Saturday, April 9: 1-5pm @ Peterson's Chicago Avenue store
On Saturday, April 9th, join us as Crazy Mountain Brewing Company takes over our Chicago Avenue location from 1-5PM! Crazy Mountain is the first production brewery from Colorado's Vail Valley, producing lively and refreshing beers that speak of the fun the brewery is known for. Having just landed in the Chicago market over the past couple months, we used them first as a selection for our Beer Club back in February, and invited them to join us for our winter tasting in February as well, where they immediately propelled themselves to the top seller list with their exuberance and the craftsmanship of their beers. This tasting is completely free, and we are looking forward to a great time with them!
Naperville Locations
- 88 West Gartner Road
- 1274 E. Chicago Ave
- (630) 527-1501
- (630) 420-1502
Monthly Archive
Craft Beer Tasting with Peterson's Newest Beer Expert and Buyer!
Saturday, March 5: 1-5pm @ Peterson's Chicago Avenue- FREE TASTING
With an exploding beer market across the nation, it has never been more important to stay current with new and rare finds in the marketplace. As of February 1st, long-time Peterson's manager and beer connoisseur, Andrew Gehlhausen, will be taking charge of our beer inventory and making sure we have the best to offer customers. Join us this Saturday, March 5th, 1-5pm at our Chicago Avenue store and taste some of Andrew's favorite finds! As an added bonus, customers spending $20 or more at this tasting will be entered into our beer raffle for a bottle of Arcadia Barrel Aged Shipwrecked which retails at $8.99. As an added bonus, customers spending $20 or more at this tasting will be entered into our beer raffle for a bottle of Arcadia Barrel Aged Shipwrecked which retails at $8.99.
Allagash Saison, $10.99/4pk – A classic style from a classic brewery, the Saison was the second beer I tasted by Allagash and it immediately went down as one of my favorite all around beers. It is refreshing and bright, yet floral and spice aromas give it complexity. This makes it perfect for summer days OR nights. I have turned a number of people onto craft beer by having them try both this and Allagash White.
Off Color Apex Predator, $9.99/4pk – Clean and almost sweetly fruity, with a light background hoppiness that makes this beer extremely pleasant to drink. Another spectacular beer for beginners, or for trying to get hop heads to try something new.
Clown Shoes Galactica IPA, $9.99/4pk – The first beer I tried from Clown Shoes and still my favorite from them. Resinously dank hoppiness smacks you in the face initially but great malt balance prevent this beer from being a total hop bomb, which is exactly what I like out of an IPA. Hopped with Galaxy hops which are the hop varietal I consistently like most.
Smuttynose Finestkind IPA, $9.99/6pk – More approachable and perhaps a bit lighter than Galactica, but still complex and wonderful. I think this beer is an outstanding beer for being out in the wilderness camping, or sitting around a fire with friends.
Oskar Blues G’Knight Imperial Red IPA, $13.99/4pk – Contrasting Finestkind, I made the mistake of drinking one too many of these while camping once, but it’s just so hard to say no to. Dangerously delicious, this beer will kick your butt, and you won’t even care cause there’s so much going on – bitter hop, sweet malt, and a vague nutty background characteristic that make this beer prodigious.
Dogfish Head 90 Minute Imperial IPA, $10.99/4pk – My favorite aspect of this Imperial IPA is how incredibly balanced it is. With a brilliant malt backbone to hold up all the resinous hops, this beer is one I view as a default: if you say you’re a craft beer drinker, you should be able to say you’ve tried this beer.
Founders Porter, $9.99/6pk – Founders consistently puts together great beers, whether unique or every day drinkers, they almost always hit the nail on the head. This porter is no exception, with a rich and smooth mouthfeel and awesome notes of chocolate and coffee, with just enough hop character to even everything out.
Bell’s Expedition Stout, $15.99/6pk – Just as with the DFH 90 Minute for Imperial IPAs, this beer, to me, is a default Imperial Stout. I really think this is the most consistently well-crafted beers, vintage after vintage. Eminently ageable, I currently have some 2014s and 2015s at home myself, and have tried back as far as 2012. Spectacular every single time.
