Holidays – Page 2 – Mystic Wine Shoppe

Holidays, Images, Pairings, Weekly Wine Pick, Wine

The Holiday Spirit is a Phantom: BOGLE PHANTOM 2015

I’m not Jewish, but my husband is and, as is the case with holidays both secular and religious, it often falls upon the woman to create the traditions…which in my house means food.

So it has come to pass that I, the non-Jew, have become an expert at making latkes. I think that the crisp potato pancakes are the one thing that Hanukkah has over Christmas.

At our annual latke fry on Sunday, I grated both sweet and Yukon gold potatoes and served them with applesauce and sour cream, of course, but also with a hearty bowl of Portuguese kale soup and a romaine-free salad.

The soup is robust and smoky with chorizo and kielbasa, kidney beans, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, carrots and kale. But it cries out for a substantial red wine to elevate it from peasant food to festive holiday fare.

Bogle Phantom 2015 is just that wine.

Don’t be intimidated by the label that proclaims “mysterious and hauntingly seductive.” This is a very approachable blend (44% Petite Sirah, 44% Zinfandel, 10% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon) that pairs well with comforting winter dishes like beef stew, pork loin and…my kale soup.

The girls and I opened it before dinner, let it breathe a bit and sampled it while pondering the New York Times crossword puzzle. Then we set the kitchen table and poured some for everyone.

It’s smooth but bodacious, yet it doesn’t overwhelm the tongue with tannins. This will become the winter house wine here on Bartlett Avenue. Even my daughter (a millennial!) who tends to gravitate toward pinot noirs gave this wine high marks. It’s loaded with subtle flavors and it drinks like a high priced bottle. Good thing we had two.

P.S. I made “Craft Beer Menorahs” for the “kids” and picked up some really interesting local brews to wish them all “Hoppy Holidays!”

December 5, 2018/by Eric Faiola

Holidays, Spirits, Wine

10 Holiday Gifts You’ll Love

The holiday season is officially here!! Are you in search of a great gift this holiday season?! We’re guessing you’re saying “um, yes of course… please help.” Don’t worry, we’re here to help with these 10 great gift ideas. Not seeing a gift idea you love? Head into Mystic Wine Shoppe and let our team of experts help you pick out the right gift.

10 Holiday Gifts You’ll Love

1.Jim Beam Red Sox limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon Gift Basket: This is the perfect gift basket for the Red Sox fan in your life! Not a Jim Beam fan, come and create your own custom gift basket!

2. Ken Forester Wines: Two great wines out of South Africa –

The Gypsy: The character is somewhat ‘wild’ a little brambly with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, dark spices, with vanilla scents and a distinct, concentrated red-fruit focus. Great for laying down and keeping for at least ten years but already rewarding if allowed to breathe in a decanter.
The FMC: The pinnacle of what we consider to be the finest expression of the grapes of this varietal – an icon chenin, a challenge to the world! Rich, layered with dried apricot, vanilla and honey.

3. A Midwinter Nights Dram: A limited engagement with only 4 left!! This is a delicious blend of straight rye whiskeys.

4. Patron Tequila Mini Gift Pack: The perfect stocking stuffer!

5. Caymus Vineyards Wines: Calling all cab lovers!!!

Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine serves up a bevy of berry aromas and flavors. Its layered and rounded palate make it a delectable choice with a thick and mouthwatering grilled ribeye.
Caymus Special Edition: A truly legendary wine, Caymus Special Selection is a wine that Cab lovers simply can’t get enough of. Introduced more than 30 years ago, Special Selection is a vivid expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley. Starting with the foundation of their Rutherford estate vineyard and then securing contracts for long-term farming control of vineyards across the valley, Caymus has been able to solidify the extraordinary character and over-the-top quality of this very special wine vintage after vintage.

6. Willett Rye Whiskey: A special release!!! Even a quick nosing reveals that Rye nose of grassy, herbal goodness with a sweetness that follows it. The palate is well balanced with a herbal mintiness, intertwined with a sweetness that dances on your tongue until it exits with a spiciness. This is a great utility whiskey to drink neat, make an Old Fashioned, or hold up to a rock.

7. The Dalmore 18: Dalmore’s trademark style is luscious notes of orange, chocolate and spices, and the 18-Year-Old bottling is a terrific example. Aged in both bourbon and sherry casks, it has seductive notes of vanilla, dark chocolate and candied orange on the nose, followed by a full-bodied, spicy palate of cinnamon and stewed fruit. Recently reduced to just $174

8. Opus One Wine: The essence of time is expressed in Opus One by the character of each vintage. Place, often defined as terroir, represents the geography, the climate and the essential human element which is captured in the wine’s balance between power and finesse, structure and texture.

