518 W. Jones St. - Raleigh, NC 27603
Telephone: (919) 829-2518 Fax: (919) 829-0248
Email: 518west@518west.com
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 518 is happy to share our partnership with the Raleigh Chamber Music Guild. On Tuesday, March 3rd we will donate 10% of the days proceeds to help support the Raleigh Chamber Music Guild. This is just 2 days after the Guarneri Quartet performs in Raleigh at the Progress Energy center for the Performing arts
 On December 2nd from 7-9 pm, the Broughton High School Acapella Choral group will be performing at 518. We are donating 10% of our whole days proceeds to help sponsor this group as they raise money to fund a trip to Paris and London in the Spring of 2009.
 Wednesday is Martini Day at 518! Enjoy any list Martini for $5.00 every Wednesday.
 I really like Rose wines from France. Ever since I bought the cookbook called Lulu's Provencal Table by Richard Olney I have liked Rose wines. Lulu and her husband run and own Domaine Tempier in Provence,France, and have for over 50 years. Just the spirit of the book made me want to try Rose wines...the succinct descriptions of family meals and the sense of community and family that is pervasive throughout the book alone is comforting.
...and for the record, Rose wines are not White Zinfandels. Nor are they sweet. They make great food companions with seafood dishes or grilled pork or chicken dishes.
Rose wines are made from red grape varieties. The rose that we are currently featuring, Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Rose 2006,
is a blend of Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre. Here are the winemakers notes: Traditional winemaking by saignée - the French term meaning "bled", for a wine-making technique which results in a rosé wine made by running off or "bleeding", a certain amount of free-run juice from just-crushed dark-skinned grapes after a short, prefermentation maceration. Clearly a wine from a warm place, the color is an intense pink with bright reflections. The nose is fresh, of redcurrants and yellow raspberries. The mouth is supple with fruity roundness in the middle, and a lively finish that is quite long. Pair with any summer foods or Mediterranean dishes. A perfect pairing would be grilled pork ribs with white peach and verbena julienne.
Well, we don't have any white peaches or verbena yet, but this is still a great time of year to try an easy drinking wine.
 Absolutely! Hand-crafted beers have come a long way recently, and here at 518 West we are proud to offer a selection of outstanding brews! Whether you are in the mood for a lighter Jever Pilsner, or a hearty Duck Rabbit Milk Stout, 518 is your spot. Our bar is open all afternoon 6 days a week, and serves as a perfect spot for meeting friends after work. If you have a passion for great beer (we do), then take the time on your next visit to sample our large-format options. Belgian-style ales are immensely popular throughout the world, and have gained a new appreciation in the United States. Careful crafting and bottle conditioning work together to produce some of the most aromatic and flavorful beers on the market. 518 West is proud to offer both the Westmalle Trappist Ale as well as the Dupont Saison Farmhouse Ale. They are both available in large-format, perfect for sharing. Remember: consume Belgian beer responsibly - ask your bartender for the perfect glass to enjoy your beer! Rogue is a familiar name around North Carolina, as their fine beers from Oregon have a strong following here. Perhaps the most popular locally is the "Dead Guy Ale", found in a larger 22 oz size ($12.25). A full bodied ale with robust flavor, it is the perfect introduction to the entire Rogue lineup. An affordable price is nice too! Take the afternoon off - head out early, grab a friend, and come on in to 518 West for a chance to relax and drink great beer!
 Spring is just around the corner, and 'tis the season for great white wines! Recently our "wine committee" took an afternoon away from the office to sample fine wines from the best of German winemakers. Cordially sponsored by two of our purveyors, the tasting event provided a showcase for over 60 different wines from a group of more than two dozen of Germany's very best producers. Wine production in Germany is predominantly that of white wines, and Riesling is easily the most popular grape planted. Finding a favorite can be an adventure - here's a quick guide to some of the most common label questions for German wines. Ripeness of the grapes at harvest is a major determinant in German labeling. Indicators such as "Kabinett" and "Auslese" describe how late in the season grapes were picked. Grapes left later on the vine will generally produce more sugars, and will often result in a sweeter final product. However, exceptions occur, and some late-harvest grapes are used to produce drier-style wines also. Tips for understanding labels: Kabinett: grapes are ripe; often the lightest of wines on this scale Spatlese: late-harvest grapes; more intense flavor and sweetness Auslese: very late-harvest; hand-selected; very intense flavors Beerenauslese: "incredibly" late harvest; showing signs of "Noble Rot" (bitrytis fungus - no worries - it's a good thing that adds complex flavors!) Eiswein: grapes are allowed to freeze on the vine, then are picked and pressed while still frozen. Not produced every year, only when the perfect conditions allow. These wines are absolutely delicious, with a depth and complexity of sweetness unrivaled in other styles. Confused? Perfectly normal - the German wine rules & classifications are rivaled only by those of France for their complexity! Here at 518 West we offer two fabulous examples of Riesling Kabinett, from Reichsgraf von Kesselstat and also the Haart Goldtropfchen. Both are listed at under $40, and are an even better value at half-price on Mondays! Enjoy them simply as an apertif, or with lighter fare from our menu. Either way, we feel they are great examples for any wine drinker. Go ahead - break routine and "step into spring" with German Riesling!
