Sam’s has the best wine selection in the area, and we are constantly changing and improving our store to offer you exclusive wine offerings from around the world.  We were again awarded “Best Wine Selection in Lexington” in 2012.

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Wine Tastings

Every Friday, from 4pm – 7pm, we host a FREE wine tasting at our Lexington location. At the tasting, you can sample 3-4 new and upcoming wines at no cost. A sample of recent tasting information is further below…

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Wine Tasting – April 20th, 2012

 For our spirits sampling we will be tasting El Jimador Tequila and Cointreau Orange Liquor from 5-7pm.

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Wine Tasting – April 13th, 2012

Lacie will be by for our Friday wine tasting from 4-7pm pouring the following wines:

 

Cline Marsanne/Roussanne- A blend of Marsanne (71%) and Roussanne (29%), this wine has (a lot) more structure than a bowl full of jelly. And with its lean, un-oaked style it’s guaranteed to fit down the chimney with ease. Loaded with mouthwatering tropical and honey flavors plus sparkling citrus notes, this food friendly wine is a perfect complement to oysters, sea bass or Ahi tuna.

 

Simi Chardonnay – The nose is similarly expressive, with tropical notes of guava, pineapple, bright nectarine, peach, green apple, and citrus delicately spiced with toasty oak. Lifted aromatics of orange blossoms and a hint of smoke add a savory character. It all comes together on the palate with well-defined, supremely balanced and forward flavors of tangerine, peach, and green apple that are lifted by a light toasted and warm oak character that reveals itself as sweet vanilla, hazelnut, nutmeg, and smoky bacon.

Gnaughty Vines Zinfandel

- a balanced, complex and full-bodied Zinfandel deep garnet in color with aromas of spice, cherry and raspberry. On the palate are the unmistakable notes of plums and blackberries, with a hint of spice on the finish to tickle the back of the throat. With substantial structure and balance, this Old Vine Zinfandel is the perfect complement to the heartiest of dishes, yet its delicate dance of aroma and flavor makes it an admirable sipper all by itself.

St. Francis Cabernet – This Cabernet Sauvignon has rich varietal character and body. The wine’s firm structure, generous tannins and depth of color compliment classic aromas of ripe blackcurrant and spicy tobacco. Flavors of currant, cassis and cedar delight the palate, and make this a wine to sip slowly and enjoy.  

For our spirits tasting we will be pouring Hpnotiq & Hpnotiq Harmonie from 4-7pm.

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Wine Tasting – April 6th, 2012

Curtis will be by for our Friday wine tasting from 4-7pm pouring the following wines:

Las Acequias means “Aqueduct” in Spanish, and this wine is 100% irrigated from melted snow coming off of the Andes mountains, through Aqueducts dug by the Incas.  The Correas family has been making wine for over 150 years.  This is the perfect blend! 70% Malbec and 30% Sangiovese give you flavors of red fruits and spices. Pair with Meats and Cheese.

And one more TBD…..

For our spirits sampling we will be tasting Pucker Vodkas from 5-7pm.

So come on out! 

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Wine Tasting – March 30th, 2012

Jessica will be by for our Friday wine tasting pouring the following wines from 4-7pm

Dr Hermann Riesling – It’s got gorgeous slate-like minerality, delicate, peachy, orchard fruit and herby aromas, and a incredible freshness and balance that make this a perfect wine for these hot SC days.

Annalisa Moscato – This is a sweet, sparkling wine. The wine shows straw yellow color with greenish accents.  The texture is soft and delicate with pleasantly sweet, ripe flavors of apricot and peach. The low alcohol content makes it a versatile food companion and aperitif.

Ken Forrester Renegade – “A blend of 50/50 Syrah and Grenache (the latter from 52-year old vines) the 2006 Renegade has a crisp nose of mulberry, white pepper and tertiary notes that unfold from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a sappy, fresh entry: bright red-berried fruit, vibrant acidity. However I would like just a little more complexity towards the finish. Drink 2012-2016. “

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Wine Tasting – March 23rd, 2012

Lisa will be by for our Friday wine tasting from 4-7pm pouring the following wines-

Sauvion Vouvray – This white feels just off-dry, with quince, fig and pear flavors laced with hints of ginger and green apple, followed by an open, friendly finish. Refreshing summer wine!

Decoy Sauvignon Blanc – This wine was fermented exclusively in stainless steel to achieve a lively expression of Sauvignon Blanc, highlighting grapefruit, kiwi, kaffir lime, lemon zest and fresh-cut grass aromas. The palate is bright and balanced, and the flavors echo the aromas, with additional notes of pineapple, gooseberry and minerals leading to a full, refreshing finish.