9. French Wines: Not sure which wine to choose, how about three delicious French wines… you can’t go wrong with any of these wines.

Terres Brulées Cornas Syrah: A deep ruby-black with purple hints. Blackcurrant, dark cherries and blackberries, with spices, licorice and cocoa on the nose. A very rich mouth-feel with flavors of black fruit, jam, vanilla, spice and mineral notes. This wine has firm tannins and a long lasting finish.
Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem: he Occultum Lapidem displays great dark garnet-red color in the glass. The nose is laden with aromas of black fruits, pepper, leather and graphite with hints of shrubs. On the palate, the fleshy quality of the wine is apparent straightaway from the attack. Rich and dense, the wine finishes with a balance of fruit and delicate tannins.
Prémices: A pure, elegant style, with an alluring raspberry puree note leading the way, while light blood orange, red currant and plum fruit flavors follow close behind. Nuances of incense, mulling spices and rooibos tea flitter throughout. The finish is silky and persistent.

10. Santa Rita Casa Real Cabernet Sauvignon: This full-bodied wine has beautiful complexity, with flowers, sandalwood and subtle currants, a dense centre palate and a long finish. Purity in cabernet sauvignon. Drinks great now or you can cellar it
for 10 years.

We hope to see you soon at Mystic Wine Shoppe! Let us know what you think about this years gift guide!

December 3, 2018/by Eric Faiola

Holidays, News

All About Dalmore

The Dalmore 18

Do you know someone who loves whisky? Are you struggling to find the
right gift for someone as the holidays are just around the corner? The
Dalmore 18 is an excellent whisky that has been aged in both bourbon and
sherry casks. This whisky is a perfect example of Dalmore’s trademark
style with notes of vanilla, dark chocolate and orange, followed by a
hint of cinnamon and citrus fruit. The Dalmore 18 is a well balanced and
smooth whisky that is a perfect gift for friends and/or family. Relax
and sit by the fire while enjoying the delicious flavor Dalmore has to
offer.

The Dalmore Cigar Malt

Are you looking for a smooth whisky that will have you craving for more?
The Dalmore Cigar Malt has been aged in three types of casks; bourbon,
sherry, and cabernet sauvignon. There are cinnamon, vanilla, and red
fruit aromas with finishing notes of orange, dark chocolate and spices.
This rich tasting whisky has just the right amount of smokiness and
pairs perfectly with a fine cigar.

November 19, 2018/by Eric Faiola

Holidays, Monthly Cocktail

Cocktail of The Month: Spiked Hot Cocoa

The days are getting colder, leaves are falling and carving pumpkins is on everyone’s to-do list… fall is officially here! We’re not sure about you, but we love this time of year! If you’re looking for a warming cocktail to enjoy this fall, try our Spiked Hot Cocoa. It’s delicious and easy to make.

We used The Irishman Irish Cream to make this cocktail and it didn’t disappoint. You could also replace with Bailey’s Irish Cream and possibly add some Kahlúa (yum).

Ingredients:

2 ounch of The Irishman Irish Cream
Hot Chocolate Mix
1 cup of milk
Handful of Marshmallows (or more if you’re really crazy.. :))

Directions: Combine all ingredients and enjoy! We suggest grabbing some fun Halloween decor to create a fun and festive evening!!

Do you love making themed cocktails? Tell us, what is your favorite?

Stop into Mystic Wine Shoppe and grab all your cocktail needs!

October 16, 2018/by Eric Faiola

Holidays, Monthly Cocktail

4th of July Vodka Spritzer

As 4th of July quickly approaches we’re getting more excited for all the upcoming celebrations. We’re not sure about you, but we have a lot of great cookouts and parties posted on our calendar. If you’re hosting a celebration you know it can fun, but also a lot of work! We designed this cocktail with the hostess in mind… easy, refreshing and delicious!

Enjoy this month’s bonus cocktail –

Ingredients:

1.5 ounces of vodka (we love Titos or Grey Groose for this cocktail)
Fresh strawberries and blueberries
Soda water

Directions: Mix together and enjoy (easy, right?!)

What is your go-to 4th of July cocktail? We also found these tasty cocktails that certainly look tasty, but are nowhere as easy to mix-up.

Cheers and happy 4th of July!