*RAFFLE BEER* Arcadia Barrel Aged Shipwrecked, $8.99/12oz Bottle - The Baltic-style porter has a robust malt character and a slight herbal hop bitterness. Aged for 12 months in 10-year-old Kentucky bourbon oak barrels, this alluring dark liquid features appealing undertones of vanilla, oak, cocoa and coffee. The aging occurs in abandoned mines in Michigan, at a constant temperature of 45F.
Taittinger "La Francaise" Brut Champagne (4 pk-187ml).......Sale $46.74 / Reg. $54.99
"The deliciously delicate Taittinger NV Brut is strikingly buoyant and dominated by subtle scents of yeast-tinged flowers and foliage - honeysuckle and mint immediately come to mind - that allude to its roughly one-quarter Meunier component, with a luscious matrix of lime-drenched honeydew melon and apple well-supported by discreet residual sugar leading to a sustained and refreshing finish. Hints of toasted almond and vanilla-tinged cookie dough lend a faintly confectionary cast that manages to harmonize with the dominant fruitiness and florality, while piquancy of apple and lime pit serve for counterpoint. Enjoy this distinctive success over the coming year."
Pommery "Pop" Champagne (4 pk-187ml).......Sale $33.14 / Reg. $38.99
Extreme brilliance and elegance. The effervescence of great champagnes with extremely fine bubbles. Behind its energy and lust for life, the wine's bouquet reveals freshness and delicacy. It is accessible, an indicator of sheer pleasure. This wine has all the attributes of a quaffable, contemporary champagne: it is fresh, round, and full. It is a wine for immediate pleasure and fine celebration.
Iron Horse "Wedding Cuvee"Brut Sparkling....Sale $33.99 / Reg. $39.99
With one of the best reputations in California for creating precise, Estate grown Sparkling, Iron Horse continues to be a fan favorite at Peterson's! Iron Horse's "Wedding Cuvee" is a blanc de noirs made from predominantly Pinot Noir. It has a beautiful rosé color. On the nose it has strawberry and minerality. In the mouth loads of apricot, cherry and cardamom, cinnamon with lime at the finish. Rich and creamy it is without a doubt the most romantic of sparklings and dangerously easy to drink.
Gruet Blanc de Noir Sparkling.........................Sale $13.59 / Reg. $15.99
A native of France, Gilbert Gruet founder of Gruet Winery, took the biggest risk of his life in 1983 when he decided to plant his own vineyards in Engle, New Mexico. With a Champagne background, he found the area to be perfect for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Today, Gruet is known as one of the top "methode champenoise" sparkling houses in the United States.
Moletto Italian Prosecco..................................Sale $12.74 / Reg. $14.99
Prosecco is certainly one of the most versatile wines and continues to be the fastest rising star in the world! This sparkling wine shows frank and brilliant tones of pale straw yellow. It's bouquet is subtle, but well defined with a clear hint of fruit. Indulge in a dry and fruity taste that is also cheerful, lively and full of character. See for yourself why Prosecco is Italy's best selling wine!
Dibon NV Brut Cava.........................................Sale $11.89 / Reg. $13.99
Truly a crowd pleaser at every tasting! This bargain of a sparkling blows even some of the most expensive champagnes out of the water. Highly rated by Wine Enthusiast, "Light apple aromas are elegant and not over the top, while the tangerine and orange flavors are lean and focused. This is a light-framed Cava with a clean, fast, tasty profile and finish. Not yeasty or heavy at all."
Pierre Delize Sparkling...................................Sale $8.49 / Reg. $9.99
Ditch the Korbel and treat yourself to something just as affordable and even better in taste! Pierre Delize Sparkling has grower's fruit in a "house style" giving this sparkling a bold approach. A sense of finesse, structure, and a complex harmony of flavors makes Pierre Delize what it is today.
