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Winery: Chateau Montelena Wine: Calistoga Zinfandel Costco Notes: The woodsy, briary character of old vine Zinfandel is quite prominent but with time unmasks beautiful notes of lavender, cassis, and fresh mint.  Supple tannins are present throughout the amble between earthiness and minerality. Left Coast Tasting Notes: Color:  Medium to light ruby color, a little lighter …

Read More about Chateau Montelena Calistoga Zinfandel

This is always a popular Kirkland bottle among readers, and a wine we generally have enjoyed as well. It’s arriving a little late this year at least in the stores around us. It usually comes in around spring time according to our tracking. The price has stayed consistent at $9.99 which is great news. This …

Read More about 2018 Kirkland Signature Sonoma County Old Vine Zinfandel

Here’s another interesting Costco wine find – a single vineyard Cabernet Franc from Mendoza, Argentina. This wine also appeared in Wine Enthusiast’s 2019 list of “Top 100 Cellar Selections” (in spot #88, recommendation to drink until 2030) and the outlet rated the wine a nice 92 points. Suckling also went 93 points on it.  Retail …

Read More about 2017 Lamadrid Cabernet Franc Reserva

Here’s an interesting red blend from the Jumilla region of Spain.  It was $9.99 and the Costco placard displayed a nice 93 point rating from Wine Spectator.  I love Spanish wine, so why not give it a shot? The blend is 80% Monastrell, 15% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon; retail price seems to be closer …

Read More about 2017 Ego Bodegas Goru Gold Red Blend Jumilla

Here’s a name you might know (Gerard Bertrand) but a region you might not (Tautavel). This makes for an interesting combo to explore. I first purchased this wine last year from Wine.com for $16, which was also my first experience with a wine from Tautavel, and I really enjoyed it.  You’re always pretty safe in …

Read More about 2017 Gerard Bertrand Tautavel Grand Terroir

There are a lot of places throughout Europe to find good red wine values.  A few of my go to’s are Rioja/Ribera/Toro in Spain, Chianti/Barbera in Italy, Rhone/Cru Beaujolais in France. And Portuguese wines definitely fit the bill. They consistently overdeliver at very reasonable price points. The challenge is that they just aren’t prevalent enough.  …

Read More about 2013 Casa de Santar Reserva Red Blend Portugal