Time for the annual column: “What were the favorite wines at the Bar Foundation’s Wine, Beer and Bourbon tasting in October?”

The white I ran out of first was the 2017 “Mary Taylor Anjou Blanc” (from the Anjou Region of the Loire Valley, France).  Mary Taylor is a US importer who finds sustainable wine growers in Europe, tells them how she wants them to make the wine, then imports these overlooked gems to the US.  This 100% Chenin Blanc was sourced from Pascal Biotteau’s family estate.  It begins with aromas of white flowers, honey and stone fruits, and ends with a mineral finish balanced with nice acidity to pair well with food.  It’s no surprise that the wines most frequently poured in Parisian cafes are from the Loire Valley.  This was also my favorite white I poured. I purchased this wine at Super Buy Rite in West Deptford for $13. 12% abv.

The 2017 “Liquid Geography” Rose from Bierzo, Spain, which I’ve written about before, also went quickly.  I buy this 100% old vines Mencia dry rose by the case when it is released each year, I love it so much.  The wine is produced by Charles Bieler, Alberto Orte, Norrel Robertson, and Patrick Mata, with 100% of the profits going to charity.  Aromas and flavors of strawberry, red currant, white pepper with bright acidity make it very easy to drink on its own in warm weather,  and easy to pair with summer foods.  I bought this wine for $11 at Super Buy Rite in West Deptford, but I have found it in Rehobeth, Delaware, State Line Liquors in Elkton, MD, and Bottle King in East Windsor, NJ.  12.5% abv.

The red I ran out of first was 2016 “Involuntary Commitment,” a side project from Andrew Will.  A Bordeaux-style blend (61% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot) from Columbia Valley, Washington.  You not only loved the name, you loved the taste of cherry, tobacco, green pepper, and savory herbs it delivered.  This was also the heaviest red (fullest body) I poured, so I am not surprised that I ran out of it first. You like heavy, red wines!  I purchased it for $22 a bottle at Super Buy Rite in West Deptford.  14.5% abv.

My favorite red that I poured was the 2014 Tenute Sella & Mosca Cannonau de Sardegna Reserva, a lovely 100% Grenache from Sardinia that pairs so well with food.  I purchased it from Wineworks for $16.  Medium-bodied, with violets on the nose, and flavors of cherry, plum, and some smokey spice, I just adore this elegant wine that over-delivers at this price-point. 13.5% abv.

If you did not stay to the end of the evening to hear the “Guess the secret wine” reveal, it was Senoria de la Antigua, a 100% Mencia (red wine) from Beirzo, Spain.  I got it at Wineworks for only $9 a bottle, a steal for this 90-point rated wine!

If you did not make the event this year, I hope to see you there next year. Cheers!