KEITH’S PICKS: THE UNDERPRICED GEMS HIDING IN PA WINE SHOPS

Every once in a while, the PLCB’s pricing system misfires—in our favor. Most bottles on the shelves are overpriced, but a few slip through at prices that make no sense at all. These are the wines you grab before someone in Harrisburg realizes they’ve made a mistake.

After class last week, an Advanced student asked what was actually worth aging under twenty bucks—what deserves a place in a new cellar for the next five to ten years. That conversation kicked off this list.

Some of these bottles are holiday drinkers. A couple are absolutely cellar-worthy. All of them are absurdly underpriced for Pennsylvania. And yes, they’ll be gone by January.

(If you’re ready to go deeper with your own wine education this winter, the Core Wine Course starts in January: https://www.vinology.com/core-wine-education-courses/)

(And if you want more insider talk like this, catch the podcast: https://www.vinology.com/wine-podcast/)

HOLIDAY DRINKING

Los Frailes “Caliza” Monastrell Valencia 2022 — $13.99
https://www.finewineandgoodspirits.com/los-frailes-caliza-monastrell-valencia-2022/product/100053223
(Quoted at $38)

This is what happens when old-vine, biodynamic Monastrell meets limestone soils and real craftsmanship. Fresh red fruit, orange peel, and a streak of wild herbs cut through the ripe core. James Suckling put it at 90 points, and he’s right — it’s silky, medium-bodied, and way too serious for the price. A weeknight bottle that drinks like it knows better.

Two Hands “Sexy Beast” Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale 2022 — $19.99
https://www.finewineandgoodspirits.com/two-hands-sexy-beast-cabernet-sauvignon-mclaren-vale-2022/product/100048727
(Quoted at $46)

The critics loved this one: 93 from Tasting Panel, 92 from Vinous, and 90 from Wine Advocate. It hits with bright cassis, dark cherry, new leather, and that lift you only get in cooler-year McLaren Vale Cab. Dense flavor without the heaviness, balanced tannins, and a finish that leans into pepper, spice, and dark chocolate. Bold name, serious wine, ridiculous price.

Hearst Ranch Winery “Bunkhouse” Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2022 — $17.99
https://www.finewineandgoodspirits.com/hearst-ranch-winery-bunkhouse-cabernet-sauvignon-paso-robles-2022/product/100049639
(Quoted at $42)

Earlier vintages of Bunkhouse Cabernet pulled 90-plus scores from Wine Enthusiast, and the 2022 fits the style perfectly. Expect bright red plum, a little earthy funk, and that Paso Robles mix of fruit and savory notes. Juicy on the palate with strawberry, leather, violets, and a long, slightly salty finish. Not your typical Paso Cab — and that’s why it works.

Joseph Jacome Morgon Rouge 2023 — $14.99
https://www.finewineandgoodspirits.com/joseph-jacome-morgon-rouge-2023/product/100050575
(Quoted at $28)

Wine Enthusiast gave this Morgon 90 points, and it’s an absolute gem for the money. Cherry, peach skin, dried papaya, and black plum on the nose. The palate shifts to forest floor, dried grass, crushed stone, and a twist of lemon zest. Structured, fresh, and unmistakably Morgon. Gamay lovers should grab this immediately.

CELLAR-WORTHY

Antico Monastero Barbaresco 2022 — $19.99
https://www.finewineandgoodspirits.com/antico-monastero-barbaresco-2022/product/100048559
(Quoted at $40)

Wine Enthusiast dropped a 92-point review on this Barbaresco, and the praise is deserved. Dried cherries, roses, lavender, and that classic Nebbiolo musk roll together in a way that feels effortless. The tannins are refined and whisper-soft — Barbaresco in its most charming register. This is the steal of the Piedmont section right now. Buy two.

Cune Rioja Gran Reserva 2018 — $19.99
https://www.finewineandgoodspirits.com/cune-rioja-gran-reserva-2018/product/100043648
(Quoted at $42)

A crowd of critics lined up behind this wine: 94 points from James Suckling and Decanter, 93 from Vinous, 92 from Wine Advocate, plus strong scores across the board. Late-harvested Tempranillo with Graciano and Mazuelo, aged 24 months in mixed oak — the result is classic Gran Reserva Rioja. Vanilla, coconut, plum, cherry, black tea, and a touch of smoke. Plush texture, firm tannins, and a long, savory finish. This is absurd quality under twenty bucks.