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!
Fast facts: 2021 Trader Joe’s Reserve Meritage, Lot #239, Paso Robles, CA ($9.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California) So this red caught my eye at Trader Joe’s recently. There were two things that first attracted me to this wine: the magical word Meritage (rhymes with “heritage” but is also pronounced “mehr-it-taj”) which promises good things … Read moreFire Up the BBQ and Pull the Cork on this TJ’s Red Wine
Fast facts: 2017 Zingari, Toscana, Italy ($9.99 @ Costco, California – Item #565343) If you’re looking for a great everyday food wine, this might just be the ticket. After doing some research online, I am surprised that even Costco is selling this wine for a hair under $10. It sells elsewhere for nearly twice that … Read more93 Points of Bottled Tuscan Sun for under $10 at Costco
Fast facts: 2015 Puerta de Plata, Catalunya, Spain ($7.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) If memory serves, this was one of the first wines we reviewed on this blog. I recall hyperventilating when I first tasted it, especially given its $7.99 price point and uber classy packaging. It’s a bit of a Trader Joe’s staple, so … Read moreTrader Joe’s is Your Puerta to High QPR
Fast facts: 2021 Kirkland Signature Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($19.69 @ Costco, California – Item #777662) Among the “old world” offerings bottled under the Kirkland Signature name, this CdP is one of our perennial favorites. It has been around for over a decade, and is consistently good. It is a rare thing to find CdP wines for … Read moreIt’s Back, the High QPR KS CdP from Costco – with a Pope angle, no less!
Fast Facts: 2019 Clos de los Siete Red Blend, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina ($16.99 @Trader Joe’s in California) Michel Rolland is arguably one of the 10 most influential individuals in the modern wine era. His style dominated the world for decades and continues to influence how the most costly wines are made. Namely, … Read moreLove at First Sniff – a 90+ Point TJs Red Wine Find for Under $20
Fast facts: 2020 Les Sommets Liès Corbières, France ($6.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) During a recent visit to my local Trader Joe’s, I overheard an employee enthusiastically recommending this wine. She was telling a customer that it was “everyone’s favorite” among store employees. Needless to say, my curiosity was piqued. So when she was free … Read moreBingo! Wine Stalking Pays Off at TJ’s
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?