Cheers Wine & Spirits Annual Spring Wine Tasting Events!

http://www.mnbellacucina.com/

Here is a preview of this Thursdays Wine tasting in Chanhassen hope to see you there!

Mark Nordstrom- The Wine Company

Riondo Prosecco

Light bodied with terrific floral notes, a clean, delicate finish, #1 selling Prosecco in America.

Cline “Cool Climate” Chardonnay

A new wine for Cline.  Green apple and pear aromas, very elegant and crisp with a touch of vanilla toast.

Cline “Cool Climate” Pinot Noir

Bright red fruit in the nose, lush and rich with some vanilla and strawberry flavors, great with red meat.

Alexander Valley Vineyards- Temptation Zinfandel

Nose shows plum and red cherries, round, full and jammy in the mouth, black pepper on the finish.

McManis Cabernet Sauvignon

Aromas of black cherry and cassis, dark fruit flavors with a little mocha.  92 points- California State Fair.

Chris Brown- Paustis & Sons

Entwine Pinot Grigio

This Pinot Grigio is sustainably farmed and harvested from select Estate vineyards in California, whose topography, soils and climate provide optimal grape-growing condition to develop ripe, round fruit flavors.

LaForcine Vouvray

100% Chenin Blanc, there’s an off-dry hint to this, but also cut and purity, with lovely quince, pear and green apple fruit laced with lime zest and ginger hints.  The long, mineral-filled finish is mouthwatering.  Drink now through 2013.  Score of 90-  Wine Spectator, October 15, 2011.

Castle Rock Willamette Pinot Noir

This elegant medium-bodied wine offers aromas of cherry and spice.  On the palate the wine gives flavors of berries, cinnamon, black cherry, sweet vanilla oak, and floral notes, with a long velvety finish.  This versatile wine pairs well with lamb, chicken, veal, salmon and light pasta dishes.

Entwine Merlot

This merlot was aged for 12 months in American, French and Eastern European oak barrels.  These grapes were harvested and fermented in upright stainless steel containers.  Perfectly ripe and juicy, like summer plums and cherries with a hint of black tea.

Chocolais Chocolate Wine

Cream from Holland, Swiss Chocolate and Italian White Wine, fancy French name!!  What’s not to love?

Dave Richardson- Phillips Wine & Spirits

Seaglass Pinot Noir

Premium Santa Barbara juice makes up this great value wine.  Bright red cherry and strawberry flavors emerge on the palate.

Seaglass Chardonnay

This Chardonnay captures the best of Santa Barbara’s terroir.  Tropical fruit aromas lead to a creamy pineapple and zesty citrus fruit flavors on the palate, followed by a refreshing, lively finish.

Starling Castle Gewurztraminer

Soft golden hue with fresh aromas of rose petal and apricots.  The wine is semi-sweet with a hint of spice.

Hess Select Cabernet

Ripe plum and raspberry aromas.  Flavors of tobacco and caramel.  Easy to drink wine.

Menage A Trois Moscato

Three different growing areas make up this easy to drink wine.  Creamy peach, juicy melon, and rich golden honey flavors.  Plenty of acidity make it a great food wine, or pleasant sipper.

Paul Ragghianti- Grape Beginnings

Lagaria Pinot Grigio

A brilliant, smooth, medium-bodied, fresh and well balanced wine; extremely eclectic with food; ideal for aperitifs and parties.

Grayson Chardonnay

Aromas of bright peach and pear.  The pallet offers green apple with a crisp finish showing gentle hints of apple pie and toasted French oak.

Klinker Brick Zinfandel

Produced from vines with an average age of 85 years, this wine exhibits a bright bouquet of wild strawberry and plum intermingled with cedar.  Filling the palate with flavors of black cherry and vanilla, supple tannins support good structure.

Klinker Brick Syrah

Deep garnet in color, this wine exhibits aromas of dark fruits, tobacco, leather, and pepper.  On the palate, there are layers of plum, chocolate, tobacco and exotic spices.  This wine is mouth filling with bright fruit, velvety texture and exceptional balance.

Big Ass Cabernet

Fruit-driven and full-bodied with lush aromas of cassis, crushed red berries and slight cinnamon and oak nuances.  Perfect complement to any rich or savory meal.

Quality Wines

Simi Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark red with a ruby cast.  Ripe plum and sweet raisin laced with blackberry, soft cedar and spice.  Fresh berries and cassis with undertones of tobacco and lush, ripe tannins ending in a long, velvety finish. 

Estancia Chardonnay

Light straw gold in color.  Bright tropical notes and stone fruit compliment the vibrant nuances of citrus.  Soft touches of toasty oak and cream accentuate the lingering, minerally finish.

