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I knew this would be a fun buy – Organic Prosecco at Costco for $8.99; it’s hard to go wrong.  And this bottle is exactly what you’d expect.  I don’t see much of a reason to go further upstream from here for an every day bubbly. Nice fruit; citrus flavors, apple, pear. Dry finish as expected, very crisp …

Read More about NV Pizzolato Fields Prosecco Brut Organic

I’m happy to see Cambria wines back at Costco.  They seemed to have disappeared from the stores near me for a while.  My first spotting was back in November when I found and reviewed the excellent 2012 Julia’s Vineyard Pinot, which offers big time value for under $20.  This Chardonnay, priced at $16.99, carries that same …

Read More about 2012 Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay

Here’s another great value Spanish bottle that is only $11.99 at Costco.  This one is a bit different of a blend than many of the other high value Spanish wines I’ve been writing about lately. This wine is 85% Syrah and 15% Monastrell.  If you like Syrah with some character, this is the wine for …

Read More about 2012 Alceno Premium 50 Barricas Red Blend

It’s hard to believe this bottle was only $7.99 at Costco.  This is an excellent Spanish Tempranillo at an unbeatable price. Dark, earthy fruit and spice on the nose; loads of dark fruit, blackberry, black cherry, anise, tar, with an extra dry, herbal noted finish.  This wine pours dark into the glass and certainly has …

Read More about 2011 Bodegas Mano a Mano Tempranillo

The 2014 vintage of this wine was exactly as expected – signature New Zealand citrus and grassiness with loads of acidity at a good price ($8.99, consistent with last year).  My review of the 2013 vintage of this wine sums up my feelings this year too. These are nice wines, perfect for summer weather, but …

Read More about 2014 Brancott Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Merlot varietals have not fared well in the U.S. wine drinking circles over the past few decades, so more American winemakers are moving towards merlot-based blends…..just like the French have been doing for hundreds of years.   (As with French Fries/frites and Napoleon pastries,  sometimes the French come up with darn good gastronomical ideas.)   Merlot is …

Read More about 2011 Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend

I had a really cool experience when I was at Costco and purchased this wine.  I encountered a guy scrolling through his iPhone and I just happened to glance at his screen in the hopes I might see him looking at this site, and alas…that’s exactly what happened.  We had a great conversation that followed …

Read More about 2009 Bodega Los Aljibes Vina Aljibes Red Blend

I had mixed feelings going into this wine.  I had heard good things, but was a little doubtful that it wouldn’t deliver much for its $8.50 price tag at Costco.  But long behold, this isn’t a bad wine at all, and it turns out to be a pretty good value buy, particularly if you prefer …

Read More about 2013 Columbia Crest H3 Horse Heaven Hills Chardonnay

10 Italian Wines We Love Looking for some Italian wines to try this Valentine’s Day (and beyond)? Well, it just so happens that we drank a whole lot of vino while researching our recently published book, Decoding Italian Wine. Here are 10 of our favorites, ordered from least expensive to priciest. We hope you enjoy them …

Read More about 10 Italian Wines We Enjoyed While Researching Our Italian Wine Book

The Frescobaldi Nipozzano is one of my go-to bottles, versatile for almost any occasion, and a real treat for only $18.99 at Costco.  I’ve enjoyed many of Frescobaldi’s wines over the years.  They make some excellent wines at the high and low ends, and they are generally a good name to remember when perusing any …

Read More about 2010 Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva