Fantesca's Double Vertical

Fantesca Estate and Winery has a very generous offering on their previously unreleased Cabs and Chardonnay's. These deals are even better than what we offer on our site, and I strongly suggest you take advantage of their insanity before they come to their senses. A very hefty savings on one of California's hottest boutique wineries. Also and excellent way to become acquainted with a producer who's production is so small, you've never heard of them.

This is an example of one of the artisian brands that gets snatched up locally, and by brokers in the know. You wont find these selections on the shelves of the Quickie-Mart, or even in some of the best wine shops in the country. An absolute gem.

Tater Salad at the Taj Mahal

Saw Ron White last night at the Taj in Atlantic City. Ron White is one funny cat.

Very little material was familiar... and his new stuff was rock solid.

It really makes you think about commitment and dedicating yourself to your craft.

The sum total of failure this guy must have had before he made it to a point where he could make a living must have been amazing. His big break came after Jeff Foxworthy broke through, and took Ron along with him to open his shows. Which seems to sort of be the catalyst for the "Blue Collar Comedy Tour" series. You really dont know when/where/how the tipping point will come about, but if you keep at it, sometimes it happens.

We're waiting for our tipping point here at www.avawine.com . Maybe we can open a show or two for Larry the Cable Guy. Or a publicity stunt of some type. I'm giving it major thought.

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 !

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.

Hidden Gem

According to our sales reports, many of you are overlooking one of our most precious hiddens gems.

William Broll is a grower/producer out in the Sierra Nevada who simply will not compromise.
His style and hard work shine clearly in all his selections, most notably in my opinion, in his Cabernet Sauvignon.

After the Superbowl a few friends decided they were done with the keg beer, and wanted to try something new. Never wanting to miss out on an opportunity to prove to them that the wineries I work with are far superior to the mishmashed marketing heavy wines they buy in the stores, I popped the cork on a bottle of Broll Mountain Vineyards 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon.

I poured the customary droplets into their glass, showed them how to properly give the juice the air it needs to breathe, and watched their faces as the wine hit their back teeth. Smiles.... All smiles.

Pepper... licorice..... spices. This selection doesnt waste much time in getting to know your taste buds. It moves right in. We welcomed it into our mouths with open arms. I think you should too, it makes a terrific mouthguest.

I'll pay for the shipping and deliver this excellent example of California Boutique wine directly to your door. If you hate it, call me and I'll refund your money without the 20 questions.

http://www.avawine.com/wineries-broll-mountain-vineyards-c-42_187.html

It's The Same All Over

I've been bouncing around southern California all week. And since I dont live here (yet), I frequently am forced to take my meals at restaurants. Now this probably sounds wonderful to some of you, and it is (sometimes), but sometimes when you're on the road you just want to grill a piece of chicken, slice a tomato, and be done with it.

What makes it worse is being subjected to the garden variety wine lists these restaurants so proudly display. Like serving that bottle of Zinfandel found in any local liquor store with a funny name for $45 is such a treat. Seeing that same bottle in the aisles for $14, it gets my dander up.

A rising star in the www.avawine.com arsenal is Fallbrook Winery. They're located between here and Temecula up in the hills, and they're selections have been very warmly received by our wine club members over the years. I met their winemaker last February, and quite frankly he could have cared less about me or my stupid website. He makes wine, and if you cant speak in that language, he'd just assume be doing something with his grapes.

The result is some pretty spectacular selections. If you're in the market for a Merlot, look no further. By clicking this link, you get twelve bottles of a Merlot you cant find anywhere else, for about the same price as those marketing gimmick selections I talked about up top. And I'll even pay for the shipping.

http://www.avawine.com/fallbrook-winery-2003-merlot-reserve-p-119.html