Please use comments here to alert everyone to interesting wines you’ve seen at which stores, but which have not yet been reviewed. Please post any tasting notes in Guest Contributions, or as a comment on a main-page review, as comments here older than six weeks or so will be deleted.
You can check out what reviewers have at home to review at this sub-blog:
The magical world of wines from Grocery Outlet 
The Olympia store has a small amount of Canoe Ridge 2013 Limited Edition Malbec for $6.98. I didn’t find a lot of info on this wine, other than it seems to be a tasting room only offering (at $42). I’ve stocked up on a number of finds from CR at GO over the years and hoped this one would be another winner, but I didn’t end up liking it much. A little thin, with grapey and red cherry flavors predominant on opening. The next day it was better, but still not tasty enough for me to want more. All the more sad because this is the first wine I’ve seen up here in months that intrigued me at all.
Hmmm… was 5.99 at SODO
Some GO wine reviews from everyone’s favorite wine blogger: https://soifknows.com/2019/03/04/go-night-2/?fbclid=IwAR1xaCdvCGqUEgxxumNVC6Le6eAQLb004wiEoUloEhRMI_y6weNRK8RcFOU
Thanks, although it seems he didn’t find much to like. I rather liked the Solopaca Classico, but back when I tried it, it was definitely a drink-in-one-night kind of wine, so maybe it’s since gone over the edge.
At the Richmond store today, there were a number of interesting new wines from Italian producer Collavini, all Friuli Colli Orientali DOC: a 2015 Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso (a red grape) for $6, and two $10 whites, the 2016 “Turian,” a Ribolla Gialla, and the 2015 “Broy,” a blend of Friulano, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. There was also the regular bottling of Collavini Ribolla Gialla, for $5, I think, and I don’t recall the vintage.
That regular bottling of Ribolla has been around a while. I bought a bottle of the Turian because I love that varietal but have not tried it yet. Maybe tonight.
I like the Turian. It is fresh tasting, varietally correct, nicely balanced.
I visited the Alameda store Friday. It has a good selection of the Terres Secretes white Burgundies I’ve only seen at Richmond, and, what looked like a new wine, a Loire Valley Bourgueil rose (cab franc-based). Lovely wine that started a bit simple but with air it filled out with cherry and strawberry fruit and just enough acid and tannin to make my lips smack.
Hi Seedboy. Thanks for the report on the Alameda store. I have been meaning to visit since it opened last September (I think). Also, thanks for mentioning the Bourgueil rosé. I was very excited when I read “Bourgueil” and let down when I read “rosé,” but I’m still definitely interested. Do you recall the vintage?
I think it was 2017.
The rose is still there, and it is entirely possible I’m the only person buying it.
Hi Seedboy. Apparently you have not been the only one buying it. I finally made it to the Alameda store this afternoon and could not find it. I did, however, get a bottle of a Sicilian rose about which I have been curious, and a bottle of the Terres Secretes 2016 Macon Frise. In reds, there was a 2010 Zin in a heavy bottle that looked interesting until I saw only “bottled by…” (I was hoping for “Produced and bottled by…”) on the back label, but that’s it.
I bought a bottle of that zin. It was corked. What peeked up over the wet cardboard was bright berry fruit. I might see if I can exchange, can’t find the receipt.
I finally got a bottle of the Bourgueil rose. There were two at the Oakland store on the top of the shelves where they put things of which they have only small amounts. it was interesting (as you say, 100% Cabernet Franc) and tasty, very smooth and on the elegant side, nice dry flavors of watermelon, quince jelly, and the usual “red berries.”
BW, or anybody else out there, have you seen the Divum Pinot Noir Reserve Monterey? Oakland sold out in a hurry, and Petaluma told me that it was all gone by the time they saw the order guide. Nice pinot for $7 or $8.
I went to Richmond Monday and Oakland Tuesday. Haven’t seen it.
Re: Divum – saw the Chard in Napa, and brought a bottle home. Solid stuff, on par with the likes of the Cuvaison and LaFollette chards…will rebuy if I see it.
Saw both the Divum Pinot and Chard in Milpitas on Friday. Good stuff.
Went there to buy several more 2013 Beringer Napa Merlot Regional Estates ($8) and also picked up a 2010 Consejo de la Alta Rioja Riserva ($10) that I’ll be buying more of.
Thanks for the lead on the 2010 Consejo de la Alta Rioja Riserva ($10). Found 2 cases in the Oceanside GO. Tried one last Friday with BBQ porterhouse steak and went back the next day for a case.
Anyone see a Malbec, Don Juan Nahuel 2014 from Cielo Y Tierra (Mendoza)? I bought a bottle in San Luis Obispo based purely on production quality of the label/bottle and you can judge a book by its cover sometimes. It’s quite good and reading up on it, it seems like a legit wine. Also, anyone come across Chateau Carcanieux Medoc 2010? It’s a Cru Bourgeois and it’s exactly the style of wine I like. Classic French – earthy, dry fruit. It was a steal at $7 in San Luis. Looks like it was a Costco deal that some distributor must have had to dump. I bought the small remnant at the SLO store. Curious if these showed up anywhere else.
That 2010 Medoc is still available at the Richmond California store. I have bought a number of bottles. Right now the Richmond store is probably the best I know of for wine, they somehow seem to get larger amounts of the good wines and have them longer.
That’s good to know. Next trip to the Bay Area/Lafayette I’ll make a field trip. I take it you like that Medoc?
I thought that Medoc was quite good for $7, too. I got one more bottle to give a little more bottle age, so maybe this summer?
I wish more of that Medoc were around. Nice wine.
I have been looking for that Bdx. since Expat mentioned it but wasn’t willing to travel to the East Bay to Richmond. I guess I should have. Even visited the Reno Lemmon GO to see if they had any since they have had a library of GO Bdx. before. Also saw there the Soldier of Misfortune PN with a sales sign: Was $9.99, now $4.49.
I got the last few bottles of the Ch Carcanieux I could find in North County (San Diego). Wish there was more.
Not seeing the nice wine glasses at Mira Mesa here in San Diego nor the French wines mentioned. Only pickup as of late was the wine I wrote up on the home page but one year newer, a 2016. I broke open a box to try it so I think it just came in. It is much better in every way and I recommend it if you like a medium bodied, slightly fruitier Pinot with a touch of oak and earth. For $5.99, it’s as good as a deal as there is for Pinot in the store currently and compares favorably with past Pinot deals. Recommended.
Couple of notes on the wine re-tasting it today. It stands up just fine after closed with a vacuum stopper overnight. Like the 2015, it takes some work in the mouth to get that fruit out but what is here is many levels deeper with to me, a touch of oak. There is very little earthiness in the wine so if pinot funk is your thing, you won’t find it here. For a straightforward, approachable, nicely bodied pinot with no faults aside from a lack of finish, try it.
Do you mean The Fog?
I do – apologies.
Thank you, Seedboy, for pointing out the Schott Zwiesel glasses, and to zoel for further recommending them. They showed up at the Springfield GO store in the southern Willamette Valley; the price is about what I would expect to see on decent wine glasses at St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores. They were not exactly displayed, but hidden in the bottome housewares shelf, and I would never has seen them without the heads up. I bought twelve each of the white and burgundy glasses, to keep ahead of the breakage of glasses we’ve had for many years (including a spectacular fall for a Reidel glass from an upper shelf just the other day, shards of glass on the kitchen floor and counters from one end to the other).
I just picked up a box of the white wine glasses at the downtown San Diego store-$12. There was only white wine only, though, didn’t see any other styles. The glasses have some heft to them and are meant to be everyday glasses, but for the price I think they are worth it. I really don’t NEED more wine glasses but when I saw these normally go for around $40 or so I figured why not?
What is new is lots of white Burgundy at the Richmond store. All but one are from the Terres Secretes label, which does not appear to have much distribution in the US. Two wines that give real bang for your buck are 2016 Macon Prisse and Macon Verze, both $5.99 and nice honest wines with clear flavors and no detectable oak. From other makers, wines from these villages cost $30 or more.
At the opposite end is a very nice Pouilly Fuisse that is a jump up in complexity and intensity, for $18.99. There are others as well. I think the one I did not care much for was a Saint Aubin. I saw a few bottles of one of the wines at the Oakland store.
The Saint Veran is quite good. 2015. The label is all in French.
