveined (1lb package) - $19.99/lb
Frozen U-10 Scallops - $29.99/lb
Frozen Fontinini Fully Cooked Meatballs - 6 2oz balls for $8.99
Fresh/Frozen Bacchini Paparedelle from Italy - $9.99/lb (serving for 2)
Fresh/Frozen Bacchini Strozzapreti from Italy - $9.99/lb (serving for 2)
1932’s Arrabbiata Pasta Sauce - $7.99
1932’s Pomodorina with Fresh Basil Pasta Sauce - $7.99
1932’s Pomodorina with Barolo Pasta Sauce - $7.99
Fusco Mezzi Rigatoni Dried Pasta from Italy - $6.99
Maurizio Spaghetti Chitarra Dried Pasta from Italy - $5.99
Fusco Casarecce Dried Pasta from Italy - $5.99
Drakes Jumbo Ravioli with Veal 1lb - $12.99
Drakes Jumbo Butternut Squash Ravioli 1lb - $12.99
Tribeca Bakery Asiago & Sourdough Bread - $5.50
New Wines 🍷
Bellula 2021 Rosé Languedoc, France $12.99
La Perdrix 2021 Costieres De Nimes, France $13.99
Domaine Pral 2021 Rosé Beaujolais, France $16.99
Shafer 2017 Relentless Napa $115.99
Shafer 2017 Hillside Select Stags Leap District Napa $389.99
Stag’s Leap 2018 Cask 23 Cabernet Napa $294.99
New Beers 🍺
Half Acre Lager Town Octoberfest 4-pack 16oz cans $11.99
Athletic Non-Alcoholic Oktoberfest 6-pack 12oz cans $10.99
BrewDog Fest Bier 6-pack 12oz cans $10.99
Heavy Seas Barrel-Aged Greater Pumpkin 6-pack 12oz bottles $15.99
LeftHand Nitro Pumpkin Spice Latte 4-pack 13.65oz cans $13.99
Wiehenstephaner FestBier 6-pack 12oz bottles $12.99
Urban Artifact Fire Iron 4-pack 12oz cans $12.99
Masthead Haunted Hayride Pumpkin Ale 4-pack 16oz cans $11.99
Toppling Goliath Oktoberfest 4-pack 16oz cans $12.99
R Shea Twitchy Imperial Stout aged on Pumpkin Pie Spice, Coffee Beans, and Habanero 4-pack 16oz cans $15.99
Outerbelt Oktoberfest 6-pack 12oz cans $11.99
Troeg’s Oktoberfest 6-pack 12oz bottles $11.99
Kegs - 1/6 Barrel
Schlafly Just a Bit Hazy IPA $109.99
Schlafly Oktoberfest $109.99
Final Thoughts
We’re about three weeks away from our 15th anniversary and about the same amount of time before I leave for Italy. Time seems to be a bit more difficult to comprehend these days. While the job can be repetitive with distributors and deliveries, having new wines, beers, and food products to write about and share with you somehow doesn’t get old. Being here and sharing with you items for your dinner table, the occasional bottle on your porch or patio, or special treats for your celebrations and special occasions makes this the only place I want to be… well, except maybe for Italy.
Cheers from all of us here at The Wine Merchant!