Thursday September 3, 2020
.. ask me bout my weekend plans.
This Week: It feels a little odd celebrating the Derby on a Labor Day weekend but hey - is it ever really a bad time for a mint julep? Our newest team member and bartender extraordinaire, Nick, has the lowdown on the best ways to make that mint julep at home.

In better news.. good words coming out of California wine country. Containment of the fires in California has been a successful effort. See here for a story about the amateur "cowboy firefighters" saving homes and property from destruction. And in other good news, women lead winemakers are growing in number - see here for more info on that.

Last but not least, being as it is a holiday weekend - of course we have some hours adjustment announcements to make. We will be closing early on Monday, September 7 at 5pm. Plan accordingly. Wishing everyone a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!

Cheers,
The Team at NL Wine & Spirits
This Week's New & Noteworthy Arrivals
A few of highlights that hit the shelves this week. Our Bordeaux selection got some TLC and we restocked on one of our favorite Northern Rhone family's wines. So much to drink, so little time.
Bordeaux
Cht Bonfort, Montagne-St-Emilion 2016
Les Aigles d'Anthonic, Moulis-en-Medoc 2018
Le Comte de Malartic, Grand vin de Graves, Pessac-Leognan 2015

Bordeaux Cellar Selections
Cht Margaux, 1er Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2016
Vieux Cht Certan, Grand Vin, Pomerol, 2005
Cht Lynch Bage, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2016
Cht Pichon Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac 2016

Northern Rhone:
Pierre Gaillard, Cote-Rotie 2013
Pierre Gaillard, 'Rose Pourpre,' Cote-Rotie 2004
Pierre Gaillard, St Joseph 2018
Jean Gaillard, 'Terres du Mandarin,' Syrah 2018

From the far east of the Loire Valley - St. Pourcain:
Nebout Selections, Tradition Rouge, St Pourcain 2018 
Nebout Vignerons, L' Incompris du Tressalier, St Pourcain 2018

New World
Gamling McDuck, Feral Rose of Cabernet Franc 2019
Gamling McDuck, Poor and in Love 2018
Miner, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa 2018
Lang & Reed, Cabernet Franc, Napa 2012
Lang & Reed, Cabernet Franc, Napa 2014
Lang & Reed, Cabernet Franc, North Coast 2015
Lang & Reed, Chenin Blanc, Napa 2017
Estas en la Parra Chaval, Rosado, Bobal 2019

.. just to name a few. Stop in to see what else is new!
Mint Juleps: the 101 & How to Make Them
The official drink of the Derby since 1938 and the unofficial drink of the South since the 18th century, the mint julep's exact origins are unclear. It may have gotten its start as a "medicine" - but quickly became a mainstay in the south. By 1820, the julep was a legacy in Virginia and had been adopted as an item of local identity. The first acknowledged master of mint juleps was Jasper Crouch from Richmond, who identified himself as a Free Person of Color. Today, Old Forester is the official Derby Julep booze, but use whatever bourbon you see fit. And, controversially, serve it in any cup you like. Pewter cups are cool and all - but we know everyone doesn't just have those sitting around waiting for Derby Day. Prepare as you see fit. Cheers!

The Classic Mint Julep
1/2 oz simple syrup (or 1 sugar cube)
2oz bourbon
4-5 mint leaves

Add the mint leaves & simple syrup to a Julep tin or rocks glass (if using a sugar cube, add a splash of water and muddle before adding the mint leaves. Gently press the mint with a bar spoon or muddler to release the aromatic oils (making sure not to crush or bruise the leaves), and then add the bourbon. Add crushed ice until the glass is about 1/2 full, and stir or swizzle until the glass turns frosty. Top with more crushed ice, above the brim of the glass, and garnish with 3 bunches of mint & a straw.
Champagne Julep
1/2 oz simple syrup (or 1 sugar cube)
1/2 oz cognac, or other quality brandy
3 oz dry sparkling wine
1 dash Angostura bitters
6-7 mint leaves

Prepare this classic riff the same way as a normal Mint Julep, making sure to add the sparkling wine slowly so that it doesn't bubble over the glass. If using a sugar cube in place of simple syrup, feel free to muddle with the bitters instead of water. Garnish with a generous amount of mint & a straw.
Prescription Julep
1/2 oz simple syrup (or 1 sugar cube)
1/2 oz rye whiskey
1 1/2 oz cognac
1/4 oz Smith & Cross Jamaican rum (float)
4-5 mint leaves

This classic Julep riff dates back to the mid-19th century, when it was "prescribed" in Harper's Weekly as a fix for all that ails. Prepare this drink much the same as a classic mint julep, making sure to wait to add the aromatic Jamaican rum until the very end as a "float" on the top of your crushed ice.
STAFF PICKS
Things our staff "taste tested" this week. Tough job, but someone's gotta do it.

2013 Dr. Konstantin Frank, Brut Methode Champenoise, Finger Lakes NY - $30.99 (Disgorged 2018)
These bubbles from the Finger Lakes region are the perfect way to bring on the fall season! Approved by our staff unanimously, this is an affordable alternative to actual Champagne! Made with traditional varietals of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier, these bubbles are comparable to some entry level Champagne. Finish off your summer with a pop and pour this New York beauty for friends and family before it gets too cold! 
  -Samuel P.

2019 La Miraja, Freisa d'Asti, Piedmont IT - $21.99
Are you a lover of wines from Northern Italy? This is a wine for you! Freisa is a relative of Nebbiolo, the famous wine of Barolo and Barbaresco. This wine has all the things we love, all estate fruit is hand harvested. The farmer is following organic principles and uses goats to trim the weeds.Freisa has a lovely flowery bouquet which follows through strawberry and savory forest floor. This wine is dry and medium-bodied, full of bright red fruit notes and a lovely floral character.
-Mary K.

2018 Domaine Filliatreau, Chateau Fouquet, Saumur - $21.99
Organic since the late 90s, Paul Filliatreau and his son, Fredrik, are now on their second vintage of fully biodynamic Chateau Fouquet, Saumur. This is a true expression of Cabernet Franc from this beautiful area of the Loire Valley. Aromas of sweet dark berries, earth, and black cherry lead the way to a full bodied dark fruit palate touched with light mineral nuances, wrapped in fine grippy tannins hailing a long finish. With a little air from a decant, this will match well with artisanal cheeses and a fully stacked charcuterie board!
-Patrick D.
ALSO VERY IMPORTANT...
Just some good dogs that visited us recently.
(We hear dog photos are a great way to spread cheer)
CALL AHEAD FOR CURBSIDE PICKUP,
SOCIAL DISTANCE WITH DELIVERY.
... remember to have faith that it won't be long before we can take this message outta here :)

Call in your order: Give us a ring or send an email.. tell us what you'd like, and pay over the phone. Call as you're pulling up and just let us know front door or back door and we'll wash our hands and drop your goods in the trunk or the backseat. Easy, just like that.

Don't know what you want? Ask for help, take our recommendations. Tell us what you like, what you're interested in, and your budget. We'll put something good together for you. Pull up and pick up. Again, easy, safe and sanitary.

Call for delivery: The most responsible thing you can do is stay home and let us leave your goods outside your door. Call in your order and have us deliver. Delivery is free for orders over $25 (pre-tax) for anyone within a 5 mile radius. We will deliver outside of this radius for a small surcharge. Of course, with higher volume of delivery demand, we need your patience and understanding that your order's ETA may be longer than usual. Don't forget to tip your driver.. they are going out so you don't have to.

For delivery and curbside.. email northloopwine@gmail.com or call 612-338-5393.
Cheers everyone!
-The Team at North Loop Wine & Spirits