My, these boards are quiet…here’s a winner – a slew of RD Wines (Napa) hit the SRosa store. Just by the bottles, you can tell these are pricey wines (heavy bottles, deep punt, etc.). Not much on the winery, except it is owned by a Vietnamese entrepreneur, with several vintages of Cab, Merlot, and Syrah. Pricey for GO ($20 for the Cabs, Merlots, $10 for Syrah), but cheap vs. retail comps. I bought some of the Cab reserve ’14, Merlot, and Syrah reserve ’14. Each is very competent wine, worthy of the GO pricetag and then some. Cabs and Merlot at $20 are a bit steep for my everyday drinking but I bought a few for nice times…each is on par with $40-$50 counterparts in Napa. The Syrah at $10 is a no-brainer (if you like Napa syrah – a bit higher-pitched/less-peppery than most Sonoma bottles), grabbed a case of these. Looks like plenty is available,
Wowza – thanks! I’ll keep my eyes open for the syrah!
I saw these in San Luis Obispo and considered it but SOIF’s review of the merlot scared me off for now. If I read a few good reviews of one of them I might take a chance but right now I’m pretty gun shy.
https://soifknows.com/2018/12/28/long-dong-merlot/
Re:RD Merlot – had not seen that prior…methinks I had the ‘14, not the’11. But this is a really f-ed up review. I often discount the SOIF reviews as he just tries to raise hackles (and get views). The Merlot I drank was nothing like his review…nothing.
SOIF is very bombastic but his reviews are often accurate. I like his taste in wine generally. Sometimes he tees off on a wine (esp GO wine) excessively, I admit, but if he hates it I probably won’t like it. Curious if your vintage was different and if anyone can report on the other RD wines.
Expat, SOIF similes sometimes tee me off, but he is correct in is eval of this Merlot. It is drek. The wine comes out of the bottle gassy which isn’t a good indicator. I generally overlook gas in Pinots and red Burgundy, but secondary fermentation in a bottle of Merlot could be a no no. Well the nose was of raisin and prune in a candyish way. I am not going to bother with descriptors of the flavor. Will try to return if I feel like driving 40 or so miles. Also had the 2013 “99” Merlot next to the 2011 Merlot and it is a sound wine, but not a rebuy or my cup of tea especially at $20/btl. With this RD curiosity, I have killed a few cats. For me there was too much barrel in the nose and not enough varietal aromas. The flavor was of oak as well. I think too many wine drinkers think new oak is the character of Merlot and CS. I accidentally opened my daughter’s and son-in law’s 2013 half bottle of Rubicon, being out of touch with latter day Inglenook, and then proceeded to look up the wine because there wasn’t much CS there and not much of a wine to me. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, people pay $80 for a half bottle of this stuff. We are, at least I am, spoiled by the gems we find at GO.
I remember disagreeing with some of SOIF reviews. I have this bottle of 2011 Merlot “77” and bought it because it is older than the other offerings from RD. The early vintages such as this 2011 and 2010 are “cellared and bottled by” and not “produced and bottled by” found in later vintages. So whoever bought the 2011 Merlot juice from some other winery might not have bought well if the wine is as poor the SOIF guy says. Will report back after I have dinner with it, among others from RD.
I just checked – I tasted the ‘15. I would rate the Merlot in the low 90s…the reserve Syrah in the 92-93 range.
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon ’99 Grand Cru Reserve’ was well worth the $20 ($75 MSRP). Wouldn’t put it at 93, but maybe 91-92. Sometimes SOIF is dead-on, sometimes his praises and criticisms mystify me.
I enjoy reading Stephen’s wine reviews and generally agree with his evaluations if I’ve tasted the wine. He also has a food blog that specializes in central coast tacos, and is very active on Facebook and Instagram.
Great to hear feedback on the RD stuff. I think I might try the Cab if it’s well done. I like a good napa cab. SOIF/Stephen’s food blog is very helpful for me here on the Central Coast. Overall it’s a good guide. His taco list is very useful if you live around here or are passing through. The one recent comment he made that was a bit patronizing and inaccurate was mention of light roast coffee being the only legit coffee, which is nonsense. This love affair with acid bomb, thin bodied, light roast coffees is mostly a product of the tatted up hipsters who’ve been in the business 5 minutes telling everyone what they should think. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not anti light roast. All roasts levels are a legitimate expression of the bean, although not necessarily appealing to everyone’s tastes. Pardon my digression.
He is very opinionated. Believes there is only one proper color for rose, for instance. He does know his tacos.
What wine goes with tacos?
What wine with tacos? We’re in Cali, man…depends on what is in the taco! For standard ground beef tacos, I like syrah or zin to offset the spices. Can go very fruit-forward cab or petite as well. For fish tacos, the typical match would be a rhone white (roussane for me), but the surprise choice would be a sparkling (Prosecco or Cali) to offset the fried fish. For chicken tacos, I go Pinot Noir, so long as the jalapeno is under control…otherwise, see spicy beef above. All matches work just as well with other Mex or Tex-Mex variants.
Tried both the RD 2014 “77” and “99” syrahs. The numbers represent a vineyard or blend, I think. The “99” is a Grand Cru Reserve designation. The 77 had more acid and a more distinctive flavor, being more of the grape while the 99 saw more wood and was lower in acid and round in the mouth. No real preference on my part, but with $4 IO GSM and Syrah in the cellar, I won’t purchase any.
Darrell – you mention the $4 IO GSM and Syrah – are these the old KJ “IO” brand out of Central Coast? If so, where are they (and has anyone else seen them?). KJ (Jackson Family Wines) discontinued the IO brand in 2012 due to poor sales…but it is fab wine, really top notch Rhones made by Jonathan Nagy (also a maestro at PN). I still have some ’04 and ’05 in my cellar.
Zoel, I forgot to mention to newcomers that these were bought 5 years ago and like you, I still have some, both GSM and Syrah, and is the reason I don’t have to purchase a $10 bottle of Syrah. The Syrah was $6 a bottle.
I also still have some of those, and also the Grenache. I also have a couple of other random cases of Syrah purchased at the GO. I tried one of these RD Syrahs and it was nicely made but for $10 a bottle I will spend my money elsewhere.
Ah, yes, your timing sounds about right. I bought 7-8 cs of the IO syrah, was my house wine and gift wine for several years. The best was the White Hawk reserve syrah, still have 2-3 left. Also loved the Grenache as did you. Jonathan and his wife are now bottling their own PN, I should convince him to go Rhone again!
This is not about wine, exactly, but so close I put it here. Some of the stores have Schott Zwiesel wine glasses, $12 – $16 per box of 6. These are nice glasses that usually sell for $10 or more a stem. Not sure why they are at GO.
Wow – Schott Z glasses on discount is a big deal. These are titanium-reinforced, which may sound like a gimmick, but it really works. Several brands out there, but S-Z is the best of them. They are shatter-resistant – about 10X more durable than Riedel or others. I’ve bounced them off the floor and banged against the sink without damage (sometimes – and other times, crack). Highly recommended glassware.
Zoel, are the Schott Z glasses in SRosa? It might give the incentive to investigate those RD wines.
Just visited SRosa today, 3 different glasses offered…Burgundy, White, and general. Priced $12, which is a steal. I went for the whites (“Diva”), good for most vino. These are excellent glasses – up your stems!
Picked up 12 in Sunnyvale, but they weren’t on the floor yet. Called and the manager set them aside for me. They are the white wine glasses. Not sure if other stores have the red.
My guess is the S-Z crystal wine glasses are a closeout of a line of glasses. Can’t find these lines in cookware and dining ware stores, but other lines instead. These can be found on Amazon though. I went to stores in the North Bay and found just three lines; Mondial All Purpose White Wine Glass, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CJU0Y0/ref=twister_B01MURE24E?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1; Audience Burgundy Red Wine Glass, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E6O0ZCY/ref=twister_B00KESQH82?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1; and the Diva Claret Goblet, https://www.amazon.com/Schott-Zwiesel-Crystal-Stemware-Collection/dp/B00284AIOO?th=1 . I bought the Diva since it was more of a traditional shape and rejected the other two. I was hoping for the Burgundy glass to be a more traditional bowl shape.
Ironically, I just picked up 4 SZ stems at the going out of business sale at the already-missed The Mrs Cooks in Seattle just before Christmas–7 dollars a glass, which I thought was a steal. But I trawled the Seattle area GOs to see what was there. None to be found at Lake City, MLK, and Aurora. Mondial and Diva at Crown Hill, Mondial and Audience at Kenmore and SODO.
