2020 KS WV PN

Classy new 2020 Kirkland Signature Pinot Noir lablel, from Willamette Valley, Oregon via Costco

Fast facts: 2020 Kirkland Signature Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($12.99 @ Costco, California – Item #975274) No, that subject line is not a recently-spied vanity license plate on the highways here in SoCal.  It is short hand for this week’s featured wine from the PNW.  (Shorthand for the Pacific Northwest, aka the “other” west … Read more2020 KS WV PN

Our Lucky 13 Most Recent Reviews of Wines from Trader Joe’s – Updated!

Front of a Trader Joe's store.

  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 … Read moreOur Lucky 13 Most Recent Reviews of Wines from Trader Joe’s – Updated!

Our Lucky 13 Most Recent Reviews of Costco Wines – Updated!

Photo of front of a Costco store

  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…   2021 Kirkland Signature Malbec, … Read moreOur Lucky 13 Most Recent Reviews of Costco Wines – Updated!

A Whole Lotta Malbec for $6.99 at Costco

2021 Kirkland Signature Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ($6.99 @ Costco, California – Item #1239144)

Fast facts: 2021 Kirkland Signature Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ($6.99 @ Costco, California – Item #1239144)   See that 90 prominently displayed on the neck foil of this Kirkland Signature Malbec?  That was awarded by the critic James Suckling. I am not a slave to others reviews and point systems (heck, I almost always have to … Read moreA Whole Lotta Malbec for $6.99 at Costco

A “Cheap and Cheery” White Wine from Traders Joe’s – Bring on Spring!

Store display of the 2021 La Granja 360 Verdejo Viura at Trader Joe's

Fast facts: 2021 La Granja 360 Verdejo Viura $5.49 (@Trader Joe’s; California)   Where does the time go? We last reviewed the 2016 vintage of this wine in 2018.  Like everything else, the price has gone up quite a bit since them.  Back then it was priced at a rather ridiculous (in retrospect) $3.49.  But … Read moreA “Cheap and Cheery” White Wine from Traders Joe’s – Bring on Spring!

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

Giving Organic Wine a Good Name

Trader Joe's store display of 2021 Domaine Bousquet Malbec, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Argentina - 100% organic. 100% delicious.

Fast facts: 2021 Domaine Bousquet Malbec, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Argentina ($8.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California)   There was a time when seeing the word “organic” was a warning sign.  Not so long ago organic wines, were – in a word – funky. Not in a good way.  All that has changed now, especially for this particular … Read moreGiving Organic Wine a Good Name

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!

Bingo! Wine Stalking Pays Off at TJ’s

Front label of the 2020 Les Sommets Liès Corbières, France - a mere $6.99 @Trader Joe’s

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

It’s Back, and it’s As Good as Ever – KS Toscana 2019

Front label of Kirkland Signature 2019 Toscana

Fast facts: 2019 Kirkland Signature Toscana IGT, Italy ($14.99 @Costco; California – Product #1181768)   Our reviews of this “Super Tuscan” wine date back to the 2016 vintage, and this one represents our third visitation.  It remains one of our perennial favorites bottled under the Kirkland Signature label.  But it depletes quickly, so do what … Read moreIt’s Back, and it’s As Good as Ever – KS Toscana 2019