In the heart of Longmont where Ken Pratt's Highway curves, PJ's Wine and Spirits is easy to drive past. But if you slow down you'll find us on the same block where you can buy new carpets, test drive an ATV, or drop your child off at daycare. My wife, two daughters, and I have only lived in Colorado since 2020, but PJ's has existed since 2006; ancient compared to a lot of our neighbors. 

   Real civic pride can be hard to conjure up sometimes but I feel it at PJ's, especially when Susan Olenwine from the Longmont Symphony Orchestra plays our Baldwin piano during wine tastings. The instrument is actually the oldest thing around here, carefully crafted and tuned since 1910.

   The view is quite nice. We gaze at the Rocky Mountains through sliding glass doors, including the one that always seems to break down on us.

   But the biggest plus is the people. A lot of great folks work here and shop here each day. I have met no shortage of colorful characters since I started working at this store just over one year ago.

*prices subject to change after publication*

Cabernet sauvignon or merlot grapes don't get me that excited. I prefer whites but I was astonished by how much I enjoyed this French Bordeaux blend of 60% Cabernet with 40% Merlot. They seemed to take the edge off of each other to make a perfect balance of tannins and aromas. I guess they know what they're doing in the Haut-Medoc region between the Atlantic Ocean and the banks of the Gironde Estuary. Prices continue to skyrocket for the best Bordeaux reds but there are still plenty of very good bottles available for under $30.

This is my favorite discovery since arriving at PJ's. While most white wines are meant to be consumed less than five years after they are first produced, there are glorious exceptions such as the Trimbach Reserve from 2015. This white has a complex mouthfeel mixed with a dramatically dry finish. Others might enjoy Trimbach's younger varietals more and many of them retail for around $20.

COORS WISKEY FIVE TRAIL (750ml, $60-$82)

Coors makes whiskey!?! Oh yes, and they aren't joking around. While these are technically blended whiskeys with some local ingredients, most of this mash comes straight out of Bardstown, Kentucky, the Bourbon Capital of the World. The result is a new spirit on the market that is ready to compete with more established top shelf brands.