PLCB Wines

I certainly have a love/hate relationship with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (aka “the PA State Stores”, aka “the State Store”, aka “the PLCB”–anything with that many aliases is likely a criminal).  I will post here some of the better deals that I have found within the system and keep them up to date.  Click on the numeric code of the wine to be sent to the PLCB inventory page.  Clicking on the name of the wine will take you to the PLCB description.

REDS

Claudie Peguet Fleurie 2014

$13.99 (Retail* $21)    PLCB Code: 33865

Cru Beaujolais is all the rage right now and this is a chance to get a taste at a bit of a discount. Made from 100% Gamay, the wine is a lighter style (think a more rustic Pinot Noir) than most reds, but can also pair with a wide variety of cuisine.

B. R. Cohn Zinfandel Sonoma Valley 2012

$19.99 (Retail* $38)    PLCB Code: 33548

If you are a lover of a really big Zinfandel, this is likely right up your alley. At 15.2% alcohol, this is certainly no joke and comes from one of Sonoma’s legendary producers.

Cune Rioja Gran Reserva 2009

$19.99 (Retail* $33)    PLCB Code: 78005

Made from 100% Tempranillo, Rioja is perhaps the most famous wine region in Spain. There are two distinct styles of Rioja: a traditional earthy, slowly maturing version and a more modern, fruity approach. This wine deftly encompasses both.

Domaine Bassac Syrah Cotes de Thongue 2013

$10.99 (Retail* $20)     PLCB Code: 33756

Syrah hails from the Rhône region of France and can be pricey, but this wine, from south-central France, is a much less expensive foray into the French interpretation of the grape. Earthy, yet fruity, this wine will not try to overpower you, and you will be thankful for that.

Provenance Vineyards Merlot Napa Valley 2011

$16.99 (Retail* $40)    PLCB Code: 78009

Provenance is a stalwart in Napa (and the CEO is the father of one of my former basketball captains). This wine is perhaps not quite up to their usual standards, but that it why it is at such a discount at the PLCB. Regardless, a nice option at the price: good fruit, some complexity.

Antonin Rodet Nuits Saint Georges Premier Cru Clos de Thorey 2010

$44.99 (Retail* $75)     PLCB Code: 33885

This is certainly a bit steeper in price than the others on this list, but this is a wine from one of my favorite areas in Burgundy. Suits Saint Georges does not have a Grand Cru, but some claim that it should. If you are looking for a somewhat special bottle to take to your wines geek’s house for dinner, this is the one!

WHITES

Cave de l’Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet 2014

$10.99 (Retail* $17.99)  PLCB Code: 33730

Picpoul is one of those grapes that not many have heard of, but it is exceedingly fun to say. It is even more fun to drink, given its bracing acidity and wonderful flavors. At $11, this is certainly an every day white.

Domaine Salmon Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie Vieilles Vignes 2014

$9.99 (Retail* $17)   PLCB Code: 78000

In my humble opinion, one should always have a bottle or two of Muscadet on hand. First, it is usually fairly inexpensive. Second, it is a lively little white that will pair well with most seafood dishes. Third, it is my go-to when I am making Kirs (add a splash of crème de cassis to the wine for a tasty apéritif)–and there is never anything wrong with a Kir or two.

Domaine des Malandes Chablis Cuvee Amandine 2014

$14.99 (Retail* $25)   PLCB Code: 78018

A white Burgundy for $15? The PLCB claims that this wine is a $25 value and that might be a touch on the high side for an AOC Chablis, but certainly worth a flyer at $15. Expect a lighter style with absolutely no oak.

Qupe Bien Nacido Cuvee Santa Maria Valley 2013

$10.99 (Retail* $20)   PLCB Code: 78034

Qupé is a solid Central Coast producer and this is an interesting 50-50 blend of Chardonnay and Viognier. I have not tried this yet, but I will likely take a flier on it as I am curious how the two varieties get along.