Highlights

For details please click the purple links below.

New York in spring

Spring blooms in New York herald soft shell crabs, asparagus, shad roe, ramps and other fleeting delights. All beg for the company of wine. But which wine? Pick up a sunny rosé, new to us from local favorite Shinn Estate, made on Long Island's North Fork with hand harvested grapes grown sustainably.

Last chance: Intro class starts tomorrow evening, 5/8 at 7pm. A few open spots remain for this well-loved, 4-part overview course, "Explore Wine." You'll taste a wide range of wines while you nail the basics...and have fun!

	The perfect hostess

How do you remove a red wine stain from your new white pants? What craft activities can you do with panty hose? How do you make cheese balls? Amy Sedaris comes to Bottlerocket this week to spread her special sauce and answer your esoteric questions. Wednesday, 5/9 at 6pm.

Huge thanks to Environmental Defense, Natural Resources Defense Council and Transportation Alternatives for sending their smart people to Bottlerocket on Earth Day. We learned a lot. Want to reduce your carbon footprint? Check out these practical suggestions.

Congratulations to the college class of 2007! Get your favorite grad's summer off to a fun start with a gift of wine or spirits.

Latest & Greatest

	Wine dude

This week Tyler Raynolds, our newest, nicest and decidedly most single member of the team, picks his favorite wines.

Tyler moved to NYC from his hometown Boston. He's studying to be a writer at the New School with discreet dreams of being a memoirist one day. David Sedaris and Augusten Burroughs are his literary heroes. His ultimate wine fantasy? Travel through Alsace and Germany touring vineyards and drinking wine all day long. Interested sponsors and potential girlfriends pop by the shop and speak with Tyler directly.

Dog Point Vineyards. Sauvignon Blanc 2006.
New Zealand > Marlborough. $23

Really, really good Sauvignon Blanc from what has become one of the world's best regions. Intense, crisp fruit. Wine Spectator gave it 91 points. It's hard to get Kiwi, but we scored a little bit. Grab it before it's gone!

Medici Ermete. Lambrusco Reggiano Solo 2006.
Italy > Emilia-Romagna. $15

Lambrusco, a sparkling red made from the grape of the same name, is counted among the wines of old Italian tradition. Reputed to assist the digestion of Emilia-Romagna's hearty cuisine, this Lambrusco is deliciously fruity, lively and fresh.

Pazo Señorans. Albariño 2005.
Spain > Rías Baixas. $25

Importer and Wine Angel Michele Anderson was floored by this Albariño on her recent trip to Spain. She said it was on the wine list at every major restaurant she visited and that we would be crazy not to carry it. She loved it so much she brought back four bottles in her suitcase! Fantástico.

Perrier-Jouët. Grand Brut NV.
France > Champagne. $36

Instantly recognizable by its "flower label," Perrier-Jouët offers more than just a pretty face. In contrast to most of the top name Champagnes, Perrier-Jouët is lighter bodied and elegant in its subtle layers of flavor. Wow, romantic and delicious!

Weinhof Scheu. Spätburgunder Trocken 2004.
Germany > Pfalz. $16

Sonnenberg is at the end of the German wine road and a stone's throw from France's Alsatian border. Its warm sandstone soil is ideal for growing Pinot Noir. Scheu's '04 Pinot is aged for a year in large oak barrels, adding complexity to its spicy cherry flavors and crisp finish.

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.

Happenings

Wednesday, May 9, 6 – 8 pm
Eclectic Salon: Amy Sedaris

	Not wishy washy

This lady may have the power to transform your social life. Take her hostess advice: "A good trick is to fill your medicine cabinet with marbles. Nothing announces a nosey guest better than an avalanche of marbles hitting a porcelain sink." Spend an evening with Amy Sedaris at Bottlerocket in our lead up to Mother's Day. Her recent book, I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence, is the perfect antidote to any perfectionist urges you may harbor. Amy Sedaris has appeared often on screen, both large and small. She's co-creator, with Stephen Colbert and Paul Dinello, of Comedy Central's hit show Strangers with Candy and half of the Obie-winning "Talent Family" playwright team (with her brother, David). Book-signing and wine tasting.
Free. Reservations not required.

Classes

Explore Wine: Four Week Introductory Series. $160
Starts Tuesday, May 8 at 7 pm
Lauren Bernardini, 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.

•	May 8 – Explore the Major Varieties Know the noble and notable wines of the world and a bit of history.
•	May 15 – Explore Old vs. New World Learn how a region, grape grower and wine maker can influence the final product.
•	May 22 – Explore White Dig deeper into the huge variety of white wines.
•	May 29 – Explore Red Taste through the world of red wine. Conclude with practical advice on continuing the adventure.

Instructor Lauren Bernardini

About Lauren Bernardini

An experienced teacher most recently affiliated with the Starr Restaurant Organization, Lauren directed the wine programs at Philadelphia's Striped Bass and Tangerine when both restaurants were awarded the Wine Spectator's Awards of Excellence in 2004, 2005 and 2006, as well as Food + Wine Magazine's "Top 10 New Wine Lists in the United States." She has completed the first level exams for both the Court of Master Sommeliers and the American Sommelier Association.

Lauren recently relocated to New York, where she represents Paumanok Vineyards, a small family-owned vineyard in North Fork, Long Island and is currently consulting on wine lists and beverage programs in both Manhattan and Philadelphia. She also teaches at the French Culinary Institute. Lauren lives in the West Village with 16 cases of wine and her famously demure pit-bull, Daisy.

Classes start promptly at 7 and end at 8pm, except the first class which ends at 8:30 pm. Only 18 lucky participants can be accommodated, first come, first serve. Full payment in advance required and no refunds possible.

Explore Spain. $45
Monday, May 21, 7 to 8:15 pm
Ellisa Cooper, Instructor

Spain has the most land planted in vines in the world. Discover the tremendous variety of Spanish wines in this class. Taste and discuss everything from cool whites (Albariño) to intense reds (Tempranillo). Learn about the great values in this up and coming region.

About Ellisa Cooper

	Instructor 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. She is a founder of the retail shop Discovery Wines.

Ellisa's mantra is simple, "The only way to learn wine is to drink wine."

Class starts promptly at 7 and ends at 8:15pm. Only 18 lucky participants can be accommodated, first come, first serve. Full payment in advance required and no refunds possible.

Sign-up today for classes by calling 212-929-2323.
Or email us: info@bottlerocketwine.com

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@bottlerocketw ine.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!