It's a new season, not just for weather but for wine. And if you're a wine fan, it's a great time for bargains.
Jason at Tim's Wine Market (1225 N. Orange Ave.; 407-895-9463) says that a current glut of wine means that last year's $20 bottles can be had for as much as 40 percent less this year. "Domestic vintages from '98, most of the '98 and '99 Australians, they're really good values now," he said.
Other bargains: anything from France's Rhone valley, like the very ripe-fruit-flavored Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Italy's 2000 Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino at $20 is a prize-winning vintage that Jason calls "breathtaking," with a dark plum and licorice flavor. And homegrown Kiona Vineyards from Washington, which also makes a coveted Icewine, has a Cabernet-Merlot blend for $16 -- an exceptional value.
