Trick-Or-Treat For The Adults

I wanted to get something this morning for all of you grown ups out there who will be looking on with envy (as I will be) when your kids are running door-to-door with their friends trick-or-treating on Monday night. That was such a fun and carefree time of your life…Ahhhh memories.

Sorry…digressing too much this morning.

Last night, as my kids starting strategizing on what path they would take for “maximum candy collection” and setting up of their costumes I began to think about what would be a good “Treat” the McMurray’s could give out for all those parents trudging through the dark of night following their children bounding from yard to yard.

I got it…FINN SINGLZ!!!

Then, the next thought I had was how do we take a treat like this beyond the McMurray’s and beyond Halloween.

How about running a HALLOWEEN PENNY SALE!

FINN SINGLZ were introduced to us this year at Citifield by The New York Mets. This is a great way to have an all-in-one wine serving at your fingertips. I thought these were so great that we brought cases of them home to our house this Summer and used them for GIFTS, PICNICS, PARTY FAVORS and the simple go-to glass of wine on a Tuesday night.

Realizing that Summer is over we thought we would go a little crazy with this sale.

The two wines being offered are:

Finnegan’s Lake SINGLZ Chardonnay 2010 (90SWJ) (187ml) {#344709} | Reg Btl $5.99
“Radiant white gold. The floral bouquet is accented with exotic fruit aromas of kiwis and lychees, along with a hint of apple and chalk. Brimming with racy acidity, this fully dry Chardonnay exhibits delicious, tart lemon-lime fruit flavors with razor sharp precision. This is not an oaky Chard monster; it is more like liquid sweet tarts for adults, only better. Medium-bodied, refreshing, and an exceptional value. In fact, in a recent blind tasting, the 2010 Finnegan’s Lake Chardonnay easily bested Chardonnays from a number of California high-end, “cult wine” producers who charge two to three times as much for their overripe, oak-driven wines…90.” Sonoma Wine Journal 4/11.

Finnegan’s Lake SINGLZ Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (187ml)
{#344707} | Reg Btl $5.99
“Dark ruby. Aromas of blackberries, black cherries, and violets are infused with a hint of dark chocolate and pepper. Upon the first sip, the ample tannins in the mouth lead to a rich, nearly full-bodied wine. Juicy flavors of black fruits are complemented by a classic California Cab note of bell peppers. This is a perfect match for barbecue (especially pulled pork), burgers, and hot dogs with all the trimmings. As tasty as this young Cabernet is right now, I think it will be even better with time; I would not be surprised to see this wine develop over the next year and merit a 90-point rating…” Sonoma Wine Journal 4/11.

And here’s my TRICK-OR-TREAT Deal:

Buy any 6 of the FINN SINGLZ above at the REGULAR BOTTLE PRICE and you can get the next 6 for only A PENNY PER BOTTLE…That nets you out to a mere $3/Bottle!!!

This is such a unique sale that we ask that all orders be e-mailed into the store (cs@zachys.com) or mention receipt of this offer if calling in. Offer good while supplies last.

Thinking ahead for stocking stuffers or possibly need some party favors…This is it.

I hope everybody has a fun and SAFE Halloween on Monday.

All my best,
Andrew

Friends & Wine

I think one of the greatest assets I can take away from my 18 years of working in the fine wine industry is all the great places I have been given the opportunity to visit and the cool people I have met along the way.

In every business we run into people who are “passionate” about what they do. But just because you are passionate about something does not necessarily mean that it will manifest itself into a positive vibe when attempting to get your message out there.

Francesco and Filipo Mazzei

When I got my start with Italian wines in 1994 (Yes I know…17 years ago…I’m OLD), one of the first friendships I made was with Filipo and Francesco Mazzei of Castello Di Fonterutoli. Not only are they GENUINELY super nice people, but they have incredible heritage behind their brand. The winery is set in it’s own little hamlet in Chianti Classico that has had historical signifigance since the 1200s (that’s right…THE 1200s!!!!). The village used to act as a stopping point for travellers between Florence and Siena.

Chianti Classico Fonterutoli named a “Smart Buy"

Now one might think that someone who has HUNDREDS of years of family heritage in a region and craft like winemaking might have a bit of an air about them… It couldn’t be any further from the truth. They are a very genuine family that share the passion and connection to the wine that all their ancestors before them had and understand the importance of carrying on the tradition in a way that is correct in todays wine world.

I had a big smile hit my face when the 10/31/11 issue of the Wine Spectator came out last week and the 2009 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli was named a “Smart Buy” …Couldn’t happen to nicer people…and good friends at that.