I agree with Darrell that the Diva is the pick of the lot. Both the Mondial and Audience have the same bowl shape, a wide lotus flower shape that starts narrow, bulges out, and then curves in at the top. I prefer the tulip shape of the Diva. Also, while the Mondial says on the box that it is a white wine glass, it only holds eight ounces. That would translate to a two or three ounce pour, which I think a bit low. They might work for port or sherry or liqueur, though. Also, the Mondial and Audience have shorter stems than the Diva, so if you want to wash them in the diswasher and your won’t accommodate taller stems, they might work for you.
After a long dry spell, I’m finally allowed to enjoy wine again. Unfortunately, our local GOs in Seattle didn’t have a lot to tempt me. I did pickup two whites: Pebble Row Marlborough NZ Sauvignon Blanc, 2016 (6.99), and Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier, 2014 (4.99). The Pebble Row was frankly a disappointment. It started off okay, with an initial blast of lemony acidity, but no mid-palate to speak of, and no real varietal character in the nose or on the palate. I’ve generally been quite happy with the New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs that end up at GO, but this one is not a re-buy at any price, especially not at 6.99. The Pine Ridge I am more optimistic about. I’ve enjoyed that wine over the years as a nice all-purpose sipper that is food friendly, too. It’s not terribly expensive elsewhere–I think it usually retails for a bit over a ten spot–but at 4.99, if it’s sound, it’ll be a good buy.
The Pine Ridge wine is great. If you see any wines by Bibi Graetz buy them, the white is a blend dominated by Vermentino that is really lovely. The two red wines are both good.
I’m loving the Pine Ridge – just the type of white that I like! Thanks for sharing. These will be part of holiday wine gift packs for sure.
I finally picked up the Pine Ridge – and really like it. In Los Angeles it’s just $3.99 which is a steal for wine that, to me, dances in my mouth. My husband is a heavy chard kind of guy so he thought it was okay but not a repeat buy for him. But I like it heaps and may rebuy just for me. (Hah!)
The one wine we both agreed on was the 2106 Braveheart Chardonnay, At $3.99 a very good everyday chardonnay. Not perfect but for $3.99 very nice and with far more complexity than the $3.99 wines at get at Ralph’s aka Giant Eagle aka Kroger.
https://www.vivino.com/braveheart-au-chardonnay/w/5509513
http://www.tastings.com/Wine-Review/Braveheart-2016-Chardonnay-South-Eastern-Australia-Australia-10-15-2017.aspx
3 wines I’ve liked lately that you still might find.
Mar vel ous Red Bordeaux Blend Western Cape South Africa 2016 $3.99 Oakland. Nice Bo
Do blend, soft and easy to drink but with enough acid to go well with food. this is another result of the collapse of theTerroir group (I keep on wondering when Wind Gap wines will end up at the GO).
Chateau Carcanieux Medoc Cru Bourgeois 2010, Alameda, $6.99 or thereabouts. This is quite a bit better than most GO Bo Do. Good body,. balanced, stayed fresh open three days.
Dordo Barolo Gabutti 2012, $19.99, Alameda. This is a real Barolo, made in an early-drinking style. If I had an Italian restaurant I’d buy cases of this for a by the glass program.
Thanks for recommending these. I picked up the first two in Mira Mesa. Unfortunately, my bo do was corked through and through, first seen on intrusion with wine all the way up and upon first smell. It was exchanged and I haven’t opened another one.
The Mar vel ous is really fun and a nice cab franc-dominated blend but the finish is a total let down and it’s a bit thin. I found it rough around the edges on first pour so I’m decanting it as we speak to see if it’ll round out and soften a touch, knowing that the body and and finish likely won’t change. This would be fantastic wine if it weren’t completely let down on the finish.
Interesting. I opened a bottle of the bo do that was corked but I think you and I use that word different ways. By “corked” I mean that the cork was contaminated with TCA, which makes the wine taste either flat, or, like wet cardboard. There is no way to tell by looking at the cork that it is contaminated. I think you are using “corked” differently, to indicate that the cork had leaked, which could lead to premature oxidation.
Apologies if I’ve caused confusion due to my wine terminology illiteracy! All I meant to say is the cork had leaked and the wine had gone bad 😉
No need to apologize. I’m sorry the wine did not work out for you. Oakland had some of this over the weekend and I exchanged my bad bottle for one I hope will drink like the first one I opened.
Picked up one bottle in Oceanside and fortunately it was a good one. This is exactly the kind of wine that keeps me coming back to Grocery Outlet.
OK – here are a couple of winners:
#1 Buy from Sale – unique to the new Cloverdale store (local buyout of all 100 ca) – ‘11 & ‘15 Bertapelle Home Ranch Zin. Small producer from Russian River. Both $10, list $36+. Big,balanced fruit-forward zin, high in alc (esp’15) but superbly made. My fav GO zin since the Chase closeout years ago…bought 2 cases.
‘15 Vino Godfather Petite Syrah – $7 , list $40. Well made Lodi PS (well-known winemaker, can’t remember who). Found it solid and tasty, not shy (Lodi) but a great quaffer. Good contrast to the Argonaut Lick Ranch,which I also grabbed a few more bottles.
‘13? Jackson Merlot – only seen at the SRosa store, in a sleek silver label at $7; this is the Jackson select series, a major step up from their standard (misnamed) Reserve stuff, and meant to fill the $20-$40 price gap between the generic stuff and high-end Spire wines. Damn, this is a fine Merlot, with tons of character. Dare you to find a better Merlot under $35 anywhere. Will age as well…somewhat limited.
‘14 Arbor Crest Malbec and Meritage ($7) – liked the Malbec a lot, lovely vino. Meritage a bit lacking, touch flabbly – I went back and got 6 Malbecs.
This sale seems to be consistent with the recent patterns in wine availability at Grocery Outlets, namely, that the Pacific Northwest and California now get almost entirely different collections of wine, except of course for the large number of ‘push’ wines. I suppose this is inevitable with the expansion of the chain, and certainly reduces transaction costs in supplying stores. Still, it does limit the value of sites like this, unfortunately.
The other observation is that this wine sale has had fewer wines of interest than any I can remember, at least here in the PNW. The Robert Ramsay wines are the only ones widely seen here that fit the older pattern of wines at a higher price point and/or wines from small or renowned wineries being offered during the sale. And, not surprisingly, the Syrah–which may well be the best of the lot–has flown out the door, leaving plenty of Pra Vinera and Indigo Eyes for those late to the party. (And yes, I expect to see the Robert Ramsay Syrah as a $15 wine by the glass at some Seattle cafes…)
Some of the stores have a number of wines by Bibi Graetz, a well-known Tuscan producer. One is a 2013 Chianti for $5.99 or $6.99 (all prices before discount). I have not tried this wine but a friend I trust has and reports that it shows bottle variation but quality.
Another wine is called It’s a Game, $6.99. This is from 2014, which was a hot vintage in Tuscany. I have seen inconsistent reports on what this is. One is that it is 100% Sangiovese. Another is that it is Cab Franc, Syrah and Sangiovese. I think the latter. This is a nice energetic medium-bodied wine with nice cherry fruit, some tobacco, good acidity. I am buying a few bottles of this for short-term drinking.
Lastly, Casamatta, a non-vintage white wine, $3.99. This is a blend with a lot of Vermentino in it. If you liked the Tendu white you will like this. Even though I have a glut of GO white wine that needs drinking I’ve bought some of this.
These latter two wines are at Oakland but they might still be in the back.
One other wine seen there is Paradise View Tolay Sonoma Coast 2009. This is a blend and I’m not sure of what. Pleasant, easy drinking, would have been nice to have some of this for BBQ season but it would probably be pleasing with Thanksgiving dinner. $3.99.
The Santa Rosa store buys some wines directly from wineries, as does Petaluma. Most buy only from the GO buying guide. I’d love to find some of that Cloverdale zin.
Agree it is a decent buy for the discounted price. But after trying I thought there were better Italian options in the sale, e.g. Barbera di Monferrato.
This comment in reply to Expat below re: Gabbiano Chianti Classico.
Agreed on all comments re: the Gabbiano, having finally popped on for pizza night. I do much prefer it to the Nobilissisma and the other Chianti discussed this Summer/Fall. It’s more integrated beginning to end with sweeter, riper fruit and less harsh around the edges. It’s not a great Chianti Classico but it’s definitely worth its price.
