Meet the Experts
Our wine experts at Vine & Cellar Reserve have extensive knowledge about and experience in the world of wine. They are well-versed in grape varietals, wine regions, winemaking techniques, tasting skills, and food pairings. Their expertise is the result of years of study, tasting, and practical experience. Led by Curtis Mann, Master of Wine, our team has meticulously curated a selection of wines from both iconic and lesser-known vineyards around the world.
Curtis Mann
Curtis is one of fewer than 100 Masters of Wine in the country – the highest certification for someone working in wine retail. More people have gone into space than have passed the notoriously difficult Master of Wine exam. He’s also the only person to win Wine Enthusiast's Wine Star Award for Retailer of the Year twice and was named one of the most influential people in the Wine Industry by Wine Business Monthly. Curtis leverages his expert knowledge to lead the alcohol category for all of Albertsons’ Companies and curate a special selection for Vine & Cellar.
Selections from Curtis
I gravitate towards wines that offer a pure expression of their varietal and terroir. This selection includes wines that showcase the unique characteristics of their grape varieties and the distinct qualities of their growing regions. Each wine offers an authentic and memorable tasting experience.
From Curtis
Favorite Wine of the Month
I wanted to share one of my favorite wines from Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Bordeaux’s Right Bank lies on the eastern side of the Gironde River and includes several prestigious wine appellations such as Pomerol and Saint-Emilion. The terroir here is a mixture of clay and limestone, adding length and elegance to the Merlot varietal, which can sometimes be overly forward in fruit and powerfully dense on the palate. The sub-regions in the area, such as Fronsac, are enticing, with many values to be found. Château Tessendey is an excellent example of the great wines in the region receiving 93 points in Wine Enthusiast for the 2019 Vintage. It is a bold, juicy wine with notes of spice that is a great complement to the cooler weather.
Fronsac | Bordeaux
Phil
Phil forever changed the landscape for how wine is sold when he started the Fine Wine Program for Safeway 35 years ago. His goal was to make wines that were typically only sold in restaurants and specialty shops available to customers at their local grocery store. After the success of the program in California, Phil rolled it across the country and led the company to become the largest wine retailer in the United States. Today, Phil is passionate about continuing to enable more people to access and enjoy fine wines.
Selections from Phil
As a wine buyer, my focus is on selecting wines that offer exceptional value and demonstrate a commitment to quality. Each of these wines is the result of its producers’ dedication to craftsmanship. I’m also always looking for examples of innovation so that I can introduce our customers to something new.
Kirk
Kirk is our expert in imported wines. While he appreciates wines from all over the world, Kirk particularly loves French and Italian wines. He has built deep connections with small and large wineries in those regions and sources exciting new imports for our collection. Kirk’s career spans three decades in the wine industry with experience in both wholesale and retail, and the high point of his career has been growing the wine assortment at Pavilions.
Selections from Kirk
When selecting my top wines, I focused on finding exceptional value. While many of my picks are imported wines, I’ve also discovered quite a few excellent wines made closer to my home in California. This balance ensures a diverse and exciting selection for every palate.