Cantine Aurora Dolce Stilnovo.....................Sale $14.44 / Reg. $16.99
"Dolce Stilnovo ("Sweet-New-Style") is a term used by literary critics to explain Dante Alighieri's style of Poetry. It is also the perfect name for our light, crisp, frothy, sweet red wine. It is, however, a pale red wine, similar to Bracchetto D'Acqui, but less costly. We are confident that you will enjoy this fragrant, fruity, fizzy red young and chilled. It is made from old vines fermented in enclosed stainless steel tanks under pressure. The crackle is a natural part of the fermentation process." -- From the Winery
PATZ & HALL, SONOMA COAST, PINOT NOIR, 2013
91 points, Robert Parker, December 2014
"Patz & Hall has long been a model for how to run a high-quality
négociant business, buying fruit from top vineyards and crafting it into wines that can compete with the finest from estate vineyards. They now own one estate vineyard, but all of these offerings are basically produced from purchased fruit. The style is one of Burgundian elegance with full malolactic as well as indigenous yeast fermentations and aging sur-lie. The percentage of new oak used in these cuvées has dropped over the years, running between one-third and 60% today. The wines are bottled early in order to preserve their freshness and fruit, and they tend to be delicious young, yet have an impressive track record for moderate aging."
"The lovely 2013 exhibits terrific blueberry and black raspberry fruit interwoven with notions of Chinese black tea, oak, earth and beet root in the background. This nicely textured, medium-bodied Pinot Noir possesses zesty acidity as well as admirable aromatics. Enjoy it over the next 5-8 years." - Robert Parker, Dec. 2014
Take an additional 10% off 6-11 bottles, 15% off 12+ bottles & 20% off straight cases. As a limited time offer, inventory is expected to move quickly. Please call ahead for case orders to ensure product availability (630) 420-1502. Offer is available in stores while supplies last.
For a limited time, save 30% on select pre-made Holiday Wine Baskets. Stop in at any of our three locations and choose from three different styled baskets ranging in price from $29.99 - $59.99. If you're looking for a gift that presents itself with a "wow factor" at a modest price, this is the perfect gift for you!
Small Holiday Basket with Premium Red
Sale $29.99, Reg. $44.99
An elegant basket with a bottle of 2011 Primus Carmenere. This excellent red is perfect for the bold wine lover and makes a great pairing for just about any dish with spice and richness.
"Nicely done, the 2011 Primus Carmenere stays in the varietal's sweet spot; shows the true character of the grape, without overdoing it. I would pair this one with a double thick, grilled pork chop. Medium to dark ruby color; pleasing red fruit aroma, lightly savory, fine depth; medium bodied, velvety on the palate; dryish, medium acidity, good balance; attractive ripe, red fruit flavors, with a faint touch of dried fruit and sweet oak; medium finish, slightly rounded in the aftertaste." WW 90pts
Medium Holiday Basket with Cab & Chard
Sale $39.99, Reg. $59.99
Beautifully presented, this duo from Cartlidge & Browne make the perfect pairing for any wine lover. Cartlidge & Browne creates wines that show nicely all on their own displaying the high quality of fruit from North Coast, California. The 2013 Chardonnay and Cabernet are matched with a fabulous cheese spread, crackers, almonds and sausage making the perfect gift for any occasion.
"Cardinal red in color, this Cabernet starts out with rich and delicious red fruits on the nose that ow into to ripe blackberry, watermelon, candied plum and crème brûlée. The soft, yet fine, tannins have notes of coffee, rose petals and wet slate." Cartlidge & Browne Cabernet, Winemaker Notes.
Large Holiday Basket with Three Premium Wines
Sale $59.99, Reg. $89.99
Who wouldn't be excited to receive this loaded basket with goodies galore and wines to die for? Make your loved one or colleague feel extra special by giving this fully equipped wine basket that checks just about everything off the wish list!
Included in this holiday basket are the 90 point rated Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blanc Sparkling, Gloria Ferrer Etesian Pinot Noir and 2010 Rhone Red by Domaine De La Colliere. If that wasn't enough, we've included one of our favorite bottles of Chocolate Sauce by Kokku Chocolates made locally in Chicago, a gourmet cheese spread with crackers, a Wine Globe with wick to adorn used bottles and a package of wine shields used to preserve any unfinished, open bottles.