Looking for PreSale input on any of the following:
’10 Jean Berteau Cotes du Rhone Reserve…$7 (vs. $14)
’10 Ch de la Grande Gardiole Chat-du-Pape….didn’t see a price tag
’17 Ch Bertineau Lalande de Pomerol….$15 (vs. $35)
Thanks in advance…
I had the Chat du Pape, $21.99 pre-sale price. I liked it but I like old world wines. I can’t say it blew me away but for $16 I think it’s great. Those at my tasting event who like domestic/bigger/sweeter/softer wines didn’t like it at all
I have not seen the CdP, but the Berteau is in several stores on the SF Peninsula. Have not tried the CdR Reserve but am curious, if anyone has tried it please advise.
Has anyone seen, tried, or heard of Ch. Condat, (purportedly) St Emilion Grand Cru? I checked the official Grand Cru list for St. Emilion and this property is not listed. $25 pre-sale, 93 Wine Enthusiast (a publication I tend to shy away from), I grabbed two bottles on sale but am tempted to return them now having found the classification may be fraudulent. Any input welcome.
The Ch Bertineau Lalande de Pomeral is pretty good, had it with dinner. Finished it a couple of days later, it seemed to have become blander, but not bad. At the same $12.80 sale price, I thought the 2015 Chevalier de Saby Saint Emillion was at least as good the first day, held up better on the second.
I have seen these wines but did not bite as I am skeptical of Bordeaux I find at GO; e.g. have you seen the Chateau Condat, St. Emilion Grand Cru says the label. My online research did not find this chateau listed among the 40+ Grand Cru on the official St. Emilion website. Sale price of $19.99. Again, I did not bite. If anyone has experience with this wine I am curious if it lives up to the purported pedigree.
I think it is legit, and found it at GO in Mission, San Francisco. Was reviewed by Wine Enthusiast in May, and they quoted a price of $74 (!). https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-condat-2015-saint-emilion/
I wonder whether you are confusing St. Emilion Grande Cru Classe with St. Emilion Grande Cru, which is pretty understandable. The former is a permanent classification of St. Emilion wines while the latter varies from one year to the next. I don;t know why they do this but they have been doing it longer than I have been drinking wine.
That Cotes du Rhone is unremarkable and in particular is shy of acid.
PreSale Note: Found a lot of Nordby Vineyards “Il Re” 08 Reserve Cab at SRosa $7 (list $36) from Red Hills, looked promising. Popped it last night – not so good…both the wife and I passed on it, even after a decant. Methinks this suffers from smoke taint, which did hit that area in 2008. Strong pass, unless unusual bottle variation.
Thanks…saw this in Escondido this morning and was tempted. I love finding the old stuff. Will pass.
I thought enough of the Nordby to finish the bottle, but it is not on my list for more.
Anything else interesting there or anything else in San Diego? There’s another poster here, Doug Green, who often comments on the SD Area…
I’m thinking about picking up a few bottles of the Gabbiano Chianti that is in most SD stores. Had a very good experience with them last time (a long time ago) when GO had magnums of Gabbiano for $5 or $6/bottle and I grabbed two cases!
I thought the Gabbiano was decent but for a Classico I expected more. For the price a decent buy.
You might have had a bad bottle. Like Seedboy, I thought it was decent but not a re-buy.
2015 Château d’Aqueria Tavel, this wine has been around a bit, I think I paid $5.99 for it. Those in the know know this is a rose, and a couple of years behind vintage. Good quality southern French rose. Inconsistent cellartracker reviews. If I wanted to buy a few bottles of rose I’d consider it. https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2371190&searchId=4C20B3F4%23selected%253DW2956457_1_K14ef1a694f757e2da4d4aa8fed9f5cc6
Just opened a bottle to try…certainly seems to be a classic Tavel rose. Has a classic slightly bitter aftertaste. Not really for sipping like most rose wines but will certainly stand up to the baby back ribs and Cesar salad we’re having for dinner which most roses wouldn’t be able to do. Found my bottle in the Point Loma store (San Diego).
Reporting in from Burbank, CA (SoCal)
They are clearly stocking up for the sale, the front part of the store has been rearranged to allow cases of wine to be stacked where they normally have seasonal stuff.
Hooray! They finally had the “Once and it’s gone” Pinot Noir and I grabbed a bottle to give as a fun gift. They had additional cases of it in the “seasonal” area,
They had cases (finally!) of the Woodwork chardonnay 2015 and I grabbed one (case, not bottle). Still 3.99 per bottle but well worth it if you like oak.
They finally had Long Barn Chardonnay back, but the 2017 (not 2016) vintage and, $4.99 a bottle versus the old 3.99. Still, it had been great everyday treat so I bought one, chilled it, tasted it and? Nope. Very light and almost sweet – not nearly as creamy and oaky as the 2016. I will no longer yearn.
They had a new $3.99 chardonnay that looked interesting (per the label) but I did not buy any, wanted to look it up first. Succulent Chardonnay and it looks like it will fit the house palate. I’ll pick up a bottle the next trip.
https://www.tastings.com/Wine-Review/Succulent-Vineyards-2015-Chardonnay-California-USA-06-18-2017.aspx
https://www.vivino.com/succulent-chardonnay/w/5822177?year=2015
Lastly, another one that I think is a wine.com leftover – Blazon Pint Noir. $3.99 The description interested me enough to write to down and now? I think I need to pick up a bottle to try!
https://www.wine.com/product/blazon-pinot-noir-2016/507175
https://www.vivino.com/blazon-pinot-noir/w/1469268?year=2016
Cheers! : )
Maraia Barbera Marchese di Barolo 2015, Richmond store, $4.99 or less. This is a very good Barbera, nicely balanced, a bit more tannin than you’d want for a quaffing wine but built for food. This one can go a couple of years and you’ll be glad you bought a few of these.
I had it last night very good. Nice winter wine
I agree this is a buy; true to the varietal, without noticeable flaws, good fruit with a bit of grip in the finish suggesting it will stay true to form for the next year or more. At $4, less 20% it was, for me, worth a case purchase to become my pizza/pasta wine. Tried out with pesto pasta with fresh Italian zucchini from my yard, perfect match. A good buy at twice the price.
Also found Folinari 2015 Chianti (rising tide vintage) at $3, less 20%, to be legit table wine Sangiovese, albeit lighter bodied. Still, well made for a high volume bottling.
Domaine des Cantarelles Viognier 2014 bought at Richmond for $5 or less. Robert Karcher Selection grown between Nimes and Arles. This wine is really nice, Viognier from California is almost always too fruity for me but this is really nicely balanced with good acid and minerality.
Several wines from Robert Ramsay (Woodinville, WA) showed up at the Olympia store, all for $13.99:
2014 Upland Vineyards Grenache
2015 McKinley Springs Mourvedre
2015 Par La Mer
2014 McKinley Springs Syrah.
These all go for about $35 from the winery and seem to be current selections. I don’t need any $14 wine right now, so no purchases.
I suspect they are bringing those in for the sale. I’d love to see those in California but I bet they are not going to make it south of the Columbia River.
Yes, Pasco in Eastern WA. The Kennewick store had only the Ramsay Grenache. I’ll wait for the sale for these.
I bought a bottle of the Norman Zin, and opened tonight, slightly corked. YMMV.
These Robert Ramsay winesalso showed up at the Pasco store, same price. Good ratings.
Also now-shuttered Norman Paso Robles Zinfandel “Monster” $5/$27, Vivino 4.0.
By Pasco do you mean Paso? Didn’t realize Norman was belly up. They were kind of a poor man’s Turley. Not my style these days but that’s a great deal if you like fat zins.
Yes,I saw the Norman as well in SF Bay Area …might have been Napa or ??