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

Pale green in color.  A bouquet of citrus and tropical fruits backed by characteristic herbaceous notes that Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is known for.  An exuberant wine brimming with flavours of pineapple and stonefruit with a hint of herbaceousness, the finish is fresh and zesty.

Wild Horse Pinot Noir

This Pinot Noir showcases vibrant aromas and flavors of cherry, pomegranate, cola, and Asian spices, a very approachable food friendly wine with a light spice finish.

Ruffino Prosecco

Crisp, clean and delicate with fine bubbles caressing the palate.  Intense sensations of apples and peaches drive a pleasant aftertaste that is reminiscent of fruity and floral aromas.

Martin Thompson- Wirtz Beverage

Vinas 3 Row Eleven Pinot Noir

Vinas 3 is a blend of three clones, picked from Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and Monterey Vineyards.  This Pinot Noir delivers a luscious, rich cherry pie aroma and a silky smooth finish, with hints of spice and vanilla.
 
Kendall Jackson Avant Chardonnay                                

This refreshing Chardonnay is NEW and delivers a burst of intriguing layers of fresh pineapple, bright green apple, crisp Meyer lemons, juicy pear and wildflower. 

 
Allure Pink Moscato

This fun sparkling wine has become a huge hit in Minnesota!  It’s festive in nature and has a flavor profile of peach, apricot and mint.  The combination of bubbles and off dry balance enhance the refreshment with every sip.  This Moscato is also great to mix for some fun holiday cocktails.  Think of vodka over ice with a splash of bubbles!
 
Smoking Loon Merlot

This brand was made for Minnesota, we gave it its name!  This wine has classic Merlot character, with bright cranberry and cherry flavors and light herbal notes.  Medium bodied with moderate tannins, the zesty acidity makes this an excellent wine for food paring.

Smoking Loon Cabernet

This wine is the perfect match to enjoy by a winter fire!  It has vibrant aromas of blackberry and strawberry, backed by hints of cinnamon.  A medium bodied Cab with moderate tannins balance out the long finish, with smoky, toasted marshmallow and mild herb nuances.

Lin Deardorff- Parley Lake Winery

Brianna Breeze

The Brianna grape was cultivated by Elmer Swenson, the grandfather of the early generation grapes that paved the way for many of the current success from the University of Minnesota.  The Brianna grape was sourced from Parley Lake Winery’s mobile bottling line partner, Tim Nissan, in Nebraska.  It makes a great introduction to Cold Climate wines.

Apples & Vines

Apples & Vines is more than a name:  80% of the wine is produced from Honeycrisp and Haralson apples.  The balanced and sophisticated style come from the blending of 14% un-oaked Chardonnay that adds a pear and apple nose along with 6% Frontenac Gris which adds freshness and fun.

Artisan Series 11

A proprietary blend of four grapes, aged in Minnesota and French Oak barrels to add complexity.  The wine pairs well with beef, pork, and lamb chops. 

We have our winners!

Cheers Chanhassen held the annual wine tasting event on Thursday November 11th. As always it was well attended everyone had a great time as they got some quality time with a selection of wine focused on holiday entertaining. This year we did something a little different, we asked our guests at the tasting to vote for their favorite wines of the evening, one red and one white that they considered to be the “best in show”. We tallied the votes and we our winners.

The winner of the red category is: 

Apothic Red - A captivating blend of three distinct grapes, with the dark fruit flavors of Syrah, brambly spice of Zinfandel, and a smooth elegance of Merlot.

Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry that are complemented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice and vanilla. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend.

And the winner in the white category is:

The Naked Grape Pinot Grigio - Pinot Grigio

Light-bodied, crisp white wine with aromas of pear, lemon and honey.

Cheers Holiday wine Tasting!

 It’s that time of year again, the leaves are changing and that means it’s almost time for Cheers Annual Holiday Wine Sale and Tasting Event. As a member of this website, , you are the first to know about these events! So here is the big announcement:

What: Cheers Wine & Spirits annual Holiday Wine Sale and Tasting Event

When: Bloomington – Thursday November 4^th 2010 6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.

When Chanhassen – Thursday November 11^th 2010 6:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Save – Cheers entire Wine inventory* will be discounted 15% all day both locations both days!

Two Tastings, Two Thursdays, Two Chances to Save!

*no further discount on closeout items or items that are marked "no further discounts"

As promised here is the preview of Cheers Chanhassen's Holiday wine tasting availble exclusively to members of www.cheersmn.com. here's the preview, see you Thursday in Chanhassen!

Martin Thompson- Wirtz Beverage

 Murphy Goode Chardonnay

Subtle sweet oak and spice complement the aromas and flavors of apple, tropical fruits and spice pear.

Santi Pinot Grigio

Full and complex aromas of pears, exotic fruits and wild flowers.  On the palate, generous, soft but lively fruit with firm flavors, good acidity and a long finish.

