The Flora and Stone Merlot in 2021 is a $6.99 non-vintage ALDI wine from California. An inexpensive budget supermarket wine normally does not inspire a great deal of confidence. But we recently reviewed the Flora and Stone Gewürztraminer, a $4.99 non-vintage wine, and it was an enjoyable drink. Flora and Stone wines are made by Pacific Bay Vineyards, which seems to be a … [Read more...]
Cocobon Roasted Oak Red Blend
The Cocobon Roasted Oak Red Blend is a non-vintage blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah sourced from vineyards in several California grape growing AVAs. This wine is available at Trader Joe's for $6.99, and it is also available at retail wine shops for a similar price. Cocobon is a brand from The Wine Group, which also sells Benzinger, Cupcake, Concannon, Franzia, … [Read more...]
Apothic Red 2018
The Apothic Red 2018 is one of E & J Gallo's multitude of wine and spirits brands. Gallo was founded in 1933 and is the largest winery in the United States, and is still family-owned. They offer around 80 different wine brands, from Andre's Sparkling wines to single-vineyards high-end wines. Gallo also owns some of the best vineyards in California and routinely wins awards … [Read more...]
Los Vascos Rose 2020
The Los Vascos Rose 2020 is a blend of 60% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Mourvedre sourced from Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)'s Los Vascos estate vineyards in the Colchagua Valley in Chile, located about 25 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Rothschild (Lafite) found this 5,000-acre wine estate in 1988. The Colchagua Valley is in the Coastal Mountain range's … [Read more...]
McBride Sisters Hawke’s Bay Brut Rose
The McBride Sisters Hawke's Bay Brut Rose is a non-vintage blend of 64% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 6% Merlot vineyards located in Hawke's Bay growing region on the North Island in New Zealand. The Pinot Noir and the Chardonnay are iconic grapes used in Champagne wines, so the uncommon addition of Merlot is an interesting choice. The South Island of New Zealand, … [Read more...]