A Good Place to Start Getting to Know the Wines of Santa Barbara

Bottle and glass - al fresco - of 2021 Trader Joe's Reserve Lot #236 Syrah, Santa Barbara, California $9.99

Fast facts: 2021 Trader Joe’s Reserve Lot #236 Syrah, Santa Barbara, California ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California)   Here in Southern California, enthusiastic wine drinkers know Santa Barbara County quite well as it is in our backyard. We are familiar with the fact that it is a richly diverse wine region capable of producing world class … Read moreA Good Place to Start Getting to Know the Wines of Santa Barbara

Our First Wine Pick in our Countdown to TDay

Bottle and glass of the 2021 Valle de Inez Pinot Noir from Costco, with a sunflower!

Fast facts: 2021 Valle de Inez Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo, CA ($9.99* @ Costco, California – Item #1374624) *Net price after $10 in store discount   It’s hard to believe, but we will be celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States in three short weeks.  Then we’re on the slippery slope to … Read moreOur First Wine Pick in our Countdown to TDay

Good Luck Telling this Rabble to be Quiet

Fast facts: 2019 Rabble Red Wine, Paso Robles, CA  ($9.89* @Costco; California – Item # 922592) *price after $3 discount. Here is one we have reviewed before. It is the closest thing to a perennial feature in the Costco wine selection that you will find.  But it is difficult to argue that it doesn’t deserve … Read moreGood Luck Telling this Rabble to be Quiet

Pinotrama!

Store display of 2020 Trader Joe's Reserve Pinot Noir Lot #229, Santa Rita Hills

Fast facts: 2020 Trader Joe’s Reserve Pinot Noir Lot #229, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California ($9.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   When not obsessing on finding crazy good wine values to feature here, I am doing deep dives into the music of rock and power pop.  If you are similarly afflicted, you may … Read morePinotrama!

Yummy Paso Cab – Just $9.99 at Trader Joe’s

Glass and bottle of 2019 Familia Nueva Vineyards Liberte Cabernet Sauvignon

Fast facts: 2019 Familia Nueva Vineyards Liberté Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California ($9.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   This post was supposed to be a dual between two Cabernet Sauvignons from Paso Robles.  Both are from Trader Joe’s. Both were $9.99.  It was a match made in vino heaven. Only one problem: the other wine … Read moreYummy Paso Cab – Just $9.99 at Trader Joe’s

Is this the Best $10 Pinot Noir in America?

Bottle and glass of Trader Joe's Reserve 2020 Chalone Pinot Noir

Fast facts: 2020 Trader Joe’s Reserve Chalone Pinot Noir, California ($9.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   Astute readers may recall that once before (July of 2021 to be precise) we annointed a different wine as the best $10 Pinot Noir in America. But you may recall that one was from Costco.  Nonetheless, this one may … Read moreIs this the Best $10 Pinot Noir in America?

Finally, a Pair of Thanksgiving Red Wines – one each from TJs and Costco

Bottle and glass of 2020 Ocean View Pinot Noir, and 2019 Opolo Summit Creak Vineyard Zinfandel

Fast facts: 2020 Ocean View Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County, California ($14.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) 2019 Opolo Summit Creak Vineyard Zinfandel, Paso Robles, California ($12.99 @Costco, California)   We say “finally” in our subject line not to imply that we have been keeping you waiting for our red wine picks for the Thanksgiving holiday, … Read moreFinally, a Pair of Thanksgiving Red Wines – one each from TJs and Costco

World Class Pinot Noir Under $15?!

Glass and bottle of 2020 Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Pinot Noir Lot #106, Santa Rita Hills, California - $12.99 in California stores. Oh, and a baby sugar pumpkin that could be a pumpkin tart in a few short weeks!

Fast facts: 2020 Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Pinot Noir Lot #106, Santa Rita Hills, California ($12.99 @Trader Joe’s, California)     This wine was recently featured in Trader Joe’s infamous in-store rag, The Fearless Flyer.  Here’s what they had to say about this wine: “Located in the Santa Ynez Valley near Santa Barbara, CA, surrounded … Read moreWorld Class Pinot Noir Under $15?!

Say So Long to Summer with a Pair of SauvBlanc from Trader Joe’s

Bottles and glasses of Trader Joe's Reserve Napa 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (L) and Monique Cellars 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (R)

Fast facts: 2020 Monique Cellars, Central Coast, California ($6.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) 2020 Trader Joe’s Reserve Lot 224,  Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California)   Ever study wine consumers picking out wines from a sea of labels?  I do, but after some 30 years in the wine business, I can’t help it.  … Read moreSay So Long to Summer with a Pair of SauvBlanc from Trader Joe’s

A Trio of Tasty Trader Joe’s Wines for Your Labor Day Soiree

A trio of tastiness from Trader Joe's, just in time for your Labor Day celebrations.

Fast facts: 2020 Trader Joe’s Petit Reserve  Rosé ($6.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California) 2020 Trader Joe’s Reserve Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) 2018  Trader Joe’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California)   There’s a scene in the movie The Jerk, starring Steve Martin as..well, … Read moreA Trio of Tasty Trader Joe’s Wines for Your Labor Day Soiree