An $11.99 Russian River Pinot Noir – Costco for the Win!

The (new) front label of the 2021 Kirkland Signature Pinot Noir, from Russian River Valley, Sonoma County

2021 Kirkland Signature Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California ($11.99@Costco, California – Item #555512)   Yogi Berra was once quoted as saying that “It’s not boasting if it’s true.” And the truth is, the Russian River Valley is one of the best places in the world to grow Pinot Noir grapes.  Ditto Chardonnay. … Read moreAn $11.99 Russian River Pinot Noir – Costco for the Win!

A Whole Lotta Sonoma Chardonnay Goodness – for Just $6.99?!

Costco store display of 2021 Kirkland Signature Chardonnay, Sonoma County, Califorinia - just $6.99

Fast facts: 2021 Kirkland Signature Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California ($6.99 @ Costco, California – Item #514007) Rules are made for breaking, but here is one I tend to subscribe to: avoid wines labeled “merely” California.  I know it sounds like heresy, but hear me out. As a general rule, a wine that is not sub-appelated … Read moreA Whole Lotta Sonoma Chardonnay Goodness – for Just $6.99?!

Got ‘cue? Then get your hands on this Zin!

Store display of 2020 Trader Joe's Reserve Zinfandel, Lot #233, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County

Fast facts: 2020 Trader Joe’s Reserve Zinfandel, Lot #233, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California)   Just in time for barbecue season and the first days of summer.  There are few red wine varietals that are as good a match for grilled food as Zinfandel is. It was born for the role! … Read moreGot ‘cue? Then get your hands on this Zin!

Great Mmmerlot for Just $50 per Gallon!

Store display for Trader Joe's Reserve 2020 Sonoma County Merlot

Fast facts: 2020 Trader Joe’s Reserve Merlot Lot #227, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California ($9.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   We hope our subject line extrapolating the price per gallon (there are five standard 750ml bottles in a gallon FWIW) for this wine makes you feel better about the last time you filled up your … Read moreGreat Mmmerlot for Just $50 per Gallon!

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

A Nice $9.99 Sonoma/Alexander Valley Cabernet from Costco – Perfect for Food

Bottle and glass of Kirkland Signature 2018 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Fast facts: 2018 Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma Valley, California ($9.99 @ Costco, California – Item #223343)   Long term readers may have detected a slight bias we have in favor of Sonoma Valley vs. Napa Valley.  There is no disputing that both Valleys produce world class wines, but the sheer diversity that … Read moreA Nice $9.99 Sonoma/Alexander Valley Cabernet from Costco – Perfect for Food

Dualing Red Blends from Costco – Both Under $10 if You Act Fast

Bottles and glasses of 2018 Simi Winery red wine blend and Hook or Crook Cellars 2018 red field blend from Costco.

Fast Facts: 2018 Simi Winery, Red Wine Blend, Sonoma County, California ($9.99* @Costco in California – Item #1487627) 2018 Hook or Crook Cellars, Field Blend, Lodi, California ($5.79* @Costco in California – Item #1529759)   We love the in-store discounts that Costco is known for.  Here are two wines that would be good values before … Read moreDualing Red Blends from Costco – Both Under $10 if You Act Fast

Costco has a great 90 point Chardonnay – for under $10

Costco bin display of Laguna 2017 Russian River Chardonnay

Fast Facts: 2017 Laguna Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA  ($9.99* @Costco in California – Item #575261)                                              * net price after $10 discount at store.   Almost exactly a year ago we … Read moreCostco has a great 90 point Chardonnay – for under $10

The Two Most Popular Wine Varieties in the US – via Costco

Glasses and bottles of Kirkland Signature 2019 Russian River Valley (Sonoma County) Chardonnay and Kirkland Signature 2019 Columbia Valley (Washington State) Cabernet Sauvignon

Fast Facts: 2019 Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington ($8.99 @Costco in California – Item #1226845) 2019 Kirkland Signature Chardonnay,  Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California ($12.99 @Costco in California – Item #789895)   What were the two most popular wine varieties sold in the US in 2020?  That’s easy.  Cabernet Sauvignon and – not far … Read moreThe Two Most Popular Wine Varieties in the US – via Costco

A Pair of Special Cabs from Costco

Bottles and glasses of Bound and Kirkland Signature 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. The former from Sonoma, the latter from Napa Valley.

Fast Facts: 2018 Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Suscol Vineyard, Napa Valley, California ($16.99 @Costco in California – Item #1491800) 2018 Bound, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California ($9.99* @Costco in California – Item #1422019) *net price after $6 discount   The Mayacamas mountain range in Northern California separates two of the most famous wine regions in … Read moreA Pair of Special Cabs from Costco