It prompted me to quickly get this offer out…
http://www.zachys.com/uploadedimages/CssEmails/f8_ChinatiClassico_Fonterutoli.html

So let’s hear it for my good friends Francesco & Filipo Mazzei and their new release Chianti Classico.

Such praise could not have happened to two nicer guys.

All my best,
Andrew

A Taste As I Ran Out The Door!!!

Two weeks ago I went down to the KOBRAND (A U.S. Importer that represents brands such as Taittinger Champagne, Louis Jadot Burgundies and Tenuta San Guido…just to name a few) Italian portfolio tasting in the city to quickly check out the new vintages hitting the market this Fall.

What always frustrates me at tastings like this is that wine buyers from stores and restaurants are all fighting for the time & attention of the winemakers pouring.

Typically Jeremy (My head buyer) and I will fly through an event like this and “power taste” our way through. This tasting was no different. They had their anchor producer (Tenuta San Guido a.k.a. Sassicaia) all the way at the end of the room and it had a gaggle of people all reaching their hands in to get a little wine in their glass.

As we were running late Jeremy and I went and made some quick small talk with Piero Incisa and asked to taste the 2009 Guidalberto (We already knew what the 2008 Sassicaia tasted like so their was no reason to blow smoke up his skirt on that one) We swirled it….smelled it….spit it…and then bolted for the door.

As the wine had a chance to settle on our palates as we exited the building we both looked at eachother and said….DAMN THAT WAS GOOD.

Antonio Galloni of The Wine Advocate has already gone on record as saying this is one of the best Guidalbertos ever:”The 2009 Guidalberto flows across the palate with layers of radiant red fruit. This is another striking, supple Guidalberto loaded with personality. Stylistically it is quite close to the 2007, but with perhaps a touch less body but equally silky, polished tannins. Freshly cut roses, spices and a burst of pure red berries add nuance on the finish…This is easily one of the best vintages I can recall tasting…92+” WA 8/31/11

….And at $43/Bottle you are getting a feel for the Tenuta San Guido greatness for a FRACTION of the price of Sassicaia. You can be sure that a six pack of this is making it’s way to my house this weekend!!

Check it out…Great stuff for the price

I HIGHLY recommend it.

All my best,
Andrew

PLEASE READ MORE ABOUT MY CAUSE HERE!

AND SEE HOW YOU CAN HELP…

It’s Hard To Believe That 10 Years Has Passed…

Since the tragic events here in NY on September 11th.

This year, on the 10 year anniversary, Zachys and I are sponsoring a local half Ironman triathlon that has a dedicating theme to the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. (With the race actually taking place on Sunday 9/11/11)

This Half Ironman Triathlon will be taking place Croton with MANY local participants….including YOURS TRULY.

It is very important to myself and the store that our effort to be part of this event on this special day is going towards a worthy cause. The TOUGHMAN triathlon has a charitable memorial fund affiliated with the race “The Croton-Buchanan-Cortlandt 9/11 Memorial” – Featuring one of the original steel girders from The World Trade Center erected to remember those lost in the local community, state of New York and around the country.

Zachys has created its own personal connection to a special charity…specifically we want to raise funds to help families/children that were directly affected by 9/11. We have found a VERY worthy organization in Families Of Freedom Scholarship Fund. “The purpose of the Fund is to provide education assistance for postsecondary study to financially needy dependents of those people killed or permanently disabled as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and during the rescue activities relating to those attacks.”

10 years ago the entire country was jolted by this horrific event and there were many people left wondering what they could do to help so many that were so deeply impacted. Here is our chance to show them that “We have not forgotten”

I felt this would be a good way for all of us to channel our efforts towards a cause that hit so close to home for everybody.

Your consideration and contributions to our effort are greatly appreciated by the entire Zachys family.

Thank you,
Andrew

I Forgot Just How Great This White Is!!

A couple nights ago I had to meet some business associates for dinner at FELIDIA in NYC.

First: I would like to comment on the restaurant. One of my co-workers recommended that we meet there as it fit our business needs (In terms of location, noise level, etc). Having not been there in over a DECADE I was a bit skeptic as very few restaurants are on top of their game for prolonged periods. The other gentleman who joined me for dinner were in a similar situation… Having loved the restaurant in the past but not been there in at least 5 years.

Long story short… They still got it! Food was excellent, service was great and the restaurant was packed. If you have never been…GO. If you have not been in a while…GO BACK!!

Felidia | Italian | East 50s243 E. 58th St. (bet. 2nd & 3rd Aves.)

 

Second: The wine. Knowing the people I was with were used to the “Traditional Varietals” I thought it would be fun to stray a touch on the white selection and turn them all on to something new. Why not Verdicchio??!! I went with a regional standard VERDICCHIO CLASSICO SARTARELLI as I thought it would be perfect for a warm Summer evening and was very affordably priced on the wine list at $35/Bottle.

