Muscardini Cellars Joins the Fold

Another excellent example of how passion and dedication can produce some of the finest varietals the entire WORLD has to offer. Truly a family affair, Mike Muscardini puts his name on each and every bottle of wine, and that's your assurance it's going to be great.

We are elated to welcome Muscardini Cellars to our portfolio of the finest California Boutique wineries.

"Through Muscardini Cellars, the Muscardini family shares their zest for life and profound appreciation for the fruit of the vine with the Muscardini Cellars artisan wines. The mission of Muscardini Cellars is to culminate the knowledge, tradition and respect of more than a century of family experience in the industry with wines that artfully capture flavor and spirit. "

We at www.avawine.com welcome you to enjoy these hard to find selections. To learn more about Mike and his beloved winery, goto www.muscardinicellars.com !

Have you seen 300?

I love movies about heart. Rocky, Forrest Gump and the Blues Brothers were all movies about heart.

Nicol and Mike Duffy have heart. They make wines they are proud of, they put their family and friends and reputation first. They dont sell out, and they dont cave and make wines to adhere to those tastes that are popular with the weirdos who rate wines. They stand on their ground and wait for the rest of us to come around.

I saw 300 last night. I enjoyed it more because before I left for the theater, I had a glass of Optima's Chardonnay. Life is better after a glass of anything from the Duffy's.

http://www.avawine.com/wineries-optima-wine-cellars-c-42_194.html?osCsid=974b4c58c1d8876a62a0a073b120f057

Drop The Hammer

I'm not a hippie.

And I dont even really hate corporate America. Heck, without it we wouldnt have the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. But I think it's been made pretty clear, I hate corporate wines.

Maybe I'm a walking contradiction? Perhaps. I dont like Gallo wine, but I like the story of Ernest Gallo. People who strive and punch and kick and keep striving and punching and kicking inspire me. This guy did all that.

A few years ago Alan and I had an appointment at some winery somewhere that had the "boutique" moniker attached to it. We were warmly greeted and while we were being shown around, the secret came out. Old Ernesto had just snatched up that winery to become part of his new "boutique" program. Turns out we just missed him (and his helicopter landing) by about a day. I would have liked to have met him, and told him how well his selections work on cleaning the rims of my car.

I wouldnt have done that, I dont go out of my way to introduce myself to famous people (Jessica Alba being an exception), but if by happenstance we crossed paths I would have been respectful and jocular. Neither terms would be used by anyone to describe me otherwise.