Napa Cellars Pinot Noir – Rich layers of homemade cherry pie including aromas of ripe bing cherries, graham crackers and baking spices. Velvety flavors glide over the palate with long, lasting fruit and spice characteristics. The wine ends with firm, ripe tannins and a malt and toffee finish.

Josh Cabernet – Forward and complex with ripe fruit flavors; black currant and spicy berry fruit with gentle oak nuances.

For our spirits sampling we will be tasting Pucker Raspberry Rush and Lemonade Vodkas from 4-7pm.

So come on out and grab a glass!

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Wine Tasting – March 16th, 2012

Whitney will be by for our Friday night wine tasting from 4-7pm pouring the following wines:San Angelo Pinot Grigio- Pale yellow-straw in color. Fresh, fruitforward bouquet with notes of pear, banana, peach, anise, and honey. Rich and fullbodied, with a long finish.A by Acacia Red Blend- This Syrah based Rhone-style blend is well balanced and layered with aromas of rich dark cherry, plum and raspberry. Deep fruit flavors of cherry and ripe plum are framed by velvety tannins. Grenache adds a hint of soft, bright red raspberries and Mouvedre infuses the blend with spice and a bit of mocha. A splash of Viognier lifts the aromas and completes this richly textured blend. Pair with smoky grilled steaks, sausages or hamburgers.

Chateau Tanunda Shiraz- Intense deep red in color, with lifted aromas of red berry fruit and spice. The palate is soft and supple, yet elegant with plenty of upfront fruit flavor and length. Hints of exotic spices and pepper marry with vanillan oak and a Barossan earthiness on the long lingering finish. Beautifully balanced tannins derived from 18 months in American and French oak complement the luscious fruit and give the wine added complexity.

92 Points -Wine Spectator

#33 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2011

Seven Daughters Pinot Noir -  Ruby red Color with aromas of bright cherry and raspberries. Ripe fruit flavors, with a hint of vanilla.  

For our spirits sampling we will be tasting  Blackheart Spiced Rum from 4-7pm.

So come on out and try something new! 

ST PATS RECOMMENDATIONS:

Great Irish Brands to help celebrate St. Pats-

Jameson Irish Whiskey- My personal favorite!Perfect balance of spicy, nutty and vanilla notes with hints of sweet sherry and exceptional smoothness. Try it with Ginger Ale or on the rocks.Bushmills Irish Honey- A blend of triple distilled Irish whiskey, real Irish honey, and other natural flavors. Drink chilled.Boru Vodka- Named for the legendary king Brian Boru, who united Ireland in 1014. Its crisp, even taste makes it a fresh alternative to enjoy neat, as a martini or the foundation of a cocktail.Guinness Draught – The milkshake of beers, this “meal in a bottle” has that roasted malt flavor and hint of chocolate we’ve come to expect from most full-bodied beers. A rich and creamy Irish favorite!

Smithwick’s -  Smithwick’s is Ireland’s oldest operating brewery, and the major ale producer in Ireland. This is a red ale characterized by caramel maltiness and a hint of hops.

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Wine Tasting – March 9th, 2012

Justin will be by for our Friday night wine tasting from 4-7pm pouring the following wines:

Donati Chardonnay -This  Central Coast Chardonnay has  enhanced natural fruit characteristics by being fermenting in 100% stainless steel.  This wine offers tropical and citrus aromas, having a soft creamy mid palate and a delectable crisp finish.

Renwood Zinfandel – aromas of cherry, plums and nutmeg. The flavors mirror the aromas and give the wine a fresh fruit flavor with a spicy aftertaste. This lighter style of Sierra Foothills Zinfandel is smooth and luscious.

Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc – It’s true to the varietal with well integrated bright citrus, melon and lemongrass along with hints of tropical fruit and mineral nuances on the finish.

Dehesa Gago Toro – “A full throttle red, with lots of blackberry, blueberry and flowers. Very velvety and balanced. So much going on. I am excited with this one. Give it a year or two of bottle age. But hard to hold back now.”

91 Points WS 

For our Friday spirits sampling we will be tasting Mount Gay Rum Eclipse, Silver, and Mount Gay Black. This sampling runs from 4-7pm and is free of charge.