Right from the first sip I saw everybody’s eyebrows raise and smiles hit their faces. (I had the same reaction) This white wine always has such a great balance between tropical freshness of fruit while at the same time possessing great textural mouthfeel. This should tell you all you need to know: Bottle #1 was gone before we were even half way through our appetizers.

When I polled the group on how much they thought this wine sold for in my shop I received price quotes ranging between $25 – $35/Bottle. Imagine their shock when they heard it was only a $17 bottle of wine.

This has prompted me to get the message out so people can enjoy this fabulous Summer white (I already had a case shipped to my house yesterday!)

Verdicchio Classico Sartarelli 2009 {#334164},      
Reg Bottle $17.99

SALE Bottle $12.74

“The 2009 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico offers up dried flowers, peaches and herbs in a mid-weight, accessible style. This is a very polished and well-balanced Verdicchio for the money, and is a great value…Sartarelli is one of the premier, reference-point producers of fine Verdicchio. Readers should do whatever they can to taste these fabulous whites from the Marche…” WA 06/10

Should you want to grab this in solid case quantities (As I did) we can do the case at $144/Case. Want to take advantage of this deal you can either e-mail me back directly at amcmurray@zachys.com or mention receipt of this e-mail if calling in to the store.

It was quite a week of revelations for me!

All my best,
Andrew

Is This What You Picture When You Think Of Tuscany?

Divino Tuscany

Earlier this month (June 3rd, 4th & 5th) James Suckling (of www.jamessuckling.com) hosted his very first Tuscan Wine Extravaganza – Divino Tuscany. In reading the line up of tastings, producers, events and venues from this 3 day weekend one might wonder what it is all about.

A wine region so steeped in history could only produce a glamorous weekend of food & wine that would be like no other that you could attend anywhere else in the wine world. I was intrigued at the idea of attending, as we had many clients from the store that were planning on going, but had a “Triathlon Conflict” that would not allow me to leave the country. (My eyes are on the prize at being as ready as I can be for my 9/11 event –

http://www.andrewcompetes.myevent.com/) .

Trust me…I would love to have been there!!! Especially with the bits and pieces that I was hearing from attendees of the event on how cool it turned out.

Well, today you can see for yourself as James’s team did a video summary of each day that certainly has me looking forward to next year!!

Check it out……

http://www.jamessuckling.com/divino-tuscany-day-one.html

http://www.jamessuckling.com/divino-tuscany-day-two.html

http://www.jamessuckling.com/divino-tuscany-day-three.html

Don’t be fooled by how “Fancy” it looks as it looked like casual elegance to me. I would love to hear what other people think? Does an event like this look like fun to you or too fancy?

Love to hear thoughts

All my best,
Andrew

What’s The “Perfect” Wine For Father’s Day?

Father's Day

A question that we got asked NUMEROUS times last week, and every time my answer was…

 

“There probably is no PERFECT wine.  And the most important part is that you can be together with your family, everybody is happy and healthy. Beyond that….wine should be a compliment to your meal and the time spent with family & friends”

That’s my big recommendation on the PERFECT wine. 🙂

I would love to hear about great moments people had yesterday/last night and I certainly can get the ball rolling with what I drank at my father-in-law’s last night with my family… And some JUICY NY Strip Steaks (YUM YUM)

To Start:

Pierre Peters Cuvee Speciale 2002 (750ML)

Before the Steaks Hit The Table:

POUILLY FUISSE GILLES NOBLET 2009 (91JS) (750ML)

With The Meal:

REMIREZ DE GANUZA RESERVA 2004 (750ML)

All in all a great night of food, wine (and most importantly) FAMILY
Would love to hear about your father’s Day Experiences… Good or Bad.

All my best
Andrew

Re-corking A Bottle Of Champagne…Does It Work?

I am sure everybody reading this post, at one point or another, has thrown a cork (And if you’re fancy a Vacu-Vin) back into a unfinished bottle of wine to be re-visited at a later date. It’s always fun to see how wine evolves once open for a bit…especially young wine. In many instances it can taste BETTER the next day.

Champagne Stopper

But what do you do with Champagne? The wine professional in me says use a Champagne stopper…which I have done numerous times in the store and see it done in restaurants all the time. But believe it or not, in the 18 years I have been at Zachys I have NEVER re-stopped a bottle of Champagne at home. One of two things typically happens…

1. The bottle get’s finished…Thus no need for re-stopping
2. If not finished, the un-used portion goes to waste 😦

This past Saturday (After finishing my 2nd Olympic Triathlon of the year) Jen and I were going to meet friends for an easy/early dinner as I was feeling a bit zapped from the morning’s activities. We wanted to have a glass of Champagne to celebrate but did not need a whole bottle…. nor did we have a half bottle to open.

