All, just last week I was out in Napa and happened across a bottle of Andretti Pinot Noir; it sold for $19/bottle. I asked the retailer what he knew about AWG and he said they have been tight lipped about things, especially after the Stag's Leap letdown. Currently, what they are doing is buying grapes from other vineyards and then labeling it under their name (a fairly common practice out there). I believe they are producing three varietals: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. They are also purchasing land in Sonoma and Napa, although the whereabouts and size is unknown.
Coincidentally, this retailer (located in Yountville, not far from Napa) hosted a X-mas party for Mario and his son, Michael, marking the debut of AWG's first labels. How was the Pinot? While I can't say I'm a Robert Parker or walking Wine Spectator, I am fairly knowledgeable about quality wines. In any event, I was pleasantly suprised. It was a classic-style Pinot from the Carneros region: unassuming yet broad, deep and flavorful; earthy with a silky, long finish. It was excellent with the lamb we were having and the longer it breathed the richer its bouquet. I would contrast this from other Pinot's, like Saintsbury (though also from Carneros) in that it was much less robust or "fruity" up front, thus producing, for me, a more drinkable wine, particularly if you're having more than a glass or two (I'm not trying to say it's like the ole Schaefer commercials "when you're having more than one"). I would definately recommend this wine to anyone (and, in fact, I purchased two more because I knew I wouldn't be able to find any out in DC). By the way, if you're looking, the label is very classy and distinctive: a solid black background with ANDRETTI in bold, yellow lettering with a small coat of arms (probably his family's) above the name. Lastly, the winemaker he has working for him, is a well-respected name in the valley. I am not an investor yet, but am strongly considering it, especially at this price, which seems quite deflated from previous high's. Does anyone out there know anything about its' history and why in the the past year it was up at $3-4 and now down to .65? I would like to keep this thread going because I think it has alot of potential. Hope this helps in our quest for good investing...
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