Pasco is in Eastern WA
bummer. Paso is 45 miles from me in CA
Some of you may remember me as one of the original “editors” of this site and well…I’m back…briefly…because a post-Halloween spirit drew me into the Silverdale GO yesterday to see if anything had improved in the wine selection for the November sale. I came out with 8 individual bottles; three were from Robert Ramsay that RB mentions above…all in my beloved screwcaps. The 2015 Grenache (not 2014 per RB; Upland vineyard) is acceptable with a lighter almost Pinot ruby color and lots of sweet fruit and subtle raspberry/cherry flavors. If it had a bit more obvious varietal character, I’d buy more. The 2014 Syrah (Dineen, Phinney Hill & McKinley vineyards) is much darker in color with a closed nose that opens very slowly. But the flavors are quite varietal and pleasant with moderate tannins. It’s a lighter Syrah, but a decent deal. I saved the 2015 Mourvedre for last because it’s typically a very dark, tannic, full-bodied red. This one didn’t fit any of those descriptions. It looked and tasted like a thin, pale, peppery Pinot…a real disappointment and an absolute no re-buy! All of these wines after discount were right around $11.00 a bottle.
Last night I opened a bottle of 2013 Blakeslee Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir ($9.99 regular price or $8.00 after discount). Extremely pale pink with obvious Pinot aromas and decent flavors…cherry and green peppercorn with a bit of stemminess. Totally not my preferred style of Pinot, (but Seedboy might like it ? ). So those are the four I’ve opened so far. Will report on the last four soon. Hope my longtime blog “friends” are all well out there. It’s nice to say hello every now and then.
Great to “hear” from you lim13. I always appreciated your reviews.
Lovely to hear from you, you’ve been missed. I haven’t been around much recently, dealing with chemo that doesn’t play nicely with alcohol. But I did buy a couple of the Robert Ramsay wines for experimental purposes. We opened the Syrah, and I concur with your assessment; the wine seemed to open a lot more on night two. (Keep in mind, though, that I am just tasting and spitting…) I also bought one of the Per La Mer Mourvedre blends, but now I am wondering if that was a good idea. Regardless, some tasting will occur shortly…
Flit & Expat…a couple members of “the old guard”…so nice to hear back from you. Sorry to hear about chemo, Flit and being in the no-swallow zone, but glad to hear you’re tasting and spitting. I’m sending good vibes your way.
I’m ready to report on the last four of the eight sale wines I purchased. First is the only white I bought…wish there were more! It’s a 2016 Whispering Tree Columbia Valley Riesling ($3.99 or $3.19 on sale). Lots of tiny spritzy bubbles at pouring, but they eventually dissipate and it’s a delightfully slightly sweet white that my cellar never has enough of to go with spicy Asian stir fries and chicken teriyaki. I believe this is a Milbrandt wine. I’ve had prior vintages and may have even reported on them on this blog. I’ll buy more. Next are two reds from Goose Ridge Vineyards in eastern Yakima Valley. These are labeled Tall Sage (a second label), both from 2015…a cab and a red blend. Both are serviceable, very drinkable inexpensive reds…everyday wines…both $6.99 or $5.59 on sale. Both show a bit of green stemminess, but are fine…just not a re-buy for me. And finally a 2014 Turnpress “Deep Dark Red Wine” from Paso Robles, priced at $4.99 or $3.99 on sale. It is indeed darkly colored, a bit cooked pruney and a real fruit bomb that likely has a fair percentage of Zin in the mix. I’ll likely get a couple more because there’s a time and place for this wine…and my wife really likes it!
If I run into any more sale bargains, I’ll chime back in! In terms of my absences from the blog, an old Groucho line keeps popping up in my brain: “How can I miss you when you won’t go away!”
I’m told the semi annual wine sale will begin on October 31 and last for 7 days.
I heard the same as well re: Sale dates…stores are loading up now.
Yes. I visited the Mira Mesa (San Diego) location for the first time yesterday and they said a big shipment of new wines had arrived. Their selection was excellent.
Has anybody seen, or better yet tried, the Vintages Wines Company 2013 Los Carneros Syrah? It’s $6.99 at Santa Rosa. The Tax and Trade Bureau COLA Registry came through with the information that this is actually produced by Ektimo Wines in Sebastopol (which is the location of the producer, as shown on the bottle). Other than that, I can’t find anything about this wine on the web.
In San Francisco I bought a bottle of 2014 Bonneau Chardonnay, Catherine’s Vineyard, $12 a bottle. It’s from the Carneros region which always interests me along with the back label stating “Our wine has been fermented and aged 10 months in French oak barrels, with Malolactic fermentation and gently stirred lees.” The part about “gently stirred lees” was the part that had me intrigued, hoping for some bâtonnage character. The bâtonnage quality I was hoping for just isn’t there, but the wine is nice with med. intense nose of pear/pineapple and vanilla from the barrels. Oak flavors come through with med. acid and body. Not as much fruit comes through in the mouth as the nose might indicate. GO has had the 2013 bottle before at the same price. There also was a 2012 Bonneau Malbec for $14, I think.
Sbragia Chard – surprised no one has mentioned this puppy…their Home Ranch bottling, which is the larger bottling of Chard for this quality producer (Ed Sbragia was the force behind Beringer in the daze…still consults there). This Chard, at $10, will kick the pants off of most $20 chards. Very well made, nice balance (not too oaky, not too malo, fruit in synch). V Good food wine…
Zoel- Where did you see the Sbragia Chard?
Hmmm…let’s see – I’ve been traveling around the area…methinks I saw it in Napa; also in Cloverdale…and in Petaluma. Not in Rohnert Park. It is $10, and retail is normally ~$19-20
There’s some in SF.
Sbraiga also at Richmond
Went out to my local GO and found the Once and It’s Gone PN and found it worth the $5 a bottle. I also saw a Santa Barbara County Chard for $5 a bottle, a 2014 Inconceivable Chard. The nose was fine, a blend of slight oak and fruit. The flavor was harsh and bitter so won’t purchase anymore. There was a good quantity so it will be around come the Oct./Nov. sale, but at $4 a bottle, I wouldn’t buy. Anybody else scouting for the sale?
I am looking around. Richmond has a $25 Saint Emilion that does not taste cheap but did nothing for me. It does have a real Champagne that is worth way more than the $18 price tag. There is a 2008 Petite Sirah from Optima I think for $10 that I have not tasted but someone I trust says it is the real deal.
I haven’t found the Champagne on this side of the Bay, including SF. I have noticed that some of the PNW stores do get some bargain priced Lanson.
Re: Inconceivable Chard – methinks you got a bad bottle…I’ve had two already, both were fine and actually quite good – that from my wife, a tough Chard critic. Big difference to let it warm up a bit, as frig temp mutes much of its character. It is Santa Barb chard, so it is a bit brighter and fruit forward, but surely varietally correct.
Re: Optima Petite – very good, but needs 90 min airtime after decanting…quality producer and good juice. Well-made and no rush to consume.
Zoel, I was eager to try this bottle and didn’t really chill the bottle that much and I don’t have any complaints about the nose. From the aroma I was looking forward to a nice sip of wine. For me, the wine was a bit coarse and a touch bitter, too much back of the tongue stimulation. Maybe I am complaining too much for $5, but a recent South Eastern Australia Chard. for less has spoiled me.
Could be bottle variation as well…but being a huge P-Bride fan, tough to resist an “Inconceivable” wine…perhaps I’m not using that word properly…never mind.
Lemmon Valley, NV has Heidsieck Red Top NV Champagne for $9.99. Flat carbonation with oxidized flavors. Drinkable but different. Popular at our party but beware.
Richmond still has a lot of it, I’ve not seen it at Oakland even. It is entirely possible that Richmond bought all of it.
One more bottle for one worth plugging in the East Bay Gross Outlets — Iris Vineyards Pinot Noir out the Willamette Valley. I think this is a very solid, light, accessible and absolutely delicious PN for $10 a bottle. Awards: “Best in Class!” by the San Francisco Chronicle Competition, “Gold” by the San Francsicso Chronicle Wine Competition, 89 Points by Wine Enthusiast.
I just noticed that @seedboy already commented on this. I really enjoyed this wine, but am the first to admit my palate usually dials in at “YAY RED!” I’ll post as a reply to a comment next time.
We bought every bottle of Iris we could find. Great Pinot noir.
Oakland still has some. Did your bottles not have that burnt match character, or do you just not mind it?
Actually, we really like burnt match (we call it burnt rubber) . I don’t remember getting much from Iris…I remember a “pretty” fruit, typical of CA Pinot. Some brooding undertones from Sonoma Coast if I remember right.
Argghhhh…I am far East Contra Costa and hate the drive to Oakland, but it might be worth it.
Btw, the new franchisee in Pittsburg, CA has really turned things around, wine-wise. He is getting in some fun/funky stuff and checks the warehouse every morning. He trained at Pleasant Hill.
