Summer is a great time to explore new wines that fit the season...so with that in mind Rick Bowman will be pouring four exciting, diverse and compelling wines that should win you over. Picpoul de Pinet, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, and Monastrell are ready to strut their charms this Saturday at the AWM Tasting Bar, so grab a glass and a friend and visit with Rick Bowman for a delightful and informative tasting.

2009 Caves de Pomerols Picpoul de Pinet HB; Coteaux du Languedoc, France
Offering excellent value, the 2009 Picpoul de Pinet H-B (from the region's Cave de Pomerols Cooperative) smells of clover, lemons, limes, and the refreshment of an ocean breeze. Subtly chalky and saline on the palate and lilting in its refreshing lemon, lime, and flowers, this is a perfect warm weather refresher or "refrigerator white". A classic European summertime refresher!
AWM Regular Price: $9.99 per bottle
Special Tasting Price: $8.99 per bottle or $7.99 by the case

2008 Domaine Plouzeau Sauvignon; Touraine, France
This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and shows great character. The expressive bouquet of melon, flowers, honey and minerals is followed by a medium-bodied, crisp, stylish, floral-styled palate showing nice ripeness and a fresh, lively, zesty nature.
A high quality, organically produced Best Buy for the Sauvignon Blanc lover.
AWM Regular Price: $12.99 per bottle
Special Tasting Price: $11.69 per bottle or $10.39 by the case

2007 Bodegas Montebuena Rioja; Rioja, Spain
Produced from 100% Tempranillo grapes, which are hand harvested from the Montebuena vineyard, this wine exhibits a brilliant deep, ruby red color and lovely fruity aromas accented by spicy vanilla notes. Smooth and fruity in the mouth with some well-integrated secondary nuances, this medium to full-flavored wine has a persistent and pleasant finish. A standout for best value in many a recent Spanish tasting, this delicious Rioja has surprising depth, ripe, smoky, black cherry flavors, light tannin, and an excellent pure finish. This terrific bargain can be enjoyed over the next 2-3 years.
AWM Regular Price: $11.99 per bottle
Special Tasting Price: $10.79 per bottle or $9.59 by the case

2008 Bodegas Olivares Altos de la Hoya Monastrell; Jumilla, Spain
Inky purple color. Strongly floral nose displays a seductive bouquet of dark berries, lavender, rose and smoky Indian spices. Vibrant blackberry and candied cherry flavors are lifted by zesty minerals, becoming deeper and sweeter with air. The impressively brisk and focused finish features pure berries. Here's another crazy value as this is the third vintage of this delicious red wine we have been able to get our hands on. From very old ungrafted vines grown at 2400 feet in the sandy soils, which lie over limestone bedrock, of Jumilla, this is delicious with grilled meat dishes.
AWM Regular Price: $12.99 per bottle    91 points Steve Tanzer
Special Tasting Price: $11.69 per bottle or $10.39 by the case

Special tasting prices: 10% off the bottle and 20% off by the case, mix or match unless already discounted via a special price or sale price.