Deidre Costello

Hello thought I would chime in on this hope you don’t mind (being an insider and all). A few things that I wanted to add to this discussion in regards to the retail price. Let’s not forget that an 18% “emergency tax” (Johnstown Flood that was added and never repealed) is included in the shelf price of every bottle of wine and spirits. This goes directly to the State Treasury I guess you could call the 18% tax our ‘sin’ tax. The actual markup is closer to 30%. It would take an act of legislature to repeal the Emergency tax and not something that the ‘PLCB’ can do on it’s own. I also applaud what Jonathan Newman is doing in regards to playing what I call ‘hardball’ with producers and distributors making Pa’s prices in line or better than surrounding states. While I can’t deny that you may find certain products cheaper in surrounding states, not every product sold in surrounding states is cheaper! Pennsylvania continues to make huge strides especially with regards to wines. It is becoming less and less attractive to drive across state lines looking for a deal when Pa’s Premium Collection stores offer terrific values right here.

Thanks for correcting my link from earlier... Did some snooping earlier the 2000 Trilogy was reordered with another 400 case expected real soon possibly this week! Hanna 1999 Bismark Cab was reordered with 1200+ cases expected in next couple of weeks. The St Supery Meritage 1999 like the Trilogy should be in real soon however, grab it when you can only 200 6 pack cases were purchased. The Fra Guerau that I mentioned earlier also expected in the next week or so. A couple of interesting wines are slated for the on deck circle: Newton Epic Merlot 2000 $17.99 - 1000 cases Newton Le Puzzle Cabernet 2000Spring Mtn. $17.99 - 1000 cases Yalumba Mourvedre Grenache Shiraz 2003 $21.99 - only 200 6 packs Yalumba Shiraz Viognier 2002 $21.99 - only 200 6 packs

Percyn: Glad to hear from a member of the wine club! Hope you enjoy the selections so far. I said earlier that when I found this site I thought it was cool, got to ditto that again! Dave S.: I'm in Aston. Katie: I left my tasting notes at the office, but if I recall correctly the Burgess Syrah was another winner I just got some more of this one. This is what I recall concerning this wine. Nose of Bacon on the palate smoked fruit flavors I want to try this one again with sausage. At Thanksgiving I make a Sausage and Sage stuffing that I think will work well with the Burgess Syrah I want to play around a bit I like offering different Reds and Whites so that there is a nice match up for everyone. Anyway I will check my notes tomorrow and if I see anything different than what I recall I'll post again.

Just want to clarify I select the Products available through the on line store and for our wine of the month club The Wine Connection. BTW another tip Lucky Country a 'second' label of Two Hands just arrived in our stores The Lucky Country Shirz/Cab just got 90 points in the Wine Advocate and the Lucky Country GSM got 87 points.

No I'm a local girl...Delaware County to be exact. I just found this web site and I love all the information I've been seeing very cool!! Like I said earlier its so nice to read boards that are so positive and helpful! I'll be checking in often and let you know some insider information when I can.

Wow -- its so refreshing to read all of these positive comments concerning the PLCB, especially the comments on the Chairman’s Selections! I’m sure I can say that Jonathan Newman is grateful for the overwhelming reception these products have gotten. I had the opportunity to sit in on a tasting of newest round of selections that are starting to come in and heard him speak about the ‘Buzz’ created not only here in PA but in surrounding states as well as in CA. I hope you don’t mind that I am posting here since I do work for the PLCB (I handle the selection of products for our e-commerce web site Http://www.pawineandspirits.com ) BTW most Chairman’s Selection are still available online. I thought I would give you an update for the Burgess 1992. We will be getting another 300 cases. The first shipment is pretty much sold out in the Philadelphia area. Burgess holds onto about 2000 cases to be released 10 years later. So each year they have two vintages in the market. I will say that having tried the newest round of Chairman’s Selections you won’t be disappointed in any of the selections I picked three of my favorites that I personally liked and I am listing below with my notes. These wines are coming soon: Domaine Carneros Le Reve Brut 1997: Estate produced Blanc de Blanc, Excellent selection especially for the holidays, yeast and tropical fruit on the nose in the mouth a rich creaminess with honey citrus and toast. Long finish. Regular price $55 Now $27.99 Gainey Sauvignon Blanc Limited Selection 2002: The Gainey can be described as a traditional California Sauvignon Blanc with tropical fruit, lemon and orange-cream on the nose, while in the mouth the roundness adds a softness to the white peach, pear, grapefruit and butter flavors that are rich with a long lingering finish. Regular price $21.49 Now $11.99 Vinas del Monsant Fra Guerau 2001: (Spain) Blend of Syrah, Garnacha, Merlot, Carinena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Mourvedre. Red fruits on the nose of cherry and raspberry that are carried out on the palate with good intensity with balanced acidity that will work well with grilled chicken or rich seafood stew. My best buy of the tasting at $7.99 this would make for a good house wine. Regular price $18.99 Sincerely, Deidre Costello P.S. The crystals referred to earlier are also called ‘wine diamonds’ and are considered a sign of a good wine.