Wine is an alcoholic drink made from fermented grapes. Yeast consumes the sugar in the grapes and converts it to ethanol, carbon dioxide, and heat. Different varieties of grapes and strains of yeasts produce different styles of wine. These variations result from the complex interactions between the biochemical development of the grape, the reactions involved in fermentation, the terroir, and the production process.
Fast facts: 2020 Kirkland Signature Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($19.99 @ Costco, California – Item #777662) Here is yet another import carrying the Kirkland Signature label that suggests the log jam in the supply chain has eased some, for now. If it seems like we only recently reviewed the 2019 vintage of this wine, you would be … Read moreHigh QPR in a CdP from Costco
Fast facts: 2017 Kirkland Signature Barolo, Italy ($19.99 @ Costco, California – Item #1355183) Most of us have been asked the question: “if you could only eat one country’s food for the rest of your life, which would it be?” I never hesitate to quickly answer: “Italian!” And the same goes for the wines … Read moreBargain Barolo from Costco
Fast Facts: 2020 Kirkland Signature Sancerre, Loire Valley, France ($14.99 @Costco in California – Item #1476058) We have commented on the shrinking wine set (especially imports) at Costco in recent posts. Ditto for Trader Joe’s. Well the dam may have broken, and our ship has clearly come in because a recent visit to my … Read moreCostco Wine Shoppers, Our Ship Has Come In
Fast facts: 2020 Trader Joe’s Reserve Merlot Lot #236, Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California ($9.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California) Even though we recently reviewed another $9.99 Merlot bottled under the Trader Joe’s Reserve moniker, that one was from Sonoma Valley. This one hails from the other watershed of the Mayacamas Mountains, they one … Read moreYep, Red Wine with Fish
Fast facts: 2018 Boen Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California ($17.99* @ Costco, California – Item #1641974) *Net price after $5.00 store discount Let’s start with the name, BÖEN. The owner/winemaker chose it because, in his words: “BÖEN is a translation of ‘The Farm’ and I chose it as a reminder to … Read moreFrom the Pinot Master
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
Fast facts: 2019 Umani Ronchi, Casal di Serra, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Italy ($11.99 @ Costco, California – Item #1148623) We talk frequently about the things to look for when choosing a wine. We often cite “the right grape, from the right place.” We could add to that list: the right importer. I have … Read moreA Great Spring Wine has Sprung at Costco
Fast facts: 2018 Santa Rita Secret Reserve Red Blend, Maipo Valley, Chile ($10.99 @ Costco, California – Item #623337) While technically a new world blend, I would have pegged this red wine (a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 15% Carignan and 10% Grenache) as an old world wine, possibly French if tasted … Read moreThe Secret’s Out About these Great Chilean Wines from Costco
Going shopping for wine at your local Costco? Well take along this list of the 13 most recent posts that included wines from Costco. In this “case” think of it as your lucky 13! Click on any of the links below for item numbers, tasting notes – and more! 2017 Kirkland Signature Barolo, … Read moreOur Lucky 13 Most Recent Reviews of Costco Wines
Going shopping for wine at your local Trader Joe’s? Well take along this list of the 13 most recent posts that included wines from TJ’s. In this “case” think of it as your lucky 13! All prices shown are based on those in California. Click on any of the links below for tasting notes and … Read moreOur Lucky 13 Most Recent Reviews of Wines from Trader Joe’s