M. L. King, Jr./photo by Yoichi R. Okamoto

Something about January that makes anything seem possible.

Clean slates and blue skies. New resolve. High hopes. 2008 is a Leap Year, offering the gift of an extra day, somehow making the brand new year seem even more fulsome. Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr.

We're coming up for air after an intensely, happily busy December. Many wonderful events, tastings and classes to come, including Bottlerocket's first-ever art exhibition.

Next week, on Wednesday, 1/23, from 6-8pm, stop by to see a cache of collages, the work of artist Hal Studholme.

If you like PostSecret, or appreciate Ray Johnson's art, you will love Studholme's beguiling images.
He makes magic with discarded ephemera, the flotsam and jetsam of life. All the work is for sale. 100% of the proceeds go to the artist who will be at Bottlerocket to answer questions about art and elves. Wines will be served.

Don't forget your Valentine. Get in the mood on Sat. Feb 2nd, when Bottlerocket will host its second annual Chocolate, Wine & Spirits tasting. Come taste the amazing Vere chocolates paired with several wines/spirits, and meet Vere creator Kathy Moskal. Free. All welcome.

Did you start the year determined to get smarter about everything wine? Take a class with us (click for details). On the calendar: Explore France, an introduction to the regions and wines of France; Navigating a Restaurant Wine List; Great Values, an insider guide to wine bargains. More to come!

Latest & Greatest

For those of you who come into the store regularly, you already know Marisela. She's a big-hearted California dreamer who came to the city last year to pursue an acting career. Along the way she got bitten by the wine bug. Below are some of Marisela's favorite wines.

Ridge. Three Valleys 2006.
USA > California >> Sonoma County. Red. $22

Three Valleys refers to the multi-vineyard blends of Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys. These are plots of younger vines that yield softer, more accessible wines. Brought to you by the winery that single-handedly put Zinfandel on the map. Dress up a turkey sandwich with this juicy all-American.

Rustenberg. John X. Merriman 2005.
South Africa > Stellenbosch. Red. $26

Named for the last Prime Minister of "Cape Colony" before becoming the Union of South Africa, this luxurious Bordeaux blend is aged for 20 months in barrel before bottling. Perfectly balanced by earth and spice notes alongside rich, smoky fruit, Rustenberg's flagship wine is delicious now, but will cellar beautifully for up to 5 years.

	A still in New York

Tuthilltown. Manhattan Rye. $39

Before Prohibition, there were over 1,200 distilleries in New York producing its favorite libation: Rye Whisky. Since Ralph Erenzo and Brian Lee installed their copper pot still in a former gristmill in Gardiner, N.Y., the count is one. This whiskey, aged in small, heavily charred oak for 3-14 months, is the 1st legal whiskey in the state in 75 years. Artisanal and historical!

Mastroberardino. Falanghina Sannio 2005.
Italy > Campania. White. $19

The Falanghina grape is an ancient varietal believed to have been used by the Roman elite. In modern times it was ripped up, planted over and forgotten until Mastroberadino rescued it from extinction. Be part of history just by trying something new.

Lavradores de Feitoria. Douro "Tres Bagos" 2004.
Portugal > Douro. Red. $17

Made from grapes normally reserved for Port, this big and beefy dry wine is aged in oak for 8 months before bottling. "Lavradores" is a partnership of 15 young Portuguese winemakers and vineyard owners dedicated to making excellent wine with sustainable practices at affordable prices. Obrigado!

Call for delivery: 212-929-2323.

Is there a wine you wish we carried?
Let us know and we'll see what we can do.

Classes

Explore France: An Introduction to French Wine. $75

Saturday, February 23, 4 to 6 pm
Meg O'Connell, Instructor

The wines may be foreign and hard to pronounce, but dang, they're good. The perfect survey course. You will no longer flinch when you spot a French wine on the menu. Learn the major French regions, grapes and names. What's an "AOC" or appellation? What's all the fuss about Burgundy? Why is Cabernet Franc an important player? Taste 10 wines, get the vocab, and ask all the basic questions you've always wanted to about this fabulous, ancient wine producing nation.

About Meg O'Connell: Meg O'Connell's work as a consultant to fine wine importer and distributor Polaner Selections takes her to wine stores and restaurants around New York and Westchester. She has been in the wine business for more than 10 years in London, Boston and New York, where she has also worked in wine retail and as a restaurant wine steward. She has served as an instructor at the Boston Center for Adult Education and currently teaches wine classes at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan.

This class starts promptly at 4:00 and ends at 6:00pm. Only 18 lucky participants can be accommodated, first come, first serve. Full payment in advance required and no refunds possible.