First post you guys, so hang with me I’m getting some conventions wrong.
I just found one of my favorite wines at the Alameda Grocery Outlet that I haven’t been able to find in ages — Norman Vineyards (Paso Robles) 2008 Zinfandel The Monster, at $5 a bottle (usually goes for closer to $25 a bottle). This a big dry red, and always a crowd pleaser.
I was excited to also recently find Qupe Syrah (another beautiful dry smooth central road wine) in half and whole bottles around the Bay Area, but I’m even more excited about the Norman Vineyards find considering they closed in 2012.
So – Kinton is in the KJ stable (Jackson Family Wines), and made by Peter Fraser, who has cut some exceptional Shiraz down under for Yangerra . This should be a very solid bottle, probably in no rush knowing 2005
Kinton Syrah 2007, Santa Barbara County, $5.99 at Oakland and Richmond. This is a nice cool climate syrah that appears to have been produced for the Capital Grille chain. If I were in the market for such a wine I’d buy some.
Once and It’s Gone Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015, $4.99, Richmond. For the price point I like this wine, it shows a nice combination of Oregon earth and California fruit.
Altemura Fiano 2014. I think this was $4.99, not sure where I got it but it was recent. Nice crisp minerally white wine.
I mostly go to Oakland and Richmond. The Richmond store is a significantly better place to buy wine. The management watches the order guide carefully and when they see something good they are not afraid to buy a mess of it and store it a while. They have a genuine French Champagne I’ve not seen elsewhere that is tasty and a great deal at $17.99, I’ve not seen it elsewhere. Oakland, on the other hand has knowledgable wine people but so far as I can tell they are kept in the dark about what is available and ordering is done by a bean counter. They have exactly one interesting wine I’ve not seen at Richmond, a Castello D’Albola Vin Santo in a nice gift box for $10. I’ve not tasted it but I’ve tasted another vintage from this producer and bought one that I will gift to someone.
The bottle of Fiano I had was oxidized and OTH.
SB,
The name on that PN is a good description. Had a bottle of the Once and “it was gone” in two hours. for the price, its a nice drinking PN. Plan on getting more tonite.
Still plenty of the Castle Rock Carneros 2012 available. Still nice, but I would of preferred to have had it a couple years ago. Between the two, go for the Once and its gone 2015.
The Once and It’s Gone pinot is still around. I bought a second bottle and believe it is the best $5 pinot from the GO since the Rutz wines a few years ago.
I enjoyed a bottle of the Once and It’s Gone this past week and went back for another half dozen just in case they’re gone by sale time. Have seen it in both Mira Mesa and Point Loma (San Diego area)
Brand new Pasco WA store (West Pasco in a new building) has Jeroboams (3L) of 2015 Steak House Cabernet Sauvignon for $15. No UPC. This is a former Charles Smith wine, but grapes are 85% CA, 15% WA. Wax top. Party wine! 13.5%. I bought a case (4). 3.7 on Vivino.
From Wine Enthusiast : “The aromas are fruit forward, with notes of berry and black currant. The flavors are ripe, with the oak pulled way back. There’s plenty of easy drinking enjoyment to be had.” $12 bottle price so a dbl. mag at $15 is a bargain, but I don’t party anymore.
Went to the Burbank, CA GO the other day and they were out of Woodwork Chardonnay (one of the hubby’s new favs) but they had a few other cheapies that looked promising so I picked them up.
Expedicion Chardonany 2017 from Patagonia. 3.99. Not horrible, well made but very austere. Dry. Not a repeat buy for us.
2. Belcreme de Lys Chardonnay. Also 3.99, the label promised a creamy wine with hints of ripe pear and pineapple. And? It delivered! A nice hit of acid at the end. We will be buying more. Oh and Darrell? A real cork. Hooray! : )
https://www.totalwine.com/wine/white-wine/chardonnay/belcreme-de-lys-chardonnay/p/114077750
3. We bought the weekly sale wine, Santa Rita 120 Chardonnay. Have not tried it yet but will, probably tomorrow night.
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/santa-rita-2016-120-reserva-especial-chardonnay-central-valley/
Lastly we saw but did not buy this viognier, $4.99.
http://www.rockwallwines.com/product?productid=E0FE3F50-4658-4B08-8EC7-19CCFD66FD1E
We’ve had two of the rock wall reds – and LOVED them. They were our first intro to GO and made us believers… So we might pick this up, to see. Just weren’t in the mood that day : |
Happy, after your evaluation of the Yankalilla Chardonnay 2016, I will try to taste some of these. The Viognier sounds interesting as does the Belcreme de Lys Chardonnay. The link to the Santa Rita 120 Chardonnay said it runs $6 so the GO price must be fairly inexpensive on your store’s sale.
Darrell –
Thanks for the kind words!
The online reviews of the Viognier hinted at sweet, so we passed for the day. But again, the red we’ve had from that winery have been excellent so, who knows?!
The Santa Rita 120 Chardonnay is indeed inexpensive – $2.99 at my GO. We’ll find out it it’s even worth that when we open it tomorrow night!
Fingers crossed you like the Belcreme…
I have tried that Rock Wall Viognier. I do not know if it is actually sweet, as in, does it have residual sugar. It is quite fruity, and some mistake that for sweet. If you like fruity Viognier this wine is for you. It was not for me. I should also note that as a general proposition I find the Rock Wall wines to be over-done, too ripe.
Seedboy – I do not like fruity or sweet so thanks for saving us that $5!
I’ve only had two Rock Wall wines, reds, and I liked them. They were big wines but, not unbalanced nor did they feel hot. So maybe I lucked out! (My wine brilliant cousin in Berkeley chose them.)
FYI – opened the Santa Rita 120 tonight and? Ick. Tart and bitter, I could not even finish half a glass. And I’ve already made risotto this week, so not sure what I’ll with it. Could get the down the drain treatment…
Happily the Belcreme held up and is just as delightful the next day. (And I’d chilled a back up bottle in case the 120 was awful. So no suffering here ; )
Went back to my GO today (Burbank, CA) and? They were almost out of the Belcreme. Drat! Grabbed a few remaining bottles and a few new ones.
Echelon Chardonnay, another wine.com leftover, I think. $3.99
https://www.wine.com/product/echelon-chardonnay-2015/265715
And? Fowl and Feather, also $3.99. The flavor description looked good –
https://www.vivino.com/chop-and-boar-fowl-and-feather-chardonnay/w/4490941?year=2015
Turns out they are a wine sold (at least with this name!) only at Meijer, a semi-midwestern grocery chain.
http://www.cookingconnectionwines.com/#white-wine
We’ll see!
I was also excited when I saw Rock Wall wine in Gross Outlet, but agree that the Viognier is not my speed. I’d recommend quite a few of their other wines although: The petite Syrah, Alamedan, and a number of the chardonnays.
Just tried a great new red blend tonight, called Paso Rosso Red Wine Blend, cellared and bottled by Broken Earth Winery. Got it at the Crown Hill Grocery Outlet for $3.99 a bottle – What a great surprise! Very fruity and smooth, with a nice finish, a perfect vin du table for a Tuesday night! Definitely will go back and get more this week!
The more I let a glass of this breathe, the more depth of flavor comes out. Very plum jam and a bit of a tart cherry, but is not too sweet and has enough acidity to cut through the Genoa salami and provolone snacks I was having with it. This would probably be a nice accompaniment to a light pesto dish or other assorted antipasti snacks. It has a light body to it, but don’t be fooled, it definitely has some good spice! Very easy drinking on a hot summer night!
New (to me) review site covering GO wines. I wonder if this is an inside job. https://www.gowinego.net/
Looks like he is a winemaker…former Asst Winemaker at David Coffaro.
“New (to me) review site covering GO wines. I wonder if this is an inside job. https://www.gowinego.net/”
Maybe he has a fabulous eye or incredible luck but it worries me that, at first glance, all his reviews are positive. Not a single ‘Walk away. Actually don’t walk – RUN!” in the bunch.
Okay, I did look and the guys says “I will *almost* never bother posting anything that scores less than in the mid-7’s.”
So he’s not posting the bad stuff, on purpose. Interesitng…
I disagree with him already. I looked at his recommendations and there was the Le Grand
Caillou, the Loire SB, and it wasn’t a rebuy for me. I tend to be a sucker for GO’s Loire appellation wines, too.
