When we were kids, we often judged our holiday presents by their shapes.
Scanning the bounty under the tree, we zeroed in on the biggest boxes, believing that they might hold the best gifts.
As adults, we still look for the most promising packages. However, many of us now desire those long, rectangular boxes that just may hold something special for us to drink.
In that spirit, I attended a Chairman’s Selection Tasting last month sponsored by PA Fine Wine and Good Spirits, an event held just in time for the holiday-giving season.
I consider myself very fortunate to be able to preview these wines, see what is in store for us, and share my impressions with you.
During the tasting, we were guided through the different quaffs by Steve Pollack, the chairman, who pointed out nuances and characteristics in each bottle. The five other people at the table made for a good sounding board and lively debate as wine is very subjective.
These wines are here just in time for the holidays, either as gifts for a special someone, or to help with the myriad of celebrations. I hope that my tasting notes will help guide you as you pick out that special bottle or two during this festive month.
Keep sipping, Steve.
White Wine
Terra da Vino Masseria Dei Carmelitani Gavi di Gavi DOCG 2013, code 33699, $12.99: Citrusy, clean-tasting palate-scrubber from the Italian Piedmont. Tasty.
Sterling Vineyards Malvasia Bianca Cellars Club 2013, code 33656, $8.99: Spicy, zingy wine made from an Italian grape that found its way to California.
Michele Chiarlo Moscato D’Asti DOCG Nivole 2013, code 33641, $8.99: Delicious dessert wine with low alcohol and huge clean sweetness from Italy.
Red Wine
J. Hofstatter Pinot Nero DOC Meczan 2012, code 33586, $13.99: Pinot Noir from Italy done in a light elegant style. Burgundian in weight.
Domaine Sainte-Eugenie Corbieres Rouge 2011, code 33638, $8.99: Carignan-dominated easy-drinking wine from southwest France.
Pat Paulsen Vineyards Primitivo 2012, code 33649, $10.99: Subtle Zinfandel wearing its Italian moniker from California.
Asio Otus 2012, code 33692, $11.99: Fruity, easy-drinking French blend from east Italy. Latin name of a long-eared owl.
Gloria Ferrer Merlot Carneros 2009, code 33620, $15.99: Mature, delicious wine says this grape is back. Fruity and elegant.
Domaine la Croix d’Aline Saint-Chinian AOP 2013, code 33671, $11.99: Good solid Rhone blend, mostly Syrah. Fruity and silky.
Vignamaggio Castello di Monna Lisa Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2009, code 33606, $24.99: A truly exquisite, classic expression of Sangiovese to drink now.
Rivera Il Falcone Castel Del Monte Riserva 2008, code 33601, $17.99: Beautiful Puglian wine and a chance to drink Nero di Troia, an ancient Italian grape.
Le Gravillas Gigondas Les Dentelles 2012, code 33674, $18.99: Grenache-based quaff with richness and complexity. Lay this one down.
B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon Olive Hill Estate Vineyards 2010, code 33580, $34.99: Rich, dense Cali Cab that doesn’t come from Napa. Big and dark.
Piccini Brunello di Montalcino Villa al Cortile 2009, code 33581, $29.99: Mature fruit-filled Tuscan classic. Wonderful Sangiovese. Drink now.
Sparkling Wine
Decelle Brut Champagne NV, code 33599, $29.99: Tart, citrusy, bubbly. A genuine bargain.
Alfred Gratien Brut Champagne NV, code 33609, $39.99: A classic wine. Dry, yeasty and clean with all three of the designated grapes.
Herbert Beaufort Brut Champagne Bouzy Grand Cru Carte d’Or NV, code 33675, $32.99: Wonderful, fruit-forward sparkler, mainly Pinot Noir. My pick.