 It's pouring buckets of rain outside, which we desperately need to help alleviate the drought conditions we are under here in Wake County, North Carolina, and pretty much the whole southeast. The rain reminds me that sometimes we need to struggle a little to get ahead...I was buying some grass seed yesterday thinking that I could throw a little seed down in my now very brown lawn just to see what will happen...perchance it may grow, and talking to the very helpful owner of the North Ridge Ace Hardware...she advocates letting your grass struggle so it will develop deeper roots, thus becoming more drought tolerant. Well, that is what will sometimes help grapes become full flavored...letting the vines stress a little....this helps to develop the sugar in the grape...Now I am hard pressed to believe that the grapes that make this delicious wine have to struggle too awful much, being located in the somewhat Mediterranean climate of the Sierra Foothills. Yes, they get some snow there, and when it rains, it really rains, but is is over and done with (just like the rain we are now getting), not like Seattle where it rains all the time. So what is this wine? ..and yes, I can get off on a tangent...but back to the wine...Terrre Rouge Tete a Tete. We are offering this wine on our monthly glass pour feature list. This wine was on our bottle list about a year or so ago. We are glad that we had the chance to revisit this Rhone style blend of Mourvedre, Grenache, and Syrah. These Mediterranean varietals are no accident. These grapes excel in the Sierra Foothills climate. This is a very enjoyable everyday drinking wine. Flavors of boysenberry fruit suggestions and a smoky/meaty/gamey flavor with a great texture. So pull on your favorite pair of rainboots, grab an umbrella and go head to head with a glass of Tete a Tete.
 In such a go go go society we very rarely reward ourselves for the hard work we do, especially when it comes to wine. But sometimes spoiling yourself with a bottle that's a little further up the price list can be a rewarding experience. This is the case with 2 new wines that were recently introduced to our wine list. The 2005 Black Bart Syrah and 2004 Veraison Cabernet Sauvignon ,from the Krupp Brothers Estates, are two of the more exciting wines we've tried recently. Both wines feature grapes from the Krupp Brothers Stagecoach vineyard, one of the premier vineyards in Napa Valley.
The grapes from these vineyards are sourced to some of the most renowned wine makers in Napa, including names like Stag's Leap and Miner Family, who then use them in some of their flagship wines. But the appeal of using the Krupp brothers own brands versus those that source their grapes is that we can offer these wines at a lesser cost. Thus you get to taste the grapes that go into to making the expensive wines for less while still getting to enjoy some of the best wines Napa Valley has to offer. According to the winemaker, The Black Bart Syrah is well structered and shows violet and vanilla aromas and a palate of black pepper and dark cherries. The Veraison Cabernet, meanwhile, is quintessential Napa Valley cabenet with aromas of blackberry and plum with the same ripe fruit in the palate and frim tannins.