On the other had, the site is a starting point for me try some of the wines reviewed since I don’t get out to GO stores often. I like his detailed descriptions of enclosures and, for me, his white and rosé descriptions are more useful than his reds. It is nice he covers Bordeaux, something I never touch from GO.
I typed in “gowinego” and Google Search stated “this site may be hacked,” and recommended not opening it until the message disappears, apparently following action the sites sponsors take to block malware or spam that hackers may have introduced. Anyone else see this?
I noticed that it had been hacked about a month ago but after I waited a couple of weeks, it seems to be fine now.
Iris Oregon Pinot Noir 2014, $9.99 at Oakland and Richmond and I’m not sure where else. This has the fruit and structure of a pinot I’d probably want to buy, but is reductive (burnt match odor/flavor) and not a repeat buy.
The Santa Rosa store has 2014 Waxwing Pinot Noir Lester Family Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains for $9.99. Santa Rosa bought this straight from the winery so it is unlikely to be at any other stores. This is to me the best GO buy pinot since the Bailiwick. Good body, balanced, complex, good flavors. I don’t know how much they have but there was a good sized stack by the entrance. There is one cellartracker rating, https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2078973&searchId=4874B11B%23selected%253DW2991445_1_K077d9b8e8891bd3b119c41904b0a3419
I’ve not seen this elsewhere. I came back today and found 2008 Spellbound Reserve Napa Valley Petit Sirah for $3.99 a bottle. I have not tasted yet but that is a screaming deal based on reviews. Don’t know if this is anywhere else.
Saw the Spellbound at Palo Alto. Don’t recall the price at $4. Also several cases of the Bouchaine Pinot.
This wine turns out to be at many stores. I will report soon. Richmond has 2012 Amphora 2012 Pinot Noir Lakeville Vineyard Sonoma Coast for $5.99.
I don’t remember if I have commented on the Bouchaine Pinot. It is a good enough effort but nothing to write home about and at that price not a re-purchase for me.
Bunch of Meh – reporting back on several recent buys (from Richmond store):
Leto Chard 14 – shoulda been far better – nothing bad or wrong, but lacking fruit, and a tad heavy on the malo. Pass at $7
Adulation 16 Chard – kind of blah, lacks fruit. Nothing wrong (again), but nothing to write home about.
Carne Humana Red – decent, drank well
“Bunch of Meh” – fabulous title : )
Took a peek and looks like the Carne Humana Red was another wine.com wine. They say it sold for $29.99 – what did you pay?
https://www.wine.com/product/carne-humana-proprietary-red-2012/138886
And total wine also has it for $29.99.
https://www.totalwine.com/wine/red-wine/red-blend/carne-humana-red-blend-napa-valley/p/143709750
I seem to remember the CarneH at $7.99. Reasonable at that price point
Zoel –
Awesome, good to know as I may be heading to the Burbank GO tomorrow.
Thank you!
If anyone sees any of this wine tell us where, I understand it has sold out quickly whereever it appeared.
Petaluma has a good supply of the Carne Humana red.
As does Santa Rosa.
I’ve seen a lot of new wines recently.
Revelare Red Wine 2016, $3.99. This is, I assume, made by Cline, which made the zin that is a buck more and a good value. I have no idea what is in this blend. It is a crowd pleaser.
Jettlyn Opulent. I think this nonvintage wine is $5.99. It is a Bordeaux blend with some Petite Sirah and Syrah in it, from Paso Robles. The flavor profile is Bordeaux-ish, dark fruit, low acid. I finished the bottle in spite of myself.
Santa Rita 120 Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2016. Pleasant wine, low oak influence, a good buy at $2.99 if you can still find it. There is also a SB and a rose from this label that I have not tried.
Alta Maria Central Coast Chardonnay $3.99. This comes from Joe Wagner, the mind behind Meiomi. It is what you’d expect from this family, creamy with tropical fruit, low oak, apparently it was made to sell in supermarkets. There are other wines around from the Wagner family including a pinot noir rose from Oregon, and 2014 Carne Humana, a red blend of Napa Valley grapes that Steve the Petaluma wine guy is really excited about. On Mark’s recommendation I bought a bottle and will report.
Ryad Pinot Noir California, $3.99. Warm weather grapes.
Matua Pinot Noir Marlborough New Zealand 2014. Very reductive and it does not blow off. These last two will be returned.
Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, not sure of the vintages, $9.99. This is a real winery with a decent reputation.
Pomelo Rose, $2.99. This comes from the Mason winery in Napa Valley, best known for its Sauvignon Blanc. I have a bottle in the queue.
The Bouchaine pinot is the 2012.
Thanks, Seedboy, for carrying this discussion of late. I have been following your comments with interest, though also frustration since so few of the wines show up in Oregon. Since returning from southern France recently, I have been exploring GO French roses, but unfortunately none of the ones I’ve liked seem to be still available. If I find any, I will report.
Stopped by the Richmond store on my way home today…found a sure winner – Sbragria Chard (Home Ranch) at $10…this is always a Costco winner at $21. Also, the ‘13 Bouchaine Chard @$8 is a no-brainer. Had the Jettlynn meritage tonight ($8) with steaks – worked great. Also grabbed a couple of Leto Chard – will let ya know.
I did not see that Sbragria Chardonnay, would have definitely bought it. I did try out the Carne Humana white, a blend of SB, Semillon and Chardonnay that is flabby and a bit sweet. Also: the Elouan Oregon Rose (from Joe Wagner, the man responsible for the Carne Humana) lacks acid and flavor other than something vaguely filthy. The Bonny Doon (It is not branded that way but you’ll recognize Randall Grahm’s touch) Rose of Tannat and something else reminds me of why I hate Tannat. The Richmond store does have a Sonoma County Aglianico right now (they might not have put it out yet) that smells like it comes from Puglia, but has more fresh fruit.
2010 Jettlyn Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, $8 in south Willamette Valley GOs. Lots of bottle age, looks like it’s working on slipping past the cork. Not there yet, though, and a pleasant dinner wine with silver salmon last night.
That Sbragia Chardonnay is in the Mira Mesa store in San Diego for $9.99 I’m not a Chardonnay person, but Ed Sbragia has been one of the best Chardonnay winemakers in California for decades, and what could go wrong with an Estate Dry Creek Chard from Sbragia for $10.
I’ve been a huge Ed Sbragia fan since the glory days of his Beringer reign. The Home Ranch stuff from his own label is always consistent and very good. However, I purchased a bottle at the Williams store in San Jose and found it unappealing. For a 2014 I expected a little maturity with the wine but it had an off color and had completely gone over to the sabayon characteristic that is tell of an over aged chardonnay. However, I know folks who like that so if that’s for you… Also, picked up the 2012 Bouchaine Carneros Pinot. Solid varietal character with plenty of tart cherry and earthiness to stand up and hold up! Going back for more.
Jettlynn, Paso Robles “Gout de Miel” white blend (65% Grenache blanc, 15% Muscat, 10% Chardonnay, 10% Riesling), 12.9% alcohol, $6 at the Eugene, Oregon, store. I don’t see a vintage date on the bottle. Too sweet for my taste, as is the fulsome prose praising the wine on the back label.
The Bouchaine is probably the nicest GO Pinot I’ve had a since the Lost Canyon. Challenging year – drinks best on the first day. Also tried the 2014 Overland Kick Ranch ‘Argonaut’ blend mentioned elsewhere – concentrated, complex, cab-heavy BDX that could probably stand a few more years aging. I’ll grab a few more after I try the Petite Sirah under the same label. Also picked up, but haven’t opened the Jettlyn ‘Obulent’ and Zin.
Also grateful to Seedboy for keeping the discussion going!
Wow, way off on this one. Rhone blend, not BDX, and obviously no cab. Not on the label, but evident after 10 seconds on google… Kick Ranch was sold this year; Overland was the label of the previous owners and omitted from timeline on their website https://kickranch.com/our-history . Explains why its at GO. Further errata ‘Opulent’ not Obulent.
Yeah, but you’re right – the Overland is well-made vino
Tried the ’10 and ’13 Jettlynn Zin tonight with basil pesto pasta; nice match but nothing to write home about. Wines not special at $7 and $8 respectively. ’13 a little hot in the nose with 14.9% alc; the ’10 a bit smoother at 14.5%. Plummy Paso fruit, decent length to both small production, estate bottled wines. I’ll pass.
Ryad Pinot 2014 – – no need for a corkscrew. I liked it.
