'Tis the Season

Please join me at Central Market - N. Lamar today from 4-7pm and on Sunday 1-6pm at the Westgate Central Market locations. I'll be uncorking many Fine Wines for you to try...Cheers - Ali

Austin, Texas

Holiday Wine Selections

Cloverdale Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

This Alexander Valley California classic is a must have this season, perfect as a gift to your boss or by the case as your house-wine! Beware – not for the faint of heart – this bottle is BIG and RICH with Dark Fruit Flavors. With firm and velvety tannins, the wine shows elements of black pepper and crushed bay leaves, while capsicum and red peppers present hints of toast and spice $25

La Posta Malbec

This Malbec is one of the highest rated Argentine reds under $20. Vibrant red color with aromas of red cherries, raspberries, and blueberries wafting from the glass along with notes of caramel from the oak. On the palate, the fresh berry flavors mingle with spice notes in the finish. This is a medium-bodied and well-structured wine that is incredibly full of life. It’s in High Demand for the Holidays in Texas. This 90-year old vineyard has created a lovely red sipper that will keep you warm over the winter months – great with Pizza too! $18

Olivet Lane Chardonnay

This beautiful Russian River white is one of the top values on Texas shelves today – don’t spent the big-bucks on brand names, the Pellegrini’s are pioneers in Sonoma winemaking – a beautiful artisan chard that should be enjoyed year-round. The 2004 Olivet Lane Estate Chardonnay has classic Burgundian notes of mineral, flint and wet stones evolving into hints of toasted bread crust. The mouth is rich and full-bodied with firm acidity, and the lingering finish is long and seamless. $20

Susana de Balbo Crios Torrontes

Ahh – this is perfect for all your pre-holiday snicky-snacks! Goes incredible well with spicey nuts and crackers – even better with goat cheese and pesto. Susana Balbo put torrontes wine on the map and we ALL love her for it – no oak, just amazing floral and leychee fruit flavors abound. Austin’s #1 selling white wine from Argentina! $15

Tikal Patriota

An absolute favorite among Ernesto Catena’s Tikal wines, this Bonarda and Malbec blend incredibly elegant and smooth red wine. Take this to your pinot noir lovers – they will be pleasantly surprised with this outstanding Argentine producer. Aromas of bright berry/cherry fruit and electric-purple color. Like swallowing a whole bowl of mixed ripe berries at once. Big body yet very balanced, with luscious layers of raspberry, cherry, and cocoa flavors. $25

Mapema Sauvignon Blanc

This loveable Argentine white starts out with enticing aromas of lemon, fresh herbs, honeydew rind, and a hint of oak. Once you swirl it around your mouth, you’ll get a vibrant blast of lemon zest acidity along with lemongrass and a slightly creamy texture. This wine delivers a lot of body without losing its lively acidity, and the crisp finish doesn’t keep this wine from lingering on your palate. Hard to find this kind of complexity and flavor intensity at such a reasonable price. $14

*please note prices vary by retailer