J Dhondt Blanc de Blancs Mes Vieilles Vignes 2004

A few weeks ago I asked my director of operations (Brian Mullaney) to send me home an assortment of bubbles and I grabbed one the store’s last bottles of J Dhondt Blanc de Blancs Mes Vieilles Vignes 2004. The glass we had before running out, while delicious, was bit tightly wound and not yielding….and I was not willing to give up. So, as we ran out the door I quickly rummaged through my wine drawer….found a stopper I knew I had…stopped up the bottle…and threw it in the fridge.

On Sunday night (With a grilled rib-eye steak marinetd with Viticcio olive oli and sea salt) we re-visited the bottle…WOW what a difference!! The sharp focus from the acidity had softened out to exhibit a broader palate, nuttier style and greater overall harmony.

Both Jen and I commented on what a difference it makes and, honestly, am looking forward to “experimenting” with some more bottles over the course of the Summer.

If you have not made the $6 investment in a Champagne stopper I highly recommend it as it was money well spent on my part.

SEE… you can learn from the wine world every day!!

All my best,
Andrew

What Is “Travel Shock”

Good morning,

“Travel Shock” is one of those wine terms that is regularly footballed around by people in the industry. The problem is that we all assume that everyday wine consumers know what we mean when we throw that phrase around.

I ran into a classic example of that in the last month and want to play out the scenario so if you get a recently traveled bottle of wine that falls short of your expectation you know what to expect in the future.

About a month ago this new wine arrived in the store….

 

Soave Classico Monte Fiorentine Ca' Rugate '09

Soave Classico Monte Fiorentine Ca` Rugate 2009

I had originally tasted it this past February in Italy and besides being a TRE BICCHIERI winner this white showed great overall pedigree. Great balance and refinement and a fruit profile that was brightly intense…simply bowled me over!!

After building up the quality of the wine I was bouncing around the kitchen as I opened the bottle for my wife a month ago in anticipation of her liking it as much as I did (As she has an EXCELLENT palate and she has been SPOT ON with many great wines in the past).

Her response,…….. “Eh”

What?! C’mon, was I that far off??!!

After tasting the wine I had to agree with her. It was just OK. It tasted a bit “dumb”, flat and non-expressive….a wine that was clearly suffering from travel shock. Had I just paid $20 for this bottle of wine I would have been less-than-impressed.

Fast forward to last night…a month later. I opened a bottle after coming home from a LONG little league game and the wine jumped out of the glass aromatically and was simply singing in the glass. It was EVERYTHING I remembered it to be and I am happy it has returned to form.

Moral of the story: Don’t give up on wines that have just arrived. Be sure to ask and have the patience to let the wines settle in the bottle.

All my best,

Andrew

What To Serve For DZ’s 80th B-Day Dinner

Most men would feel a bit pressured facing the task of serving the “right” wines to pick if hosting your father-in-law’s 80th Birthday dinner. You want them to be…

1. Appropriate
2. Food Friendly
3. Memorable

Then add to that task that your father-in-law owns one of the most important wine stores in America….Eash….I had my work cut out for me last night!

Don Zacharia is a GREAT family man, and any chance he can get (Be it his Birthday or not) to pull his kids & grandkids around him for extended periods of quality time together….he is going to do it. Thus Friday night began a weekend long celebration of Don’s 80th birthday.

I felt for a large group of this magnitude that it only made sense to go MAGNUM all the way through……

Nice little line up of magnums for DZ's Birthday

Drum roll please……………………………………

So, here was the line up (Remember, all out of magnum)

1. Pierre Peters Cuvee Speciale ‘Le Chetillons’ 2000
– Oppulent and racy at the same time….Was great
2. Chablis Montee de Tonnerre Fevre 2008
– Although young, showed great balance
3. Musigny Vieilles Vignes Comte Georges de Vogue 2000
– Wine of the night!! Long and classy in the glass.
4. Barolo Brunate Marcarini 1996
– Thought this would be ready but this MONSTER still needs more time. I will bury my remaining magnums deep in the cellar.

As is the case with the Zacharia family functions, there was very little talk of the wines being served…more laughter and fun…but fear not, all wine selections were greatly appreciated.

It will be interesting to see what other wines come out over this historic birthday weekend. All-in-all I was very happy with my selections from last night.

I hope everybody is having a great holiday weekend.

All my best,

Andrew