The Holy Grail(s) for Hopheads

 

 

"Have you had the 120?", "Can you get the 120?", "Do you know where I can get the 120?", are questions frequently asked in softened voices with shifty eyes making sure no one is in earshot. The "120" in question is the elusive, expensive ($9 per 12oz.), potent, and rare Dogfish Head 120 minute IPA. For hop-heads, this is the promised land. The point where Hops takes the helm and guides you through palate blasting dimensions of tongue twisting torment and out the other side where the division of beer & wine and right & wrong have become quite blurred. Boiled for a full 2 hours while being continuously hopped with high-alpha American hops, then dry-hopped daily in the fermenter for a month & aged for another month on whole-leaf hops!!! By far the biggest IPA at 20% abv and 120 ibu's (in comparison the 90 min IPA is 9% abv and 90 ibu's). 

 

 

For those who love hoppy character but prefer a bit of restraint and/ or traditional character in their beverage, perhaps Meantime IPA's English charm is what's in order. Hailing from Greenwich, England, Meantime delivers a complex yet soothing mouthful of herbacious bitter citrus hoppiness delicately balanced by almost buttery malt and biscuit flavors atop tingly bright carbonation. Leaves your mouth watering and wanting more. Defined more by elegance and poise rather than over the top brut force, Meantime IPA makes me wish I had a lawn to mow just so I could drink a bottle afterwards. $12 for a 750ml is a deal for a beer this classy.

 

 

 

 

Ugly Labels, Good Wines Pt 2:

How (Not) To Incorporate Drawings

 

 

The Offender: Little James' Basket Press ($15)  

 

We hear the apologetic phrase "I just buy based on the label" quite often. No need to apologize; while in some stores that may be a risky method, we can assure you that here at Woodland Wine Merchant, bottles are on our shelves because they taste good and offer good value. As an added bonus, many of our wines have great labels. However, we feel we must pay extra special attention to the wines that we put in despite their comparatively homely outward appearance.

 

We love the winery Saint Cosme. Based in Gigondas in the Rhone Valley, they produce a wide range of wines, from a general Vin de Pays to a Chateauneuf du Pape. All the labels we've seen from them are pretty rustic and classic-looking, featuring a shield or a weathered building. That is why Little James' Basket Press caught us so off-guard. 

 

In 6 black and white vignettes, a creepy little cartoon man jumps naked into a barrell, languishes (still naked) in said barrell, and more! We're not sure who Little James is, but he freaks us out a bit. Luckily the outer strangeness is more than redeemed by what's inside: a very expressive and incredibly gulpable Cotes du Rhone. Briary fruit, violets, and a light earthiness predominate a palate that's smooth, with little tannin and a really dynamic finish. For only $15, you can take Little James home and enjoy both his wine and his antics on the label.  

 

We would consel Saint Cosme to take as a positive example the Strong Arms Shiraz ($12). Brand new from the ever-stylish Grateful Palate, this is a lovely Aussie shiraz with a label that is whimsical in a good way. Drawn in a style reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are, a little girl rows a boat through a colorful sea of cut-out waves. A label you could even give your mama and not risk offending her. Speaking of which . . .

 

Wine Worthy of Mom

 

Mother's Day is this Sunday, and wine makes a great gift! We offer complimentary gift-wrapping.

 

A few ideas:

  

Salvard Cheverny ($16) - Back in stock just in time for spring! A light and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc from a little-seen appellation (Cheverny) in France's Loire Valley. Classy beige and navy label.

 

JJ Vincent Bourgogne Blanc ($16) - A tasty French Chardonnay touched with just enough oak to give a round and luscious texture, as opposed to a sensation of drinking wood. Tangy apple and pear notes.

 

Frederic Magnien Pinot Noir Rose ($19) - A dry rose made with 100% Pinot Noir. Enjoyment is guaranteed.

 

Cline "Cashmere" ($17) - A very popular wine with the ladies, it's a Rhone-style blend made with Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache. Smooth as cashmere, it's feel-good all around: part of the proceeds are donated to children's charities.

 

Beck "Heideboden" ($24) - An Austrian blend (of Pinot Noir, Blaufrankisch and Zweigelt) made by a woman, Judith Beck. For the mom who considers "complexity and elegance more valuable than opulence" (Judith's wine-making philosophy).

 

Broc Cellars Wines - The labels are beautiful: delicate, Japanese-style vines in a dual-tone color-scheme. They make a lovely Grenache and Red Blend (both $25) as well as a Rose ($15).

 

 

A special shout out to our moms (Frannie, Linda, Mary, Sara, CJ & Karen): we raise our glasses to you!

 

Have a great weekend!