New French Wine Bar "Vin Et Fleurs" opens in West Village

Open less than 2 weeks ago and ready to do business, Vin Et Fleurs is on my list of new wine bars to visit in the near future. I passed by yesterday to peek in and it looks like a cozy spot for a bite and a glass of wine.

Will be posting soon.

Cepas De Familia Gimenez Riili Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Mendoza Argentina

Aromas of figs, balsamic, smoke, oak, vanilla and ripe blackberries, combined with rich strong flavors of prunes, cherries, and powdered chocolate, augmented by a dash of pepper and definite leather nuances converging on the finish. Complex and nicely structured. 13.5% alcohol.

Bodegas Montecillo Rioja Reserva 2003

This Reserva from the Rioja region of Spain is made by using the finest Tempranillo grapes, and then aging in French oak for a minimum of three years. Pleasant aromas of black cherries, caramel and vanilla reveal fruity flavors of ripe berries, with nuances of oak, and a balance of tannins to make for a smooth finish. $19, 13.5% alcohol.

337 Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Lodi California

This Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon shows masculine aromas of coffee, cassis and chocolate while on the palate powerful, resinous flavors of black cherries and an a hint of black pepper. I paired this with a whole wheat pasta with steak, and broccoli in a pesto sauce. 14.5% alcohol, and retails for about $14 at The Wine Room of Forest Hills.

Winemaker's notes:

Named for the French vine clone, 337 is an alluring expression of a California Cab with prestigious Bordeaux roots. The vines are cultivated for structure and flavor in the cobblestones of Lodi’s Clay Station Vineyard, making a wine that is big and bold, but luscious.

Cepas de Familia Gimenez Riili Merlot 2004 Mendoza Argentina

From Lujan de Cuyo in the Upper Mendoza River Region along the Andean foothills, where great temperature variances between night and day make for a Merlot with intense aromas and good acidity.

Medium bodied and ruby colored with warmer copper painted around the rim of the glass. The warm colors are matched well with aromas of red peppers, strawberries and blueberries, while soft tannins hover above flavors of juicy plums, and vanilla... making this very easy to drink. Aerated for over an hour before drinking.

Gassier Sables d'Azur Rose 2009

From Cotes de Provence in France, this Rose comes in an hourglass shaped bottle and is a Grenache blend loaded with flowery aromas, waves of grapefruit, apricot and orange peel, with flavors of cherries and roses. $11 at Beech Street Liquors of Long Beach.

COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico DOCG 2007 VQPRD, Sicilia

The first time I tried this super intriguing Sicilian red was a few years back at In Vino with proprietor and East Village Wine Geek, Keith Beaver. I finally got hold of a bottle for about $31 at Pop's in Island Park, Long Island- and as last time, it didn't disappoint. I love this wine!

Made with 60% Nero d'Avola grapes blended with 40% Frappato, dry but with a balanced acidity, medium weight, and sexy aromas of licorice and cherry pie... also hints of glycerine blending with spicy cinnamon flavors and powdered dry flowers, dusty rose and violets.

Or... we can say it in a Haiku:

Spicy cinnamon,
Licorice and cherry pie,
powdered dusty rose.

Footnote: COS was established in 1980 by three friends—Giambattista Cilia, Giusto Occhipinti, and Pinuccia Strano—each of whom is represented by the initial letter of his surname in the winery’s title.

Covey Run dry Riesling 2007 Columbia Valley Washington

Light golden hues of straw, hints of honeysuckle, apricot and melon aromas, with supple, lemon rinds and spicy flavors reflected by green apple and a buttery finish.

Valle Dell'Acate Il Frappato DOC Sicilia

Made from Frappato, a native Sicilian grape, this red wine is light weight with ruby red colors, but shows vivid aromas of rosewater and cherry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

On the palate are flavors of raspberry and strawberry with ripe red fruits and a spirited acidity, ending with a tart finish.

Had this exotic wine paired with a great seasonal appetizer... sauteed Zucchini blossoms stuffed with ricotta cheese followed by Tagliolini in a Creamy Pistachio & Lemon Pesto sauce at Bar Stuzzichini on Broadway and 22nd Street, NYC.

Gimenez Riili Malbec 2005 Mendoza Argentina

Dark and opaque plum colors, with a bouquet of black fruits, cedar and wild underbrush, set against vivid flavors of black plum, cherries, smoke and tobacco.