A few weeks ago, I attended my first wine tasting of the latest Chairman’s Selections sponsored by Fine Wine and Good Spirits (many thanks to Lauren and Stacy!). In the space of a long day, I got to sample wines that will appear in your local PLCB store.
During the time spent in “tough labor,” I compiled my notes and wish to pass on my impressions to readers of TheBurg. The wines that I selected are the ones that I personally like the most. These will match well with food in this season of outdoor cooking.
One thing about tasting in a group is that it was possible to compare notes with other people. This only confirms that judging wine is highly subjective. It seems that most folks can find common characteristics in a wine, but, to some, other flavors and scents seem to crop up. Also, some people will tell you they just don’t like a particular wine that you do.
I hope you get to enjoy what I consider some of the best wines available in Pennsylvania, many of which are very affordable. My suggestion: Purchase one of each, which will give you a nice case and more.
Keep sipping, Steve.
White Wine:
Beringer Sauvignon Blanc 2012, code 33239, $10.99: Fruity summer sipper for light fare and picnics. Closer to Loire than Marlborough.
Monchiero Carbone Recit Roero Arneis 2013, code 33229, $13.99: Unique summertime wine from one of Italy’s oldest white grapes. Doesn’t age well, so drink up.
Evening Land Pouilly-Fuissé 2011, code 33286, $17.99: Very nice quaff with real French character. Good fruity, minerally Chardonnay without tasting over-oaked.
Red Wine:
Roth Estate Pinot Noir 2011, code 33255, $17.99: A light and easy drinking example of what to expect from California.
Bodegas La Magdalena Sueño Tempranillo 2011, code 33233, $12.99: Rich and dark from Spain, headed to your barbeque.
Bonny Doon Contra 2012, code 33245, $9.99: Randall Graham’s version of a French red made from California grapes. A West Coast Cotes du Rhone.
Sebastiani Merlot 2010, code 33258, $10.99: Smooth round blend, mostly Merlot for cookouts. Nice wine that shows this grape is back.
Vignerons De Caractère Domaine de la Pertiane Vacqueyras 2012, code 33250, $19.99: A 50/50 blend of Syrah/Grenache that is delicious now and will only get better.
Finca Don Leta Reserva Malbec 2013, code 33266, $10.99: Soft, fruity Malbec that is a good match for grilled meats. Not overly oaky.
Château De Belcier Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2011, code 33237, $15.99: An excellent example of an entry-level Bordeaux from the third good vintage in a row.
Bodegas Heredad de Aduna Reserva Rioja 2008, code 33234, $15.99: A 100-percent Tempranillo with five years of bottle age. Rich fruit with a long finish.
Villa Cafaggio Cortaccio 2006, code 33238, $29.99: It seems pricey at first glance, but this wine is aged and shows a unique side to a classic Cabernet Sauvignon.
Conti Sertoli Salis Valtellina Superiore Grumello 2009, code 33244, $12.99: Unique funky red that is mostly Nebbiolo with others blended. For Italian dishes.
Contino Gran Reserva Rioja 2007, code 33236, $29.99: A classic wine, blended and well aged. Smooth and elegant Spanish red. The bottling is a PA-only exclusive.