{Featuring the highly rated Star Lane Cabernet, 2009 for FREE* when you spend $55 on ANY wine accessories.}
Quivira Zinfandel, Dry Creek, California
SALE $24.99 > Reg. $26.99 {PLUS} Volume Savings
Quivira specializes in small-lot wines from varietals specifically matched to the soils, seasonal strength of sun, and coastal influenced nights that accentuate the unique characteristics that flow from the vine directly to the wine. Known for their high-quality Zinfandel, the Quivira Zinfandel is loaded with big, deep, dark berry aromas. There's a brambly mix of raspberries and black cherries in the 2012 balanced by pepper, earthy tannins and enough acidity to keep things interesting.
Chateau L'Escart Bordeaux Superior, France
SALE $14.99 > Reg. $15.99 {PLUS} Volume Savings
The practice of biodynamics is nothing new in Europe. It's a successful method that has been used for the last 8,000+ years and for Chateau L'Escart the practice of biodynamics isn't a second thought. Château L'Escart is a truly remarkable Bordeaux. Being a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend, this red shows luscious fruits with a touch of toasty oak, richness and complexity. From biodynamically grown fruit, it has a concentrated character as well as a more extracted and dry finish that will only get better with age.
Four Graces Pinot Noir, Willamette, Oregon
SALE $27.99 > Reg. $29.99 {PLUS} Volume Savings
In order to promote a thriving sustainable atmosphere at Four Graces Winery, strong practices are in place such as setting aside 50% of acreage to promote wildlife habitat and utilizing a biodiesel fuel blend in all farm equipment. These extreme measures to protect the land and grapes make all the difference in Four Graces high-quality pinot noirs. The Willamette Four Graces offers aromas of black pepper, cardamom and lilac bringing all of this onto the palate with the added fruit flavors of wild strawberry and red currant. The fine tannins and piquant acids finish with the earthy, chocolate notes that are true year in and year out in this Willamette Valley bottling.
Frey Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino, California
SALE $17.99 > Reg. $19.99 {PLUS} Volume Savings
Frey Vineyards is one of the leading producers of Organic, Biodynamic and "Sulfite-free" wine in California. Making wine since 1960 in this very same fashion, Frey has set the bar high for others in wine country wishing to follow the same methods. Frey Cabernet is a blend of grapes from inland Mendocino County, the Frey Cabernet is rich and earthy with flavors of plum and a spicy finish.
Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand
SALE $15.99 > Reg. $16.99 {PLUS} Volume Savings
This sustainable sauvignon blanc captures the true essence of Marlborough. Aromas leap out of the glass in an explosion of passionfruit, grapefruit, white fleshed nectarines and notes of nettle and jalapeño pepper. The palate shows concentrated flavours of citrus, passionfruit and lemon grass. It has a nice texture with a firm backbone of juicy acidity.
Boira Pinot Grigio, Veneto, Italy
SALE $12.99 > Reg. $13.99 {PLUS} Volume Savings
This wine is made from certified organically farmed vineyards surrounding Verona, Italy. The vineyards are rich in limestone, which gives this wine bright aromatics of peach and stresses very intensive acacias with a balanced and elegant alcohol content and a refreshing palate.
Take advantage of sale prices through Nov. 5 on all Eco-Friendly wines. Pair VOLUME DISCOUNTS with sale prices on every organic, biodynamic and sustainable wine carried at Peterson's. [10% off 6-11bt m&m, 15% off 12+ bt m&m + 20% off straight cases]
For the second week in a row, we're celebrating California Wine Month highlighting two more of our favorite producers: Rickshaw and Miro Cellars. Stop into our stores this weekend and taste a selection of this week's picks and take advantage of special sale pricing. Sale prices end September 30th.
Check out last week's features: Schug and Scott Harvey Winery
Artisan & Affordable...Meet Rickshaw Wines!
By day, wine industry veterans Baron Ziegler, Noah Dorrance and Steve Graf are crafting high-end, boutique wines for their better known operation, Banshee, and by night, creating an entirely new label with a people-powered a mission: Rickshaw Wines. Still largely undiscovered in the world of wine, Rickshaw Wines are exactly what the average customer is looking for when it comes to a California "value." Taking full advantage of their industry knowledge, connections and resources, these three men are putting good use to excess barrels from highly touted vineyards across the California coast. Their results are what many wineries promise but rarely deliver and that is to provide wines of elegance, purity, and sophistication at prices that rarely reflect these characteristics.
