Last year around this time I was invited to my first Fine Wine & Good Spirits Chairman’s Selection tasting. The day is spent tasting highlights from head buyer Steve Pollack, primarily for the wine specialists at premium Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores (yes, everyone spits).
The group tasting allows Pollack to talk about the purchases, give pointers on how to sell the wines (“know your customer”), and it allows me the chance to create this handy printable wine guide for you to take on your next trip to the store.
Do note that some of these wines are available in limited quantities and may only appear in premium stores (Lemoyne and Jonestown Road, locally); however, most will be easy to find — and all you need to do is ask your knowledgeable Fine Wine & Good Spirits employee for assistance.
Let’s dive in! Click through for a printable guide of this season’s Chairman’s Selections.
Chairman’s Selection Highlights: Spring 2013
De Martino Estate Sauvignon Blanc
$8.99 (Quoted at $15.99)
This inexpensive, organic wine is also bottled with recycled materials. Great on its own or with light dishes like chicken. Light-bodied and unoaked. Hints of grassiness, pineapple. I’ll be purchasing several bottles of this!
Bertani Sereole Soave
$13.99 (Quoted at $20)
Pollack was enthusiastic about how much he liked this Italian wine. It has a neutral nose with hints of apricot. It tastes soft and balanced. Another affordable win.
Silver Palm Chardonnay
$9.99 (Quoted at $22)
This is a terrific deal on an oaked chardonnay. Produced by Kendall-Jackson, but is not typical to their style, says Pollack. Flavors of crisp green apples, mango, even.
Deep Sea Chardonnay
$12.99 (Quoted at $21)
This is very nice, clean style with more citrus and mineral notes and good acidity. Great with seafood. Pollack calls this a winery to watch.
Etude Chardonnay — BARGAIN
$17.99 (Quoted at $32)
**Best price in the country** for this well-balanced, highly rated chardonnay. 92 points from Wine Advocate; 91 points from Wine Enthusiast.
Sachet Pinot Noir
$12.99 (Quoted at $20)
I love a good pinot noir for nights out on the patio. I could definitely detect the cranberry notes in this California pinot, and Pollack said it could even be chilled slightly for summer.
Columbia Winery Syrah
$7.99 (Quoted at $17)
Let’s face it, this wins on price alone. Fruit-forward, but with some spice. Would pair well with beef short ribs or pork with cherry compote – Yum!
Bodega Piedra Negra Reserve Malbec
$9.99 (Quoted at $17)
Mmm. Fire up the grill, and bring a bottle of this reserve Malbec. Rich and dark, it has detectable notes of coffee and plum. Pollack says to put this in a decanter (not an aerator) to really open it up. On my shopping list – great price!
Corolilla Crianza Bobal Vinas Viejas
$9.99 (Quoted at $15.99)
For something a little different, bring along this affordable bottle. Appropriate to its Spanish origins, it pairs perfectly with a variety of tapas-style foods, from meatballs to bacon-wrapped dates. Really nice flavor.
Renwood Old Vine Zinfandel
$12.99 (Quoted at $20)
This juicy zin would be a perfect accompaniment to whatever you’re barbecuing this summer. Pollack calls this wine, “stunning.”
Sella & Mosca Tanca Farra
$15.99 (Quoted at $29)
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Ugh, I’m torn on this one — I really want to like it, but its floral flavor was just too overpowering. However, Italian wines are often intended to go with food, so I am curious to see how it would be when paired with venison or beef steaks. On a side note, Dr. Oz recently recommended Sardinian red wines (which this is) on a recent show for its health benefits.
Enrico Serafino Roero
$13.99 (Quoted at $27.99)
Need a drinkable red for wine night? This Italian wine pairs perfectly with cheese and other wines.
Alexander Beck Cabernet Sauvignon
$13.99 (Quoted at $22)
Finally – a wine our entire table agreed upon. It’s fruit-forward (we tasted cherry notes easily) with hints of vanilla and spice.
Robert Hall Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
$14.99 (Quoted at $24)
This was my favorite of the cabs at this point, and this would pair well with duck or other wild game birds.
Bennett Lane Cabernet Sauvignon
$34.99 (Quoted at $55)
If you’re in the market to put out a little more money for your wine, this rich cab was delicious — and would pair well with anything on the grill.
Other *highly* recommended wines from Steve Pollack:
- Maculan Brentino IGT $12.99 (Quoted at $19)
- Sharps Hill Cuvee Red $14.99 (Quoted at $26)
- Saxon Brown Semillon $16.99 (Quoted at $26)
