We have a jam-packed newsletter for you this December. It’s everything you need to survive the holidays. The only thing better would be a barrel of whiskey and a fistful of Lexapro.
We opened up two classes for you, just after Christmas. The first is the Greatest Wine Regions of the World, which is basically a luxury-grade Wine 101 on steroids (which makes it great as a gift). We also opened up our Santa Barbara wine class. If you love Pinot, Cabernet, or Syrah, you should make a point of attending this one.
At this time of year, we ask our readers to consider picking up a few gift certificates for your favorite wine lovers. It’s the perfect time of year to bring more people into the Wine School family.
We also have two really cool bits of news to share. We have a new ambassador program AND a new wine event program! Read on for the coolness.
Become a Wine School Ambassador
Have you attended class at the Wine School? Looking for a side hustle that will allow you to pay for your wine education?
If so, we have a job for you! We are seeking a team of Wine School Ambassadors. If accepted into this position, you will be well compensated for the work you do. For details see the application below.
These our our top picks for the holidays. They are all currently available in PA Wine & Spirits Stores. Each is a great bottle of wine.
Even more important is that each of them tastes –and looks– way more expensive than they actually are. All photos are taken at the Wine School of Philadelphia.
Beringer 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
A classic style of Napa Cabernet, reminiscent of the 1997 vintage. I really love the cardamom, black olive, and eucalyptus notes here. Medium-bodied and restrained, this works very well with grilled beef tenderloin and caramelized Brussel sprouts.
Price in PA: $24.99 Rating: 92 Points
Bersano 2015 “Nirvasco” Barolo
Back in 2015, I reviewed the 2010 vintage of this Barolo. This bottling is as beautiful as that one, perhaps even a bit more complex. The tension between the flinty acidity and the raw tannins is delightful. The flavors are captivating, like smoking a cigar next to a burning rosebush. An age-worthy bottle that would make any wine collector smile.
Price in PA: $25.99 Rating: 92 Points
Tempus Two 2014 GSM, Barossa Valley
This bottle’s packaging is quite upscale even at its usual retail price of $18.
The fruit inside is similarly impressive.
Note of lavender and burnt sage are followed by fresh cranberry. A lighter style from Barossa, and a perfect holiday party wine.
Price in PA: $8.99 Rating: 90 Points
Chateau Hyot Castillon 2016 Castillion
The Côtes de Castillon region of Bordeaux is an underappreciated region just east of Saint Emilion.
Cedar and cherry on the nose and flavors of black cherry and asian five-spice. A full bodied and fruit-forward bottling.
Price in PA: $12.99 Rating: 90 Points
Bovale 2016 Bobal, Utiel Requena
This is one of those wines that is both exotic and eminently drinkable. Big jammy black fruit and a touch of smoked vanilla, this is a bottle of Spanish wine that Zin and Petit Sirah drinkers should love. The tannins are so soft and plush it’s like drinking happiness itself.
Price in PA: $9.99 Rating: 91 Points
Domaine Vetriccie 2018 White, Corsica
Is it blasphemous that I want to serve this French white wine at the Feast of the Seven Fishes? After all, it is an Italian island, even if it has been a French territory for a few centuries.
Vibrant flavors of clementine and peach. There is a fantastic note of seashore in here as well. I previously reviewed the 2017 Domaine Vetriccie White.