Rickshaw Chardonnay, California, 2014
SALE $14.99 > Reg. Price $16.99 > Mixed Case $12.74
Rich notes of creme brulee topped with ripe tropical fruits are set on a linear backbone - the perfect balance of zip and lusciousness. Fermentation in both stainless steel and barrel, most of the plots underwent malolactic and was then moved to French barrels for 6 months to add a toasty complexity. This style was achieved by acquiring grapes from both Northern and Southern California (Santa Barbara, Mendicino, and Sonoma Coast).
Rickshaw Pinot Noir, California, 2013
SALE $14.99 > Reg. Price $16.99 > Mixed Case $12.74
The 2013 Rickshaw Pinot leaps out of the glass with bright notes of dried cherry and pine. It is followed by a truly silky palate of wild strawberry, red plum and pomegranate. The wine is bolstered with its usual energetic spine and a slightly salty finish. Sourced from vineyards across Sonoma Coast, Freestone, Anderson Valley, and Central Coast, aged 10 months in neutral and French oak.
Rickshaw Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2013
SALE $14.99 > Reg. Price $16.99 > Mixed Case $12.74
The 2013 vintage was another phenomenal year for Cabernet Sauvignon throughout California. In this rendition of Rickshaw Cabernet, a large percentage of Cabernet was sourced from areas of Napa as well as Sonoma and Paso Robles, all which give this wine ballast and a sense of class. In particular, the 2013 Merlot really stood apart from previous vintages providing a soft, velvety companion to the more structured Cabernet components. Even though only 4% of the blend the Cabernet Franc really flashes the nose noticeably.
Dry Creek, Winemaking Titan...Meet Miro!
Born and raised in northern Bulgaria, a region with many millennia of winemaking history, Miro Tcholakov was exposed to wine and winemaking at a very early age. Given the opportunity to take part in a competitive selection process with The Future Famer's of America, Miro was able to build his reputation in one of California's most respected wine regions: Dry Creek Valley. In 1998 Miro went to work as Winemaker for Trentadue Winery in Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley. Trentadue continues to be his "day job," bringing more acclaim to the winery, creating world class award-winning wines. As is a familiar story of many passionate winemakers, Miro's industry connections have given him the means to create his own label of which he makes in very small batches.
Miro Cellars Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 2013
SALE $29.99 > Reg. Price $32.99 > Mixed Case $25.49
The first impression is of cherry compote, hint of cranberry, ripe strawberry & pronounced rose petals aromas. With further aeration the wine shows slight nuances of new oak barrels-vanilla, toast & a hint of forest floor & earthiness. The mouth feel starts out freshly fruity and finishes with balanced acidity & soft tannin. 400 cases.
Miro Cellars Cuvee Sasha, North Coast, 2012
SALE $19.99 > Reg. Price $22.99 > Mixed Case $16.99
"From the Monte Lago Vineyard in Lake County's High Valley AVA, this blend of 68% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 12% Syrah is dark and brooding, offering dusty tannins around roasted plum and strawberry notes. Soft and intense, with bright acidity, a taste of licorice lurks up to the leathery, espresso-laden finish."
Miro Cellars Reserve Cabernet, Alexander Valley, 2012 (90pts Wine Advocate)
SALE $32.99 > Reg. Price $37.99 > Mixed Case $28.04
"This limited production (300 cases) 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve comes from a lofty elevation of 2,200 feet. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by lots of black cherry and blackcurrant fruit notes intermixed with hints of white chocolate, earth and baking spices. Medium to full-bodied with sweet tannins and abundant character as well as craftsmanship, it should drink well for 10-15 years."
Miro Cellars Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley, 2012 (478 case production)
SALE $27.99 > Reg. Price $30.99 > Mixed Case $23.79
"The shortest way to describe the wine would be "dark and delicious." Undoubtedly Petite Sirah in its core, but with refinned and balanced tannin and-surprising for Petite Sirah-softness. Loads of blueberry and blackberry on the nose followed by toasty oak, cinnamon, brown sugar and dark molasses. The mouth feel is big and juicy, extracted but not heavy, finishing with fresh acidity and sense of balance."
