Please join TJ Gardner for this tasting of exciting wines from around the world. From New Zealand to Italy and California, these quality run enterprises have produced wines offering outstanding value ($9.89 to $16.19), as well as an exciting range of flavors that are bright, clean and sufficiently complex to invite another glass. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Fiano, Pinot Noir, Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Cabernet are the cast of characters offering flavors for every wine lover’s palate. Taste, learn, enjoy and save at our Free Saturday Tastings!
2011 Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc “Private Bin”, Marlborough, New Zealand
New Zealand’s long ripening period is unique among the world’s wine regions and they can produce some extraordinarily fine whites. This wine has an uncanny combination of ripeness and fullness of body with a fresh, racy acidity. Lovely floral and herbal aromas and flavors keep the interest level high on this wine. This is very versatile with food in general but outstanding with all manner of finned seafood and positively brilliant with shellfish and spicy Asian Cuisine.
AWM Regular Price: $15.99 per bottle
March Special: $12.99 per bottle
2010 Antinori Tormaresca Chardonnay; Puglia, Italy
This Chardonnay, light yellow with golden highlights offers terrific value. The aromas of exotic fruit, citrus and pineapple are alluring. The elegant mouth-feel, from some aging in neutral 2 year old oak, is augmented by pear flavors, a delicate minerality and a bright acidity. Part of this wine is barrel-fermented so there is a delicate oak spice that adds to this wine not unlike the astute addition of spice to a dish. The Tomaresca estate is owned by the famous Tuscan house of Antinori.
AWM Regular Price: $10.99 per bottle
Tasting Special: $9.89 per bottle or $9.34 by the case
2010 Carmel Road Winery Pinot Noir; Monterey, California
Carmel Road Winery is located in the heart of Monterey County where the air is crisp and the tempo is relaxed and measured. Most mornings the vineyards are shrouded in fog. Most afternoons a brisk Pacific Ocean wind blows southward along the ridge tops and benchlands of Salinas Valley delivering fresh, cool maritime air. For years this region was considered too cold and windy to grow world-class grapes. Today, Monterey boasts some of the most highly-acclaimed AVAs in all of California. The Pinot Noirs are known for their rich flavors, firm acidity and brilliant varietal flavors. But it is the pronounced minerality that sets them apart from their peers throughout the Golden State. The 2010 is supple and rich with flavors of red berries, warm spice, earth and mineral characteristics that are reflections of this cool climate region. The finish is silky and long – all in all – textbook Pinot Noir at an affordable price!
AWM Regular Price: $17.99 per bottle
Tasting Special: $16.19 per bottle or $15.29 by the case
2010 Antinori Tormaresca Neprica; Puglia, Italy
This ruby red wine is named after the grapes in the blend: (Negroamaro 40%, Primitivo 30% and Cabernet 30%). The nose is filled with spicy aromas of crushed dark berries, Mediterranean herbs and subtle hints of licorice. This wine offers lots of supple fruit, medium body, outstanding length as well as complex flavors at a very attractive price. Owned by the famous Tuscan Antinori family, the Tormaresca estate vineyards are located in the southern Italian province of Puglia, which is situated in the ‘heel’ of the Italian boot.
AWM Regular Price: $10.99 per bottle
Tasting Special: $9.89 per bottle or $9.34 by the case
Special tasting prices: 10% off the bottle and 15% off by the case, mix or match unless already discounted via a special price