Trade Luncheon

featuring the wines of…

Vision Cellars

Ariccia Italian Trattoria

Wednesday, May 21

12:00-2:00 P.M.

Wine consumers in Opelika and Auburn are encouraged to take advantage of a rare opportunity to join Mac McDonald as he presents his mouthwatering new wines to local tradespeople at Ariccia Italian Trattoria. Ten of Mac’s newest releases, including five of his vineyard-designate pinot noirs, will be open for tasting at this reservation-only event. Featured wines will be accompanied by freshly prepared hors-d’oeuvres…

Vision Cellars “Blanc Gris” White Wine, California '06. This year’s release consists of 79% sauvignon blanc and 21% pinot gris from the Napa Valley and Santa Lucia Highlands. Lovely aromas of tropical citrus fruit marked with hints of vanilla bean lead to flavors of passion fruit and pineapple. The finish is soft yet lingering. Only 540 cases produced. A perfect match with grilled shrimp and grits accompanied by Brie cheese.

Vision Cellars Riesling, Santa Lucia Highlands '06. This wine boasts a bouquet of crisp, lean, refreshing green apple accom-panied by notes of honeysuckle, and lavender. Mineral-infused flavors of light peach and apricot appear on the refreshing palate. Winemaker Mac McDonald, the son of a Texas moon-shiner, says this is his best Riesling yet! Try with smoked salmon rillettes on tortilla wafers. 419 cases made.

Vision Cellars Rosé, California '07. A blend of Syrah and grenache from Mendocino and Santa Lucia Highlands, this juicy rosé exhibits aromas of kiwi and Georgia peach, followed by notes of fresh, sweet strawberry. Hints of vanilla bean evolve into flavors of crisp golden apple, before finishing with an intimation of banana. Only 201 cases produced.

Vision Cellars Pinot Noir, Sonoma County '06. This award-winning Sonoma County pinot noir displays aromatic notes of ripe cherry and mocha. The wine is pure blueberry and plum from start to finish. An ideal accompaniment to Cornish game hens with curried plum glaze. Previously awarded 93 points in Wine Spectator (6-30-06).

Vision Cellars Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley '06. A mesmerising blend of deep plum and ripe black cherry, marked with hints of toast and nuances of dark chocolate. As the juice hits the palate, a burst of bright cherry mingles with an undercurrent of spice and is sustained in a long finish. Only 145 cases made.

Vision Cellars “Chileno Valley Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Marin County '06. This pinot noir exhibits aromas of cherry and blueberry, followed by layers of cherry, wild berry, and chocolate in the mouth. The sense experience ends with notes of wild cherry and pomegranate. An ideal accompaniment to roast free-range chicken with lemon-tarragon butter.

Vision Cellars “Cole Ranch” Pinot Noir, Mendocino County '06. This limited-production pinot (only 74 cases were made) is characterized by a huge burst of cherry vanilla with hints of cinnamon spice. Notes of rich, delicate cherry fruit abound, and the finish is lingering.

Vision Cellars “Garys’ Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands '06. This rich pinot noir exhibits aromas of spice and cherry, followed by layers upon layers of bing cherry, plum, and blackberry. Notes of ripe, wild strawberry, and cherry define the finish. Enjoy with Copper River salmon confit in olive oil accompanied by arugula salad and balsamic vinegar.

Vision Cellars “Las Alturas Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands '06. Layers of wild cherry, black cherry, and plum characterize the aromatic and flavor profiles of this bustling wine. The finish bursts with ripe fruit and a hint of toasty oak. Enjoy with roast goose accompanied by garlic, onion, and sage dressing.

Vision Cellars “Rosella’s Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Monterey County '06. The 2006 Rosella’s is exceptional – a must-have for the cellar! It shows notes of sweet cranberry and juicy plum against a pinot noir backbone rich cherry. Only 360 cases produced.

Admission to this event is $15 per person. Please call 334-844-5140 to make reservations, which must be made by Monday, May 19. Ariccia Italian Trattoria is located at 241 South College Street inside the Hotel at Auburn University.

II.

Wine Dinner

featuring the wines of…

Vision Cellars

Ariccia Italian Trattoria

Wednesday, May 21

7:00 P.M.

If you’re curious to know how the opulent wines from Vision Cellars pair with haute cuisine, join Mac later on in the day at Ariccia for an elegant, multi-course dinner created by Executive Chef John Hamme. The dinner menu will feature…

first course

Ricotta Gnocchi

Blue Crab, Charred Yellow Corn, Pea Tendrils and Tomato, Meunière Sauce

Vision Cellars Rosé, California ’07

second course

Roast Breast of Squab and Liver Mousse

Cream-Braised Mustard Greens with Three-Mustard Hollandaise and Currant Vinaigrette

Vision Cellars Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley '06

third course

Roast Loin of Oregon Lamb

Yukon Potato Terrine, Chanterelle Mushrooms, and Fiddleheads

Vision Cellars “Rosella's Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands '06

dessert

Chocolate and Banana Pâté

Papaya Sorbet, Hippen Curl Cookies, and Chocolate Sauce

Vision Cellars Riesling, Santa Lucia Highlands '06

The cost of this dinner is $75, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Please call 334-844-5140 to make reservations. Ariccia Italian Trattoria is located at 241 South College Street inside the Hotel at Auburn University.