93 Points for Under $10? Thanks, Costco!

Front label of the f2016 Gaudio Reserva Red Blend, Alentejo, Portugal - just $8.79 at our local Costco

Fast facts: 2016 Gaudio Reserva Red Blend, Alentejo, Portugal ($8.79 @Costco; California – Product #1756471)   I have to admit that a big reason I reached for this wine is that my wife and I visited this region (south of Lisbon, north of the stunning Algarve) this past Spring.  Oh, then there is the matter … Read more93 Points for Under $10? Thanks, Costco!

90 Point Red for $10.99?!

Front label of the 2017 Quinta Do Portal, Riserva Red, Douro Valley, Portugal

Fast facts: 2017 Quinta Do Portal, Riserva Red, Douro Valley, Portugal ($10.99 @ Costco, California – Item #670474)   We are recently back from a tasting trip to Portugal, so finding this wine at Costco was a real treat.  One sip and we were transported eight time zones back to our tastings in Alentejo.  Even … Read more90 Point Red for $10.99?!

Trader Joe’s Makes Your TG Dessert Wine Choice as Easy as..Pie!

Trader Joe's store display for Porto Morgado, 10 Years Old Tawny Port

Fast facts: Porto Morgado, 10 Years Old Tawny Port, Douro, Portugal ($10.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California)   Hard to believe (at least to me) that this is our final post in advance of the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday.  Some of you may still find yourself at your local Trader Joe’s as part of your preparations for your … Read moreTrader Joe’s Makes Your TG Dessert Wine Choice as Easy as..Pie!

A $7.99 Mouthful of Red Wine Goodness – Perfect for Late Summer Grilling!

Bottle and glass of the 2019 Casa Ermelinda Freitas Vinhas da Fonte Peninsula de Setubal from Portugal

Fast facts: 2019 Casa Ermelinda Freitas Vinhas da Fonte Reserva, Peninsula de Setúbal, Portugal  ($7.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   Anyone who has spent much time in the European Union in the past several decades can appreciate the vastly improved infrastructure of member countries. But beyond the the more conspicuous investment in bridges, tunnels and … Read moreA $7.99 Mouthful of Red Wine Goodness – Perfect for Late Summer Grilling!

A Cool Trader Joe’s “Porch Pounder” with a Tiny Price

Trader Joe's store display of Espiral Vinho Verde

Fast facts: Espiral Vinho Verde, Minho, Portugal  ($4.49@Trader Joe’s,  California)     “Porch pounder” is a term used in the wine trade to refer to a wine that is easy drinking, relatively inexpensive, and simple.  I don’t mean “simple” as a derogatory term, but rather a wine that does not inspire deep thought, reflection and … Read moreA Cool Trader Joe’s “Porch Pounder” with a Tiny Price

Drinking Backwards this Thanksgiving

Fast facts: NV Graham’s 10 Year Tawny Port, Porto, Portugal ($22.99 @ Costco, California – Item #185916)   In past years, we have counted down the weeks to the big Thanksgiving holiday meal with a progression of wines culminating in a dessert wine.  This is what the Aussies refer to as “stickies” due to their … Read moreDrinking Backwards this Thanksgiving

Celebrate the Arrival of DST with Two Springy Wines from Costco – both under $10!

Bottles and glasses of 2019 Sacrata Alvarinho and 2020 Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, both from Costco

Fast Facts: 2019 Sacrata Alvarinho, Minho, Portugal ($8.99 @Costco in California – Item #1535819) 2020 Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand  ($6.99* @Costco in California – Item #343916) *net price after $2 discount After months of days that were literally and figuratively dark, we have arrived on the doorstep of Daylight Saving Time (DST) and … Read moreCelebrate the Arrival of DST with Two Springy Wines from Costco – both under $10!

Trader Joe’s Makes Your TG Dessert Wine as Easy as, well, Pie!

Shelf display of Porto Morgado Tawny Port at Trader Joe's showing $10.99 price

Fast facts: Porto Morgado, 10 Years Old Tawny Port, Douro, Portugal ($10.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California) We are publishing a early since this week Thirsty Thursday falls on the Thanksgiving holiday, and some of you may still find yourself at your local Trader Joe’s as part of your preparations for your celebration. If not, this would … Read moreTrader Joe’s Makes Your TG Dessert Wine as Easy as, well, Pie!