So while these wines may not be every day drinking wines, take a day to stop, smell the roses, and spoil yourself with a wonderful bottle of Napa Valley wine. And don't forget, Monday's at 518 West all our wine bottles are half price so it makes the perfect time to enjoy these great selections
 Valentine's day should be fun! It is a day to remember the special someone in your life (and contribute to Hallmark's stock) by showing them that you care...at least for a day anyway. Too often though, we are caught up in too much of trying to 'do the right thing". There are decisions to be made about cards, flowers, gifts, chocolate, where to dine (if you can still get a reservation) and what to eat and drink. If you are lucky enough to have made a reservation at your s.o.'s favorite spot, then you are a forward thinker! But what should you do when you arrive? What to drink? Many times we find folks ordering champagne on special occasions not really because they like it or even know the difference between blanc de blanc or blanc de noir, but because they feel they are supposed to drink something bubbly. Bubbles are fun and bubbles are festive. Bubbles are something special, something we don't do every day. Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to drink some bubbles, to do something out of the ordinary... ...so I would like to make a suggestion...try our Sparkling Riesling! It is a Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2002 Majoratsfullung Brut. This means it is going to be dry! This German sparkler was showing a hint of off-dry fruit, and some nominal amounts of toast. But this is more in a light and airy refreshing style. This wine is an easy drinker and can compliment many foods...this would be especially delicious with our Pasta Primavera. Valentine derives from the word "valens" and means 'worthy". We certainly think this sparkling Riesling is worthy of your Valentines Day celebration. XOXO
Mysterious. Complex. Intriguing.  Just a few of the words wine maker Ben Riggs uses when describing The Black Chook, a suprisingly robust blend of Shiraz and Viognier from Southern Australia. Crafted with grapes from two contrasting climates, McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek, this remarkable wine finds balance and harmony far out pacing its modest price. Offered at 518 West for $7.50 glass/$29 bottle, "The Chook" is perfect for the casual wine drinker and experienced palate alike. This Featured Glass pour has been a mainstay on our list longer than most, and for good reason. The Black Chook is well suited for pairing with our wonderful wood-grilled dishes, and is also perfect for sharing among friends before dinner. Try the classic Chicken Parmesan with "The Chook", and you'll find a touch of "Down Under" here at 518 West. Cheers!
 Just remember that simple (albeit not likely used) phrase and you will be on your way to enjoying another top finds from our wine buyers. The grape is Mourvedre, and the vineyard is Cline Cellars and the grape is grown in Oakley California, about 40 miles east of San Francisco. Warm days and cool nights offer an ample environment to grow this highly concentrated grape on vines that range from 80 to 120 years old. The mourvedre grape is a typical grape used in blending grown in Southern France and Spain. The Spanish names of the grape, Monastrell and Mataro are familiar, and the grape is also a principal grape to improve color and structure in Cotes du Rhone, Chateuneuf-de pape, and Cotes de Provence. In Spain, the grape is commonly blended with Grenach (Garnacha). This grape was once very widely planted in California, but now only a few vines remain, and Cline owns most of those vineyards. Soft tannins and flavors of chocolate, rich plums, and cherries make this a very delicious wine. It is very easy to drink on its own or with a big steak, such as our Porcini Mushroom Dry Rubbed Grilled Ribeye. The lush mouth feel of chocolate covered cherries belies the higher 15% alcohol found in this wine. At $8.50 a glass and $33.00 a bottle we have uncovered a real winner here. Come in on Monday and purchase this (or any) bottle for half price.
I wanted to kick off the blog hi-lighting an aspect of our list that is the core philosophy of everything we try to do here at 518...quality, value, and freshness. now it may seem like the word "freshness" may not apply so much to wine, but considering the by the glass pour we are now offering, the Lange Pinot Noir, after trying this wine, I think you may agree. The wine, at $10.25 a glass and $40.00 a bottle certainly offers the value and quality aspect. When we taste wines to put on the Glass Pour Specials list, we are looking for wines that are unique and special. The wines may be a varietal that is not very common, or a little known winery that deserves some recognition. The wine may be a super value to us and to our customers due to the volume buying we can do. We work very close with our purveyors to pick unique wines that are quality and value driven to offer our guests a little something different when choosing a wine... and the Lange hits a home run on all fronts. The Lange vineyard is located in the Dundee Hills area of the Willamette valley in Oregon, and with it's steep hills and red soil is considered the best area in Oregon to grow the Pinot Noir grape. These are the tasting notes from the vineyard:  "Our Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is always approachable upon release and the 2006 i s a very friendly wine that is sure to be appreciated by a broad audience. This juicy palate pleaser is a wine that showcases a warm, dry vintage that demanded every ounce of energy from the Lange production staff . The nose entices with bright , red raspberry , candied cherries and a hint of allspice while the palate displays luscious red plum, red currant and berry characteristics complimented by an earthy note of minerality in the finish. An expansive mid-palate, lively acidity , and a succulent texture that is indicative o f the 2006 vintage make this wine a well - rounded, exceptionally balanced and varietally correct representation of the grape for which the Willamette Valley i s known."
So what does all that really mean? Upon tasting our staff to this wine, nearly everyone was in agreement that this Pinot is a classic representation of a truly great Willamette Valley wine at an affordable price. Here is everything you could want in a Pinot Noir. Blaine 
Welcome to our blogspot. Our goal and intention here is to host a discussion about the wines on our list, how we pick those wines, and our comments about them. Feel free to post your own comments pertaining to a wine, or any other wine features that you would like to see. thanks for visiting, Blaine
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