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Wine Tasting – March 2nd, 2012

Curtis from Vidalco will be by for our Friday wine tasting from 4-7pm pouring the following wines - 

Campo Viejo Crianza – This blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Mazuelo is an intense ruby red wine with aromas of black fruit and vanilla. Velvety and elegant, it’s an old world wine with a new world attitude, and it is downright addictive with roasts and firm cheeses.  

For our spirits sampling we will be tasting Mount Gay Eclipse Rum, Silver Rum, and Black Rum. This tasting lasts from 4-7pm and is free of charge.  

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Wine Tasting – February 17th, 2012

James will be by for our Friday wine tasting from 4-7pm pouring the following wines:

Selbach Incline Riesling – Vinified in stainless steel, with just a hint of residual sugar, this wine vividly represents all that Mosel wine should be – Fruity with vibrant acidity, clarity, and precision; all highlighted by intense slate-driven minerality.

La Quercia Aglianico -With the classic ripe plum and white pepper notes that this Noble varietal is known for, it finishes with nice soft tannins. Great with Steak, or burgers.

Healdsburg Ranches Zinfandel -  The vineyard ranches surrounding the town of Healdsburg have produced many of the world’s finest wines for generations. This area’s rich agricultural legacy and diverse climate form the basis of Healdsburg Ranches wine. Our Zinfandel is aromatic with wild brambly fruit tamed on the palate with luscious quince, blueberry and hint of white pepper.

Chono Syrah – The combination of the sea and desert climate create an ideal setting for world-class Syrah, and that is exactly what winemaker Alvaro Espinoza has crafted. Concentrated and fruity, with a silkiness that runs from its abundant perfumes to its watch-breaking length, our selection is ripe, juicy and chock-full of blackberries and chocolate-dipped red berries. Spicy aromas of black pepper and tar show on the nose. The wine’s freshness is dazzling, a nod to the region’s cool climate and careful vinification that captures every bit of pure, unblemished fruit. Tannins are supple and sweet; every drop is polished and wonderfully complex.

For our Friday spirits sampling we will be tasting the new dekuyper Pucker Lemonade, and Raspberry. This tasting lasts from 4-7pm.

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Wine Tasting – February 10th, 2012

We are gearing up for tomorrow night’s  Charity wine tasting to support The Children’s Miracle Network, and I can honestly say I am excited about the 30+ wines we are going to be sampling. We still have tickets available, so if you are looking for something to do this Weekend-Before-Valentines-Day come out and try some great vino, and support a great charity in the process.

Mr. Steve Gibson will be by for our Friday night wine tasting from 4-7pm pouring the following-

Zolo Sauvignon Blanc – This Sauvignon Blanc is the result of carefully selected fruit coming from Zolo’s  prize winning high-elevation vineyards, producing aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, passion fruit, fig, with orange blossom notes that persist through the finish.

Gen 5 Chardonnay - a very friendly Chardonnay, with juicy tropical fruit flavors, a hint of creaminess, and a long, bright finish.

Gen 5 Cabernet – This Cabernet Sauvignon has juicy red and black fruit flavors that are well-balanced and textured and soft on the palate. A staff favorite!

Durigutti Malbec- Lush nose laced with black-berry and plum fruit. Soft yet focused on the palate, with additional flavors of strawberry and wild herbs. Medium tannins and balanced acidity. A terrific everyday drinker!

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Wine Tasting – February 3rd, 2012

Curtis will be by for our Friday night wine tasting pouring the following wines from 4-7pm-

Las Acequias Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp, clean, and refreshing! A perfect wine for a South Carolina Winter!

El Huique Chardonnay -Clean, with a clear yellow color with green tones. Flavors of tropical fruit with pineapple, ripe peaches, bananas and hints of
vanilla. This medium bodied Chardonnay is complemented by a soft, round, tropical finish hints of butter. It’s crisp acidity helps keep this wine clean and refreshing.

Cabeco do Mocho – A blend of Touriga Nacional & Jaen. It has an intense ruby red color with notes of blackberry and blueberry. Very dry and full-bodied with flavors of dark berries and spices.

El Huique Carmenere’ – Deep purple and violet hues give this wine a very distinctive color. Strong aromas of earth, plum, and spice. Soft velvety tannins complement dark flavors, and long silky finish.

For our friday spirits sampling we will be tasting Jim Beam Red Stag, and Jim Beam Devil’s Cut. This tasting lasts from 4-7pm.

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Wine Tasting – January 27th, 2012

Lacie will be by for our Friday night wine tasting from 4-7pm pouring four tasty wines to get your weekend started off right! The line up includes -

Planeta La Segreta -Lively, aromatic bouquet combining mineral scents with classic aromas of green citrus fruit, lime, peach and white melon. It has a good balance between fruit flavors and crisp acidity.