Murphy Goode Pinot Noir

Aromas and flavors of black cherry, dried sage and sweet vanilla.  This wine might become one of your new favorite “go to” wines!

Chateau Ste Michelle Harvest Select Riesling

This wine offers beautiful crisp Washington Riesling character with rich flavors of ripe pears and peaches.  It is slightly sweeter than the world famous Columbia Valley Riesling.

Gnarly Head Zinfandel

This wine is crafted from 35-80 year old vines.  It exudes jammy and fresh aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and chocolate.  Gnarly Head Zinfandel always scores big at dinner parties!

J Lohr Cabernet

This wine tastes of black cherry with a plum nose and finishes with flavors of rich chocolate and delicious tannins.  Highly recommended!

Mike Turner- Johnson Brothers

Cupcake Vineyards Riesling

Aromas of peach, pineapple and nectarine with a creamy mouthfeel.  Lush, tropical essence with an elegant, fresh and clean finish.

Cupcake Vineyards Pinot Grigio

Full, with the flavors of ripe pears, a creamy mid-palate and a long lingering finish.

Cupcake Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

With complex flavors of Meyer lemons, Key limes and a finish that awakens the appetite.  Serve chilled with oysters on the half shell or with a rich, creamy lobster risotto.

Cupcake Vineyards Pinot Noir

The bright aroma of cherries carries through the palate with a touch of red currants and a hint of spice.  It’s reminiscent of a cherry cupcake with currant coulis.  Serve with lamb kabobs, smoked sausage, or your favorite mushroom risotto.

Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet

Red Velvet shows an incredible nose of chocolate, deep rich blackberries, red fruits and a creamy mocha finish that is unmistakable in its intensity and length.

Cupcake Vineyards Malbec

This wine has a heady, yet dry nose with aromas of blueberries and leather.  The palate has intense flavors of chocolate, mocha, and plums, matched by a soft velvety texture and hint of spice.  

Chris Brown- Paustis & Sons

La Forcine Vouvray

Flavors of pear and green apple make way for a hint of vanilla.  Not as sweet as a Riesling, not as tart as a Sauvignon Blanc, and not as full as a Chardonnay.  The perfect holiday wine!

Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay

Enjoy aromas and flavors of green apple and tropical fruits, balanced by subtle oak, cinnamon and vanilla from barrel aging.  With a mouth-filling body and balanced acidity, this wine delivers a medium-long, refreshing finish.

Cristalino Rose

Beautiful scents of raspberry and cherry on the nose with fresh, clean strawberry and cherry flavors in the mouth.  The finish is clean, crisp, and invites another sip.

Hahn Pinot Noir

This wine begins with zesty aromas of white and black pepper.  Silky and dynamic, new flavors and textures unfold with time.

Tamas Double Decker Red

Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Barbera.  Adventurously robust yet smooth red wine with mouth-filling flavors of blackberry, black cherry and plum, with a spicy, smooth finish.

Palo Alto Reserva Red

Palo Alto Reserva displays an impressive bouquet of black fruits such as blackberries with notes of cacao and hints of toast.  On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rounded with smooth balance, flavors of black currant, blueberry, mint and a touch of spice.  An elegant wine with a persistent finish.

Julie Cook- Wine Merchants

J Cuvee 20

Flavors of lemon peel, honeysuckle and delicate yeast aromas; follow through to a mix of apple and grapefruit interlaced with toast, caramel and almond flavors on the mid-palate.  The citrus zest leads to a lingering pear and lush finish.

Diseno Malbec

In the warm, dry climate of Mendoza, Argentina, the Malbec achieves near perfect ripeness endowing the wines with a velvety texture and intense flavors of blackberry, spice, and herbs.

Avalon California Cabernet

A big, sweet bouquet of crème de cassis, charcoal, toast, and herbs.  Fleshy, medium bodied with silky tannins and excellent purity.

Valley of the Moon Chardonnay

Aromas of pear, citrus and vanilla are followed by flavors of green apple, lime and clove spice.  The rich, creamy texture is accented by hints of honey and toasty oak, and balanced with a bright finish of zesty citrus and nectarine.

 Avalon Napa Merlot

Aromas of juicy boysenberries and cherry pie;  crème brulee and brown sugar notes from oak aging complement the ripe berry aromas.  Smooth, silky and profound, plus a killer value!

Mark West St. Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

Medium bodied, with silky tannins and cherry cola notes.  Great for just sipping or with your favorite dish.

Dave Richardson- Phillips Wine & Spirits

La Joya Cabernet

Intense aromas of black currant, give way to complex flavors of vanilla and tobacco.

La Joya Carmenere

Almost like merlot, soft and easy to drink.  88 points- Wine Spectator. 

Hess Select Cabernet

Vibrant dark fruit, aromas of blackberry and plum.  The oak and vanilla integrate nicely.