How to Navigate a Restaurant Wine List. $50

Monday, February 25, 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Michele Anderson, Instructor

Do you ever feel the hidden gems on a wine list are buried from your view? Wouldn't it be cool to make confident, informed choices when you're choosing the wine? New York is a notoriously difficult place to make good restaurant wine choices: prices are high and choices are many. In this smart, practical class you will learn to decrypt wine list language and deconstruct NYC wine lists. You will taste six wines and take away insider knowledge.

About Michele Anderson: Michele worked as Sommelier at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney, picking wines for the largest wine cellar in the Southern Hemisphere. Since then, she has launched Wine Angel, a wine import business, introducing Australia's leading boutique wines to US consumers. She created Mirrabooka, her own Australian wine brand, and started GreatAustralianWines.com, a specialty Internet business. Wine Angel was acquired in 2007 by Australia's second largest public wine company, McGuigan Simeon Wines Ltd. Michele is now the General Manager responsible for their North American business.

This class starts promptly at 6:30 and ends at 8:00pm. Only 18 lucky participants can be accommodated, first come, first serve. Full payment in advance required and no refunds possible.

Explore Wine: Four Week Introductory Series. $175

Starts Tuesday, March 4 at 6:30 pm
Ellisa Cooper, Instructor

A practical, fun, utilitarian workshop to familiarize you with the major types and styles of wine. You will learn how wine is made, how to taste and evaluate wine, and ultimately what you like personally. Our goal is to provide you with the information and experience to make you comfortable, confident consumers.

•	March 4 – Explore the Major Varieties Know the noble and notable wines of the world and a bit of history.
•	March 11 – Explore Old vs. New World Learn how a region, grape grower and wine maker can influence the final product.
•	March 18 – Explore White Dig deeper into the huge variety of white wines.
•	March 25 – Explore Red Taste through the world of red wine. Conclude with practical advice on continuing the adventure.

About Ellisa Cooper: Ellisa possesses an extensive, almost encyclopedic, knowledge of all things wine-related. She is currently developing her own media concept for Television and DVD titled "The Two Things You Need to Know About Wine." Her own education in wine began while working in several of the great New York restaurants where top chefs Terrance Brennan, Waldy Malouf, Marco Moiera, Dave Pasternack and Marc Murphy prepared foods that demanded great wines. She is currently a Master Sommelier candidate through The Court of Master Sommeliers. Ellisa is a founder of the retail shop Discovery Wines. Ellisa's mantra is simple, "The only way to learn wine is to drink wine."

Explore Wine classes start promptly at 6:30 and end at 7:30pm. Only 18 lucky participants can be accommodated, first come, first serve. Full payment in advance required and no refunds possible.

Happenings

Hal soaking

Wednesday, January 23, 6 – 8 pm
Eclectic Salon: "An Audience of One"
With artist Hal Studholme

Every day, our dog Otis receives a postcard at the store. Handmade and unique, each card is a miniature work of art created by artist Hal Studholme. We want to show off these gems. Come to Bottlerocket's first-ever art exhibition on Wednesday, January 23. See these beautiful, haunting images at the store. Meet Hal Studholme. Buy art and drink wine. Free. Reservations not required.

	Chocolate maker Moskal

Saturday, February 2, 3 – 6 pm
Chocolate, Wine and Spirits Tasting

Oh, the good things in life. All at once. Join us for an afternoon tasting on Feb. 2. We'll pair bites of Vere chocolate with a selection of wines and spirits. Vere makes the most sophisticated, pure, healthful chocolate imaginable, starting with sustainably grown, pesticide-free cocoa beans. The perfect foil for Bottlerocket wines. Kathy Moskal, founder of Vere, will be available to talk about her chocolates. Free. Reservations not required.

We Do

•	Delivery – Just give us a call and we'll take care of the rest: 212-929-2323.
•	Special Orders – Give us one day and we'll give you price and availability for a case of almost anything. Email: specialorders@bottlerocketwine.com
•	Gifts selected, wrapped, packaged and shipped.
•	"Find the Love" – Samplers to expose you to new tastes.
•	"The High End" – We serve collectors, too. Call for info.
•	Private in-store events: customized tastings, food & wine pairing parties.
•	Tasting events at your home or office.
•	Consultations and Gift Registry for weddings, parties, events.

Forward This

Spread the news that Bottlerocket is open. If you think we provide a good experience for wine lovers, please forward this to your friends, and tell them about our 10% discount on any purchase for all first-time customers who join our customer list. And thank you for your support!

Remember, we're a work in progress. We would value any suggestions you may have to help us create the best wine buying experience on the planet. Send us an email: myidea@bottlerocketwine.com. Thank you!