Oyster Bay Chardonnay – Concentrated aromas and flavours of ripe citrus and stonefruit, balanced with subtle oak, and a creamy texture to finish.

St. Francis Red -The nose on this medium-red wine invites you in with aromas of red fruit, herbs and hints of black pepper. The red fruit flavors are initially round on the palate and stays smooth through a tart note and modest tannins.

Mastroberardino Lacryma Chirsti -Intense ruby red with layers of cherry, plum, raspberry and strawberry aromas, supported by spiced notes of pepper and clove. Warm, well structured and smooth, with fine tannins and a background of fruits and spices. A big wine that best pairs with flavored pastas or polenta with meat-based sauces or sophisticated red meats.

B Side Cabernet – rich aromas of dark cherry, caramel, toasted marshmallow and white pepper. Sourced from Rutherford and Stags Leap, this wine has an intensity of fruit flavor on the palate, beginning with black currant and dark plum and evolving into dark chocolate and cappuccino. Dried dark fruit and smoky oak nuances come through on the mid-palate, revealing additional layers of depth. The finish is rich with big, mouth-filling tannins and a firm core of high quality French oak.

For our spirits tasting we will be sampling Burnett’s Cinnamon, Burnett’s Whipped, Burnett’s Orange Cream, and Burnett Limeade. This tastings lasts from 4-7pm.

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Wine Tasting – January 20th, 2012

Lisa will be by for our Friday night wine tasting from 4-7pm pouring the following vino-

Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc- This wine has intense fruit aromas of sweet citrus, tropical fresh fruit and mineral notes. Light and fresh palate, with pleasant roundness and a grassy finish. Perfect for fresh vegetable salads, sea food and appetizers.

Greg Norman Shiraz-Cabernet -This wine is a lustrous crimson color. Richly defined aromas of red berry, dark cherry, and blackberry are complimented on the palate with generous flavors of juicy dark fruits. The palate is enhanced with savory characteristics of olive, cassis and brown spice. Subtle and deft oak handling has ensured the flavors are supported but not overwhelmed by oak character, only contributing to the fine structure of the wine.

Penfolds Thomas Highland Shiraz -The Thomas Hyland Shiraz, a buoyant, fresh style contains plenty of juicy blackberry fruit aromas and flavors, chocolaty, ripe tannins and some savory oak nuances.

Folie a Deux Zinfandel -Soft and smooth, this Zinfandel offers aromas of plum and cherry with just a hint of pepper and spice. This wine is an ideal pour with almost any meat entree, from haute cuisine to barbeque.

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Wine Tasting – January 13th, 2012

Greetings!
Jessica will be by for our Friday wine tasting from 4-7pm pouring the following wines:

Allen Scott Sauvignon Blanc-
“Passion fruit and gooseberry accents are ripe and succulent, with a mouthwatering note to the fresh herb, mango, citrus and green apple flavors. Drink now. 25,000 cases imported.”

88 Points – Wine Spectator
Anciano Tempranillo 10yrs – Dark ruby color shading to brick red. Spicy notes of leather and vanilla on the nose. Fruit compote and licorice on the palate. The finish is long, and velvety.
The Wine Advocate 90 pts

Independent Producers Merlot-  Soft, seductive aromas of black cherry, mocha and ripe, juicy plums lure you in. On the palate a burst of raspberry fruit followed by layers of cocoa and dense black fruit with chewy, ripe tannins. The finish is soft and smooth with a touch of toasted oak and licorice.

Vinacious Snake Charmer Shiraz-  Bold and full of bravado the Snake Charmer demonstrates all the qualities that we look for in classic Australian Shiraz. Dense brooding blood red appearance gives hope. Ripe fragrant heady nose full of dark plums and chocolate cherry builds the expectation. Full rich ripe and fleshy palate loaded with fruit and with a firm hand of tannin at the back fulfills all you could want.

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Wine Tasting – January 6th, 2012
Meredith will be buy for our Friday wine tasting from 4-7pm pouring the following wines to get 2012 started off right.

Goats Do Roam White Blend -Intense aromas of soft pear and litchi accompanied by floral notes and coconut hints. A rounded palate shows rich apricot and marzipan with a slight oily texture on the finish, balanced well by fruit-driven freshness.

Trivento Torrontes – This wine has golden yellow with topaz hues. It has floral, reminiscent of roses & violets with a touch of aniseed. It has the taste of fresh, light-bodied with soft tropical fruits. This wine is great with Appetizers & desserts.

