Adam Knoerzer, owner of ‘Burghundy and a regular contributor to TABLE, is a certified sommelier, wine educator, and consultant. He scours the offerings at PCLB’s Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores for a few must-try bottles he thinks TABLE readers should try.
Porseleinberg Syrah 2018 (Swartland, South Africa)
Grown on the schist soils of the Porseleinberg mountain in South Africa’s rugged Swartland (just around an hour north of central Cape Town), this is a brooding, intense expression of the Syrah grape that might have you recalling Northern Rhône appellations like Cornas. The rich, inky purple hue in the glass explodes with black and purple fruits, violets, grilled meats, black olives, and something recalling licorice root. If you’re usually reaching for a Cabernet but want to try something different, this is a world-class gem hiding on PLCB shelves for $89.99 — similar quality in France would find this bottle going for twice the price.
Domaine Des Tourelles Carignan (Bekaa Valley, Lebanon)
One of Lebanon’s best producers has created a luscious, lovely red from Carignan grapes grown in the high-elevation Bekaa Valley. Aromas and flavors of ripe cherry swirl around the tongue with velvety tannins that give the wine a plush, easy texture on the palate. Notes of spice and a green leafiness add some complexity and make this a great candidate for the grilled meats that await this spring and summer. $26.99
Kysela Père et fil Picpoul de Pinet HB 2021 (Picpoul de Pinet AOC, France)
Need a budget-friendly, spring-and-summer white that is sure to please? Look no further than this bright, zesty Picpoul de Pinet. The Picpoul varietal doles out aromas of lime, lemon, and a certain salinity that prickles the lips and tongue with brisk acidity (the word picpoulloosely translates to “lip stinger,” after all). This wine is enjoyable on its own by the pool or on the patio, but it also is an ideal companion for shellfish platters, cheeses, and charcuterie. $12.99
Story by Adam Knoerzer
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