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

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?

Costco’s Substitute Sancerre is a Nice Surprise

Bottle and glass of 2022 Lucien  Raimbault Pineau Exception, Sancerre - as good as it looks!

Fast Facts: 2022 Lucien  Raimbault Pineau Exception, Sancerre, France ($16.99 @Costco in California – Item #1749206)   I’m feeling a bit like the forlorn Jack in a Box on the Island of Misfit Toys as it wails: “we might as well go to bed” when it believes that Santa isn’t coming for them. But then … Read moreCostco’s Substitute Sancerre is a Nice Surprise

Pet Nat Wines are Having a Moment – Wait, What?

2022 Amuse Bouche, Pétillant Naturel, Sparkling White Wine, France ($11.99@ Trader Joe's, California) pictured with Trader Joe's Sea Salted Saddle Potato Crisps ($1.99). Yummy pairing!

Fast facts: 2022 Amuse Bouche, Pétillant Naturel, Sparkling White Wine, France ($11.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California) Sometimes it seems like there is very little new in the wine market. Then something like this comes along.  But it’s actually not very new, after all. Read on… Let’s assume you have never even heard of a Pét-nat … Read morePet Nat Wines are Having a Moment – Wait, What?

Pour. Sip. Repeat. A Refreshing High QPR Rosé from Costco

Front label of the 2021 Kirkland Signature Côtes de Provence Rosé, Provence, France   ($7.99 @Costco in California – Item #1133993) 

Fast Facts: 2022 Kirkland Signature Côtes de Provence Rosé, Provence, France   ($7.99 @Costco in California – Item #1133993)  Another nice price discount from Costco – the 2019 vintage of this wine was $9.99.  A 20% reduction in price, in an era of inflation, is as refreshing as this wine is. But don’t wait if … Read morePour. Sip. Repeat. A Refreshing High QPR Rosé from Costco

A Perennial Favorite from Costco – More French Lessons

Fast Facts: 2020 Kirkland Signature Gigondas, France ($13.99 @Costco in California – Item #11341020)   One of the nice things about Costco’s line of Kirkland Signature wines is not just their incredible QPR, but also their relative price stability in this era where most prices keep ratcheting higher. We have been mining a French wine … Read moreA Perennial Favorite from Costco – More French Lessons

It’s Back, the High QPR KS CdP from Costco – with a Pope angle, no less!

Store display of the 2021 Kirkland Signature Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($19.69 @ Costco, California – Item #777662)

Fast facts: 2021 Kirkland Signature Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($19.69 @ Costco, California – Item #777662)   Among the “old world” offerings bottled under the Kirkland Signature name, this CdP is one of our perennial favorites. It has been around for over a decade, and is consistently good. It is a rare thing to find CdP wines for … Read moreIt’s Back, the High QPR KS CdP from Costco – with a Pope angle, no less!

French Fizz is Back at TJs!

Bottles of 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Rosé French Fizz and 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Blanc French Fizz

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!

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