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
Fast facts: 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Rosé French Fizz, France ($6.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California) 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Blanc French Fizz, France ($6.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California) These wines were really popular when we first reviewed them in May of last year. And they sold out pretty fast. Now they are back, earlier in … Read moreFrench Fizz is Back at TJs!
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!
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
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
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!
Fast facts: 2021 McGregor Winery, The Delicious Monster, South Africa ($5.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) Here is a fun fact that you might not know: in South Africa, the varietal Chenin Blanc is often called Steen. It is synonymous for Chenin Blanc. Impress your friends! I bring this up because the Delicious Monster is a … Read moreIs Trader Joe’s Delicious Monster All That?
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 three short weeks. Then we’re on the slippery slope to … Read moreOur First Wine Pick in our Countdown to TDay
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?!
Fast facts: 2021 Richebois Côtes du Rhône Village, France ($7.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California) Coat do roan villahj. (That is how it’s pronounced.) While you’d be forgiven for thinking that wines labeled simply Côtes du Rhône are synonymous with Côtes du Rhône Village, there is actually a distinct step up in quality in the latter. … Read moreGoats do Roam…