Bordeaux is the most famous and highly coveted wine blend in the world. While there are both red and white Bordeauxs, the name Bordeaux is primarily associated with the red wine blend. In the Bordeaux region of France, where the wine is made, the Gironde estuary cuts through the center of the region creating two banks: a left bank and a right bank.
Fast facts: 2020 Kirkland Signature Red Blend, Napa Valley, CA ($10.99 @ Costco, California – Item #333110) Ever heard of a “brand refresh?” It’s a term I heard regularly in my three decades – and counting – in the wine trade. It basically refers to a “facelift” when an existing wine brand gets a … Read moreIs This the Best $11 Red Wine in America?
Fast facts: 2020 Oakville Bench Merlot, Oakville, Napa Valley, California ($16.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California) Despite being somewhat out of fashion here in the U.S., the Merlot grape is still one of the most important grape varieties in the world of fine wine. It shares this distinction with Cabernet Sauvignon which together “power” the … Read moreThis Might Just be the Best Red Wine We’ve Reviewed All Year – and it’s just $16.99 at TJs!
Fast facts: 2019 Kirkland Signature Red Blend, Napa Valley, CA ($10.99 @ Costco, California – Item #333110) Tasting Notes: Start with nice aromas of cherry, spice, vanilla, cola, black pepper and a hint of sandalwood. Smooth and silky in the mouth with flavors of black cherry, red berries, vanilla, and eucalyptus. which linger … Read moreOne of our Perennial Favorite Red Wines from Costco
Fast facts: 2018 La Garenne Red Blend, Blaye, Côtes de Bordeaux, France ($7.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) Most wine drinkers know of the great and coveted wines of Bordeaux. But the Côtes de Bordeaux? That’s some unfamiliar territory to most. And with good reason. You see, unlike the storied regions that made Bordeaux famous, this … Read moreA Lot of Bordeaux Value for A Little Dough
Fast facts: 2018 Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Meritage, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California ($14.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) Readers that have been following us for a while have seen prior reviews of Meritage bottlings here before. Frankly, it is rare to find a Meritage that disappoints. I think it has something to do with the flexibility … Read moreA Blockbuster Meritage from the Trader Joe’s Wine Lotto – You Can’t Win if you Don’t Play!
Fast Facts: 2018 Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Supérieur, Bordeaux, France ($7.99 @Costco in California – Item #1184548) 2017 Gérard Bertrand Tautavel, Côtes du Rousillon Villages, France ($9.99 @Costco in California – Item #637442) I think that it’s fair to say that most American wine consumers don’t understand French wine nearly as well as they do the wines … Read moreFrench (Wine) Lessons from Costco – Très Bien at Under Ten!
Fast facts: 2019 Trader Joe’s Reserve Meritage Lot 100, Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California ($12.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) So often in our reviews we discuss whether a vintage is too old, and whether the wine may have passed. This is especially true for white wines but applies to red wines as well. In the … Read moreTJ’s Mystery Meritage Wine is a Winner
Fast facts: 2017 Au Contraire Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California $9.99 (@Costco, California, Item# 976040) 2016 D de Dauzac, Bordeaux, France $9.99 (@Costco, California, Item# 1389225) I’m flat out at excited about sharing these two wines with you all. You know how much we love our “high QPR” wines here at Vinopointer, and … Read moreA Tasty Pair of Wines from Costco – at a Tasty $9.99 Price
Fast facts: 2018 Kirkland Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California $23.99 (@Costco, California, Item# 505081) 2018 Kirkland Signature Red Blend, Napa Valley, California $10.99 (@Costco, California, Item# 333110) I am not a big fan of the wine app Vivino. The reason? I don’t really trust it. Anyone can post, and … Read moreTwo Napa Red Gems from Costco – the Wine Equivalents of an Autumn Sweater
Fast Facts: 2017 Adorada Pinot Gris, California ($3.99 @Trader Joe’s in California) 2015 Chateau Pitray, Castillon, Bordeaux, France ($9.99 @Costco in California – Item #1044889) This Week’s Selection from Trader Joe’s: I often cite the clues I look for when trying to find extraordinary wine values. One of these, of course, is the appellation. … Read moreGood wine, for $3.99? Trader Joe’s says “yes!”