Cambria Syrah -Ripe blackberries, blueberries, pomegranates, and subtle earthy aromas are in the nose. Integrated oak flavors and firm yet balanced tannins couple with cherry cola, dark fruit, cedar and mocha flavors. A rich, silky mid-palate carries through into the long finish.

Murpy Goode Liars Dice Zinfandel -
“Bright and juicy berry flavors race through this clean, friendly zin. The fruit is sweetly ripe, corralled by crisp, mineral lines of tannin. Decant it for barbecued baby back ribs.”

90 Points
Wine & Spirits

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Wine Tasting – December 30th, 2011
Lisa will be by for our Friday night wine tasting from 4-7pm pouring the following wines.

Mumm Napa Brut -A complex assemblage of primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Brut Prestige opens with gorgeous layered white blossom aromas, followed by creamy vanilla, citrus, stone fruit and melon. With elegant acidity and crisp structure, this medium-bodied sparkling wine displays an excellent mousse and a rich, lingering finish. Refreshing acidity and fruit character makes Brut Prestige an excellent food wine.

Casa Lapostolle Chardonnay -Aromas of tropical fruit: papaya, mango, licci and also apricots. Notes of citrus like mandarin and lime. Very pleasant, fresh acidity in an appealing balance with subtle sweet spices of the oak finishing towards a long and lasting round palate.

Napa Cellars Pinot Noir- Delicate, and fruit forward, this seductive Pinot Noir exudes characteristics of strawberry, cherry and sweet spice with a finish that is complex and persistent.

Ruta 22 Malbec- Elegant yet focused, with a solid core of raspberry and crushed plum fruit framed by grilled herbs, spice and a fine minerality that carries the stony finish. An all-season red.

On Saturday from 4-7pm Mr. Josh Taylor will be swinging by to pour a few sparkling wines guaranteed to impress.

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Wine Tasting – December 23rd, 2011
If you are looking for a way to treat yourself after a long week of shopping, cooking, being stuck in traffic, being stuck in shopping lines, or just a long week at work, come on out tonight for tonight’s wine and liquor tastings!

Jessica will be by pouring the following wines from 4-7pm.

Francois Montand Brut – a fabulous deal! an affordable bubbly that tastes of freshly baked bread, Golden Delicious apples and Meyer lemons. A glass of this would be a great way to start any meal, and it’s a fine accompaniment for ceviche, salads and holiday parties.

Gouguenheim Malbec – tangy cherry and sweet plum on the nose with firm acids buffered by loads of sweet fruit. This is a great example of Argentina’s flagship red varietal at a great price.

Colosi Rosso -Dark red. Roasted red fruits, black pepper and earth on the nose. Black cherry and tobacco flavors are complicated by an herbal element. A fairly sweet, easy-to-drink red with modest length and complexity.

And one more TBD…..

For our spirits sampling we will be pouring the brand new (and tasty!!) Smirnoff Whipped and Fluffed Marshmellow Vodkas. This sampling runs from 5-7pm.

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Wine Tasting – December 16th, 2011
Meredith will be by for our Friday wine tasting from 4-7pm pouring the following wines -

Seven Daughters Blanc -This crisp, balanced wine opens with the fresh flavors of lychee and mandarin oranges. The citrus influence continues with an intense tangerine flavor. The presence of Gewürztraminer complements the wine with a closing note of spice.

Kendall Jackson Avant -This refreshing Chardonnay bursts with intriguing layers of fresh pineapple, bright green apple, crisp Meyer lemon, juicy pear and wildflowers. The wine’s refreshing acidity and sleek mineral notes are balanced by a rounded mid-palate with a long, pure fruit finish.

Carmel Road Pinot Noir – This pinot is supple and rich with flavors of red berries, warm spice, earth and mineral characteristics that are reflections of this cool climate region. The finish is silky and long.

Earthquake Petite Sirah -Up front blueberry syrup, black cherry and coffee bean shake up the senses, finishing with warm cigar box cedar and vanillan flavors. Brawny, solid tannins send aftershocks down the throat creating a seemingly endless finish.

For our spirits sampling we will be tasting four great scotches from the Compass Box line, Asyla, Hedonism, Oak Cross, and Peat Monster. This sampling runs from 5-7pm.

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NOTE – if you cannot remember a wine from one of our previous wine tastings, we have a booklet in our Wine Checkout area which lists all of our weekly tastings for the past year.