Red Alert – Exciting New Platinum Reserve Wine at TJs

Store display of the 2021 Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Saint-Emillion Grand Cru

Fast facts: 2021 Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Saint-Emillion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France ($16.99 @Trader Joe’s, California)   When I meet new people and they learn that I spent three decades – and counting! – in the wine business, they often ask me what my favorite wine is. I quickly qualify the question with: “white wine … Read moreRed Alert – Exciting New Platinum Reserve Wine at TJs

A Big Brooding 95 Point Red to Satisfy Cab Lovers

Costco store display of 2018 Château Bouscassé, Madiran France - 95 points from the reputable Wine Enthusiast y'all

Fast Facts: 2018 Château Bouscassé, Madiran, France ($14.99 @ Costco, California – Item #1053420)   With the exception of their ubiquitous Kirkland Signature Wines, the “wine sets” at Costco stores throughout the U.S. tend to differ based upon the region they are in.  One of the more noticeable differences is that here on the west … Read moreA Big Brooding 95 Point Red to Satisfy Cab Lovers

One Last TJs Wine Pick for your Thanksgiving Table

Front label of the 2021 Upper Eden Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Fast facts: 2021 Upper Eden Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, California  ($12.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since we recommended the 2018 vintage of this wine for your Thanksgiving table.  When we spied it again this year at Trader Joe’s in the run-up to Turkey Day, we … Read moreOne Last TJs Wine Pick for your Thanksgiving Table

T Minus 14 Days to T Day – We Have Some Wine for That!

Front label of the 2022 Valle de Inez Pinot Noir.

Fast facts: 2021 Valle de Inez Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo, CA ($9.99* @ Costco, California – Item #1374624) *Net price after $10 in store discount   It’s hard to believe, but we will be celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States in two short weeks.  Then we’re on the slippery slope to … Read moreT Minus 14 Days to T Day – We Have Some Wine for That!

Our WoW! A Trader Joe’s Triple Threat Delivers the Goods

Store display of 2021 Merlot, Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Lot #123

Fast Facts: 2021 Merlot, Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Lot #123, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, California  ($12.99 @Trader Joe’s in California)   I was really excited to get this wine home and try it. The reason was it had three things going against it. Conversely, this meant this was a wine that had promise … Read moreOur WoW! A Trader Joe’s Triple Threat Delivers the Goods

Think You Don’t Like Pinot Grigio? Think Again!

Costco store display of 2022 Italo Cescon, Pinot Grigio.

Fast Facts: 2022 Italo Cescon, Pinot Grigio, Veneto, Italy ($12.99 @Costco in California – Item #717775)   Since 1957, Italo Cescon has been producing wines in the beautiful region of Veneto, Italy. Today, the family continues to cultivate in the same region to bring that same joy and great taste to the table. The Cescon … Read moreThink You Don’t Like Pinot Grigio? Think Again!

A Whole Lotta Pinot for $12.99 – Introducing TJ’s Lotta #124

Store display for thie 2022 Pinot Noir, Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Lot #124, Willamette Valley, Oregon  $12.99

Fast Facts: 2022 Pinot Noir, Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Lot #124, Willamette Valley, Oregon  ($12.99 @Trader Joe’s in California)   Thirsty Thursday has rolled around again, and it is time for another Wine of the Week (WoW!).  Let’s get started… In a post a few weeks ago, we were railing about how mediocre most Pinot … Read moreA Whole Lotta Pinot for $12.99 – Introducing TJ’s Lotta #124

A KS Bordeaux that Doesn’t Know its Right (Bank) from its Left?

Store display of 2020 Kirkland Signature Saint-Julien

Fast Facts: 2020 Kirkland Signature Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France ($17.99 @Costco in California – Item #1494198)   We were excited to find this new (to us) Bordeaux wine under the Kirkland Signature label last week at our local Costco.  I was eager to get it home, rest it and –  taste it.  Not only because it … Read moreA KS Bordeaux that Doesn’t Know its Right (Bank) from its Left?

There’s Something New and Exciting in the Spanish Wine Section at Trader Joe’s

Front label of the 2015 Trader Joe's Gran Reserva Rioja Lot #120. It's rarity for two reasons. The price and its red label.

Fast Facts: 2015 Trader Joe’s Gran Reserva Rioja Lot #120,  Rioja, Spain ($12.99 @Trader Joe’s in California) A few months back, our Wine of the Week (hereinafter, WoW!) was a Crianza Rioja, also from Trader Joe’s. You have no doubt memorized that review, in case of a pop quiz.  But in case your memory is … Read moreThere’s Something New and Exciting in the Spanish Wine Section at Trader Joe’s

Never Heard of Monastrell? Maybe You Have.

Costco store display of the 2020 Goru Verde Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain - 90 Points for just $7.99

Fast Facts: 2020 Ego Bodegas Goru Verde Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain ($7.99 @Costco in California – Item #1258623)   Let’s start with the basics.  Monastrell is a grape variety.  It’s a deeply bold, smoky red wine found in abundance in Central Spain and Southern France (where it’s known as Mourvèdre) and where it is the “M” … Read moreNever Heard of Monastrell? Maybe You Have.