I like that I get to talk about a great pair of wines that combine Lake County and ABC in a great style.  The “B” wines are a superb duo that you can find at most ABC locations.  You may have seen the Chardonnay in stores this past year, but just this past week we added to that the B Meritage.  Both wines display the great quality we expect from California.

The 2013 B Chardonnay is perfect for Florida.  Think of chicken out on the grill and your closest friends on a warm summer night.  The flavors of pear and apple explode as you enjoy great conversation and have your first glass while the sun sets behind you.  The second glass is with dinner; the aromas have opened up, you get a bit more of that toasted oak, and the medium fullness with vanilla.  You gotta love summer, wine and good friends.  Go to ABC, find the B in the Chardonnay section OR in the wine cooler, invite friends, and have an instant party!

This week we brought in B Meritage red blend.  Here you get Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot.  This is for those red wine drinkers out there that like a full bodied red.  I think of this wine with steak on the grill. It has a bit of pepper and plum on the palate, which brings the pairing with steak just natural.  Now you just need to add those same friends for another party night and repeat.

I guess what I am saying is, don’t keep these Bs in your bonnet—set them free and let everyone in on this great little pair!

Kathleen Anderson, Northwest Florida wine supervisor

Follow me on Twitter @abcwinekat.