The Story The Kirkland Napa Valley Red Blend 2016 is a $10.99 Costco exclusive, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. That mix of grapes is a Bordeaux Blend and in California is referred to as a Meritage Blend. There is a Meritage organization that promotes and helps develop these grapes and wineries using the Meritage name on the … [Read more...]
Chappellet Mountain Cuvee Proprietor’s Blend 2014
In this podcast episode, the Chappellet Mountain Cuvee Proprietor's Blend 2014 gets a good drinking. What is the Grand Cru of California? Give us a listen and find out! … [Read more...]
Trader Joe’s Reserve Meritage Napa Valley Lot #176 2015
The Trader Joe's Reserve Meritage Napa Valley Lot #176 2015 is a $9.99 Trader Joe's exclusive, it's a Red blend with Merlot as the main grape, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec sourced from vineyards in the Napa Valley of Northern California. The word Meritage is a combination of merit and heritage and it refers to Bordeaux-style wines … [Read more...]
VINTJS Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2016
The VINTJS Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2016 is a $6.99 Trader Joe's exclusive sourced from a vineyard or vineyards in Napa Valley, California. Trader Joe's says this Sauv Blanc came from a well-known Napa winery/vineyard with whom they have had a 10 year relationship. I think I know who that is, but I can't be certain, but the winery in question is known for their Sauvignon … [Read more...]
Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Yountville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
The Trader Joe's Platinum Reserve Yountville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Lot 74 is a $14.99 Trader Joe's exclusive, Yountville is one of the 16 sub-AVA's inside Napa Valley. The typical Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon is a cellar worthy wine that sells for $50 and up, so is this a $50 wine that somehow is priced at $14.99? Trader Joe's doesn't say what vineyards provided … [Read more...]