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!
2020 Kirkland Signature Series, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley, California ($19.99@Costco, California – Item #866663) This week we are featuring a Kirkland Signature Series wine from the “high rent district” of Napa. Although those references may be redundant. Let’s start with some basics here, which may or may not be new information for … Read moreOakville Napa Cab for Under $20? Thanks, Costco!
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: 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
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
Fast facts: 2019 Levesque Estates Reserve Vidal Ice Wine, VQA Niagara On the Lake, Canada ($14.99@Trader Joe’s; California) You may be surprised to learn that Icewine (the anglicanization of the German Eiswein) is the most famous wine produced in Canada. Heck, for all I know, you might be surprised to hear that Canada produces … Read moreSome January Ice (Wine) for Your Enjoyment