June 12, 2018/by Eric Faiola

Holidays

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Not sure what to get the special Dad in your life for Father’s Day? From fine wines to high-end Whiskey to everything in-between we’ve got you covered at Mystic Wine Shoppe. Check out our gift guide below –

Collections:

Johnnie Walker Collection Pack

Bourbon Whiskey:

Jim Beam Single Barrel Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

Rhetoric Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Willet Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Scotch:

The Macallan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Irish Whiskey:

Writers Tears & Yellow Spot Irish Whiskey

Tequila:

Milagro Silver and DonJulio Tequila

Sombra Mezcal

Sombra Mezcal

Rum:

Mount Gay Origin Series

Rye Whiskey:

WhistlePig – The Boss Hog

Fine Wines:

We carry an array of fine wines… stop in to learn more about all we offer.

Gift Baskets:

Hit the easy button and grab one of our pre-made baskets –

Our Team wishes all the Dad’s out there a very happy Father’s Day!

Mystic Wine Shoppe

June 7, 2018/by Eric Faiola

Holidays, Spirits

Valentine’s Day Gifts You’ll Love

We know that Valentine’s Day can be a tad bit stressful. From not knowing if flowers, candy, or champagne are the right gift to knowing if you should plan for a night-in or a night-out, there are a lot of decisions to make. We can’t help you with all the details, but we can help you find a great bottle of champagne or sparkling wine to cheers your loved one to. Check out our recommendations (below) that will impress any valentine out there.

We also have great gift baskets for sale too!

Gruet Brut Rosé: A beautiful garnet in color, this Rose NV has a delicate, fine mousse and rich, fruit flavors. This full-bodied sparkler starts with floral and berry aromas which introduce flavors of cherry. raspberry and wild strawberry, finishing delicately with zesty acidity.
Francis Coppola Sofia Blanc de Blancs: Fruity and refreshing, Sofia Blanc de Blancs is a rare blend of Pinot Blanc, Muscat, and Riesling. Mellow flavors of apples and pears are topped by a hint of citrus and honeysuckle. Elegant in character, this wine is lightly textured and vibrant through the finish.
Royal Provence RivaRose: A gorgeous bottle of Provence rosé with a fine and elegant sparkle. The nose offers up a fresh, soft scent of strawberry, raspberry and a little cherry. The mousse is mouth filling and fine. Flavors of red berries and a little spice. Delicious and refreshing.
Flama D’Or brut: Fresh and pleasant. Well balanced, good structure and well integrated carbonic elements. Pleasant aftertaste of medium intensity, where the aromas of nose and mouth are repeated harmoniously.
Li Veli PRIMEROSE: Bright pink with salmon and raspberry reflex; fruity bouquet, with delicate red fruit and flower notes; in the mouth it is balanced, pleasant and full, with a fresh acidity. Fruity aftertaste.

Looking to make Valentine’s Day extra special with a certain little question? Pick-up an extra special bottle to celebrate with –

Cristal Brut: White peach and acacia blossom aromas accent the flavors of poached apple, gingersnap biscuit, pastry cream and spun honey in this harmonious Champagne. The satinlike mousse caresses the palate, while firm, focusing acidity drives the lasting finish. Drink now through 2030.
Dom Perignon: Dom Perignon only creates vintage wines; it is an absolute commitment. Only the best grapes of the most exceptional years are used, making each vintage distinct. It is the perfect embodiment of the Power of Creation – an act of creation that elevates the mind and enlightens the world.

Stop by our Champagne Tasting on Feb. 13th and try a few of these delicious champagnes. Thanks for reading!

February 8, 2018/by Eric Faiola

Holidays, Monthly Cocktail

Cocktail Of The Month: Sweetheart Cocktail

Valentine’s Day is just next week! What are you treating your sweetie too? We suggest making our special concoction that is SO EASY to mix up, yet has a very special feel to it. We used Flama D’Or Rosé Brut in our drink, as it’s reasonably priced and has notes of dark red fruits on the nose with a beautiful, dry finish. Affordable and delicious =perfection!

Ingredients:

Flama D’Or Rosé Brut
Frozen Cherries
Sugar and honey for the rim

Directions: This one’s an easy one!

Choose a fancy glass
Dip rim of glass into honey and then into sugar (see photos below to see how to do it)
Drop in 3-4 frozen cherries (or berry of your choice)
Poor in Flama D’Or Rosé Brut to the top
Make a glass for you and your sweetie and enjoy!

We wish a lovely Valentine’s Day,

Your friends at Mystic Wine Shoppe

February 6, 2018/by Eric Faiola