Splurging on a case of wine signals sophistication, but buying a dozen bottles of the same kind shows no imagination. That's why we asked Gary Vaynerchuk, director of operations at the New Jersey wine mecca the Wine Library and host of Wine Library TV, to curate a case for every special—and not-so-special—event throughout the year. "You won't just save yourself trips to the store," says Vaynerchuk. "You should save some money, too. If your purveyor doesn't offer you a 10 to 20 percent discount on the case or won't allow you to mix and match, you should be shopping somewhere else."
To sweeten Valentine's Day: Château d'Arche Sauternes 2005, France, $34
Forget the restaurant madhouse. Pair a home-cooked meal with several wine courses instead. Cap things off with a rich dessert and this full-bodied dessert wine. "It's a home run," says Vaynerchuk.
For a party: Ercavio Roble La Mancha 2005, Spain, $11
"Deciding what to take to a party is hard—a big-ticket wine can be lost in the fray, and low-budget stuff seems tacky," says Vaynerchuk. This bold Tempranillo is a great middle ground. "It's from an up-and-coming Spanish region that offers out-rageous value. It tastes like a $30 bottle," he says.
To cap a bad day: Frank Family Zinfandel 2005, California, $35
This Napa Valley zin oozes jammy fruit flavors as well as floral and spicy notes. It also boasts a 15 percent alcohol punch, which will take the edge off any stressful situation. "This wine is delicious," says Vaynerchuk.
For a hot beach day: Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2006, New Zealand, $12
"Summer wines should be crisp, clean, zingy, and refreshing, and should measure up even when you're sipping them from a plastic cup," says Vaynerchuk. This one meets his requirements and comes with a screw cap, meaning even a seagull could get the bottle open.
For a July 4 picnic: Bacchus Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, California, $15
"It's hard to find a good American cab at a fair price," says Vaynerchuk, "but this wine is solid." A glug of merlot boosts tannin levels, which makes for an easy-sipping red that won't stifle your tastebuds in the heat, but will stand up nicely to barbecued and grilled meats.
To impress the in-laws: Château La Fleur de Boüard 2004, France, $40
This deep, powerful red will impress newcomers and wine snobs alike, says Vaynerchuk. It's perfect for cellaring, which shows that you appreciate maturity, but also tastes great now. "It'll do more for your appearance than fancy clothes," he says.
To warm up, midwinter: Spencer Roloson Palaterra 2003, California, $20
You could reach for a classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape with a hearty winter meal, but this wine delivers the same grapes and similar flavors at half the price. "These guys totally get it, and their only agenda is to overdeliver. It's an awesome wine," says Vaynerchuk.
To elevate pizza night: Urban Ribera 2004, Spain, $15
"This wine actually tastes better with pizza than by itself," says Vaynerchuk. Made from 100 percent Tempranillo grapes, it's a fruit bomb, backed with a generous acid content and enough tannins to tackle even the heartiest meat-lover toppings. It'll turn take-out pizza into a satisfying and romantic meal.