Hess Select Chardonnay

Tropical fruit flavors with a layer of citrus acidity.

Menage A Trois Red

Forward, spicy, and soft.  Fresh, ripe, jam-like fruit.  Perfect every day red.  Blends of three grapes, go figure!

Conquista Oak Cask Malbec

Aromas of plum and dark cherry fruit lead into layers of cocoa, smoke and silky tannins. Pair with hearty grilled meats, rich cheeses or enjoy simply on its own.

Shane Owler- Johnson Brothers

 Apothic Red

Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry that are complimented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice and vanilla.  The plush, velvety mouth-feel and smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend.
 
Starborough Sauvignon Blanc                               

Tart and lively, with pear and lime flavors that echo nicely on the open-textured finish.
 
Las Rochas Garnacha

Dark ruby in color, Las Rochas Garnacha delivers alluring aromas of spice box, mineral, cherry and black raspberry.  Layered on the palate, it has superb depth, succulent flavors, and a pure, lengthy finish.

The Naked Grape Pinot Grigio

This pinot grigio is a wonderful combination of sweet and tart.  It is laced with citrus, but that component does not overshadow the subtlety of its overall taste.  It goes down smoothly, and is comforting for a chilly fall evening.

The Naked Grape Pinot Noir

Medium bodied and rich with aromas of black cherry and blueberry.

Red Rock Merlot

Lush concentrations of black plum and boysenberry are complemented by soft, rounded tannins.  The mouth feel is plush and round with a smooth, tapered finish.

Cheers Holiday wine Tasting!

 It’s that time of year again, the leaves are changing and that means it’s almost time for Cheers Annual Holiday Wine Sale and Tasting Event. 

Here is the big announcement:

What: Cheers Wine & Spirits annual Holiday Wine Sale and Tasting Event

When: Bloomington – Thursday November 4^th 2010 6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.

When Chanhassen – Thursday November 11^th 2010 6:00p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Save – Cheers entire Wine inventory* will be discounted 15% all day both locations both days!

Two Tastings, Two Thursdays, Two Chances to Save!

*no further discount on closeout items or items that are marked "no further discounts"

Can you believe it, its already time for our second Third Thursday Wine Tasting event, Thursday September 16th cheers in Chanhassen AND Bloomington will host tastings. In order to see a preview of the tastings be sure that you are a registered member of Cheersmn.com once you are you wil be notified by email when the preview is posted! See you thursday the 16th!

What: Third Thursday Tasting At Cheers

Where: Bloomington AND Chanhassen

When: Thursday September 16th 6:30p.m. - 8:00p.m.

See you there!

Cheers!

As Promised here is the preview of Cheers’ first annual Oktoberfest celebration. The evening will include traditional German food and music and of course BEER!

We will be featuring four distributors each sampling five beers. This selection is based on current availability and is subject to change.

Chisago lakes

Avery’s- The Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest

Schneider Weiss- Heffe Weizen

Weissenohe- Monk’s Fest

Flensburger- Gold

Flensburger- Pilsner

Day Distributing

Spaten- Oktoberfest

Schells -Oktoberfest

Shiner Bock -Oktoberfest

Summit- Oktoberfest

Paulaner- Oktoberfest

Hohensteins Distributors

Bells- Oktoberfest

Southern Tier- “Pumking” Imperial Pumpkin Ale

New Holland Brewing- Ichabod ale

Haaker Pcshor- Oktoberfest

Lake Superior Brewing- Oktoberfest

Wirtz Beverage group

Sam Adams- Oktoberfest

Sierra Nevada- Tumbler

Bittburger- Premium Beer

Becks German Lager

St. Paulie Girl Dark

Announcing...

Cheers Wine& Spirits

1^st Annual Oktoberfest

Saturday September 25^th 2010

5:00-8:00 P.M.

Cheers Wine & Spirits

Chanhassen Location

530 West 79^th Street

Chanhassen, MN

Make sure you are signed as a member of www.cheersmn.com to receive a preview of this event!

Cold Spring brewer to discontinue Gluek beer brand

Associated Press

Updated: 08/04/2010 07:44:21 PM CDT

COLD SPRING, Minn. — It's the end of the line for a Minnesota beer brand that survived Prohibition.

After more than 150 years of production, Cold Spring Brewing Co. has decided to discontinue the Gluek beer brand.

By September, Gluek will be phased out. But vice president and general manager Doug DeGeest said Cold Spring Brewing is keeping the Gluek trademark, and it's possible the beer could come back.

DeGeest said it was a business decision to discontinue the Gluek brand. He said the Cold Spring-based company cannot keep up with production and needed to decide which product in its portfolio of beers to discontinue.

Gluek beer started in 1857 with the Mississippi Brewing Co. in Minneapolis. The brand was acquired in 1997 by Cold Spring Brewing.