If you see a Tuscan Rose from Fattoria Sardi give it a try. Crisp, dry, not overly fruity, classy bottling.
A couple of the stores have wines from Overland Kick Ranch. All of them are $9.99. The late harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2013 is a nice effort. it is very rich with a nice balance between acid and sweet and a glycerine texture. If you like stickies at all this is a good purchase.
Mira Mesa has the Overland 2014 Argonaut and Grenache, and the 2012 Petite Sirah. Also all $9.99 I bought the Grenache, but haven’t popped it yet. I did not see the late harvest Sauvignon, or I’d have bought it, as I love stickies.
A friend who lives in Carmel and knows wine reports that one of the stores down that way has the Hartwell Sauvignon Blanc for $7 a bottle and it is lovely. Please let me know if you see this at any of the Bay Area stores.
Hartwell? Wow, that’s a top-notch Napa vintner (now shut down). GO buyer is back on the game! Love to pick some of this up…only surpassed by the Bevan SB I found two years ago. Reality is, SB has a limited shelf life (most like it fresh), and it is such a small portion of these wineries cash flow (vs. $150 cabs) that they don’t want to be bothered – hence the GO avenue.
Yeah with most white wines you don’t want back stock. That said I love aged SBs. I have a Matanzas Creek SB from 2002 I am in no hurry to open.
Okay, now I have to look for that wine!
And funny, the GO in the worst part of town? Tends to have the most amazing wines. Maybe I’ll give them a call…
Yesterday I was at Oakland and Pleasant Hill and did not see this wine. PH did have two different half bottles of Qupe Syrah, 2014 Central Coast and 2013 (I think) Santa Barbara County. I bought the latter, and found it rather flat. I also bought at Oakland a Tuscan rose that I’ve not yet tried.
Lots of new wines recently, mostly at Richmond.
Richmond has gotten a number of Cotes du Rhone reds. Domaine Juliette Avril Carainne has a lot of Mourvedre in it and if you like such wines you will like this one. Yes, some funk on the nose but it blows off.
There are a couple of others, one a 2015 that I liked, and one a 2013 that I’ve not tried but BargainWhine recommends it. There is also an Avril Viognier that is pretty good for $2.99, typical Viognier fruit balanced by acid and a little bitterness.
I also liked a wine from South Africa called Mar Vel Ous, it is a Rhone blend with a lot of Mourvedre, tasty. Oakland has a rose from this same winery that I like, it is mostly Mourvedre, not as fruity as some rose wines but nicely balanced.
Richmond has gotten in the 2012 Qupe Central Coast Syrah for $6.99. This is a sound wine made by (in my opinion) California’s most reliable producer of wines from Rhone grapes. He’s also a Dodgers fan.
Cedar Rock Monterey County Pinot Noir is $3.99 at some of the stores, varietally correct but not quite enough acid for my taste. I’ve seen a Dynamite Zin for $3.99 but have not sprung for one.
New vintage of Woodwork Chardonnay. It is a butter bomb but good if you like that style.
Overland Kick Ranch LH Sauv Blanc is $9.99 for a fancy .375. I have not opened my bottle but night later tonight.
I am currently sipping on a Windstorm Santa Maria Valley Chard 2015 that I bought because WTSO offered it this morning for $12.99. You can get it at the GO for roughly half that and it is more restrained than the Woodwork, it might just make the cut for the mussels I’m preparing tonight ($1.99 in your GO freezer section).
Agree with SB on Lindquist skill with Rhone varietals. I have seen some splits of the Qupe ’14 Central Coast Syrah $4 and ’13 Santa Barbara Co. Syrah $5; picked up the latter and found it quite nice, ready to drink, varietally correct, with a nice white pepper note and medium to long finish. worth additional purchase IMHO. Did not try the Central Coast, but a very consistent house style to that higher production volume wine that I found pleasant in other vintages.
Doon, where are you?
SF Peninsula. A friend found these in San Luis Obispo or Paso Robles, don’t know which, and told me about them so I went by South SF and found them there. At least a case of each on the shelf yesterday.
I tried the Santa Barbara Syrah split for $4.99. Qupe is a good producer and I like the restrained, classic style. Got it in San Luis Obispo and will get more if they are still there. The Central Coast syrah would be a good, reliable one too, I’m sure.
Seedboy –
Good to know about Woodwork Chardonnay – the hubster is a butter bomb guy and I just saw it at the Burbank GO – so that should make him happy. I’ll pick some up the next time.
Burbank also had the Qupe Syrah and as we are set to have a syrah loving friend over for drinks, I grabbed a bottle. She’s coming over tonight so, fingers crossed that it’s as nice as the Qupe’s we’ve had in the past!
Seedboy –
I got the woodwork and you were right – it is a butter bomb and? My husband loves it.
GO has had other wines with butter and cake and churns and I dunno what else in there name that I tried for my husband and frankly? They were awful. The woodwork is at least tasty!
The Qupe Syrah? Sadly, not that great. I think it was the one you said was flat and, I agree.
I picked up the Overland PS as well as the Red Blend – both are solid and good values at $10. We liked the blend slightly better, but both are well-made and good structure.
Found these plus a bonus – the Petaluma store had the Qupe Reserve Syrah in splits @$5, just a buck more than the regular syrah in splits…even though the Reserve is usually triple the price. Upon opening the first bottle, seemed a bit simple at first, and then started to breathe…and became just what I expected – superb! Went back and grabbed a bunch more, it is a killer deal. Only seen at Petaluma, not in SRosa or RPark.
Qupe is one of California’s best wineries.
I was lucky enough to find a reserve Qupe Syrah split in SLO a few weeks ago. Of course, I loved it, and of course, there were no more to be found when I returned the next day…
Enjoying the Paso Rosso for $3.99. This is a sound, everyday, red wine at a great price.
Seedboy –
Life got crazy and I did not make it to my GO to restock on wine. I hit my local Ralph’s (Krogers’s, QFC) and nabbed a few wines I know and three new cheapies that looked interesting.
Imagine my surprise when I opened the bottles and found four dollar wines that? Tasted like four dollar wines! (Boy howdy have I been spoiled by GO ; )
So just a shout out to this website for always helping me find four dollar wines that taste like so SO much more. I raise a glass to you!
Much to my surprise, the Los Angeles area GO’s are having a 20% off wine sale (combined with a $10 off $30 coupon for reg groceries.) So, off I went to see what I could see!
No old favorites but, plenty of new stuff. So, I grabbed all the decent looking $3.99 chardonnays to see if I could find a new house wine.
Craftsmen Chardonnay –
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/craftsman-2015-chardonnay-california
Morgan Bay Chardonnay
https://www.wine.com/product/morgan-bay-cellars-chardonnay-2015/354153
Two Ponds Chardonnay (I’ve seen this brand there before but, new bottle, vintage and label, looked nicer.)
https://www.vivino.com/wineries/two-ponds/wines/two-ponds-chardonnay-9999
A french chardonnay! Point de Fuite Chardonnay
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2793890
And, an Australian chard.
https://www.vivino.com/wineries/bellarong/wines/chardonnay-2016
So far, I’ve only tried the two ponds and it was quite nice. Not “Oh my gosh, this was fantastic I have to go out and buy a case” nice but, for $3.20 to have a decent chardonnay? Nice. (Boy am I spoiled!)
I’m going to try to open a different bottle a night and see how it goes.
Just returned to the Puget Sound after a month’s absence. Saw a few interesting things here in Seattle: Bridgeview Black Beauty Pinot Noir, Oregon, 2011 at 5.99. It appears to be from a family-owned winery, and retails for 20 smackers on its website. Forte Regia Chianti Riserva, 2014; at 6.99. This one we bought and opened–it’s a serviceable Chianti, though on the lighter side. Worth the tariff, especially given the dearth of good Italian wines here in the PNW lately. St. Holga Spatlese, Rheinheissen, 2017; 5.99. It’s certainly not one to age (it’s in a screwtop) but at 9.5 % alcohol, I thought it worth taking a flyer on for summer quaffing. Will report back once opened. I also saw a St. Holga Pfalz (just plain) Riesling, but at 12.5% alcohol I didn’t think it would be to my taste. It’s 4.99 and in a scary blue bottle (though not shaped like a pet or featuring a tourist attraction like the last couple of German wines to grace the GO shelves.) I passed, but I might change my mind the next time I’m there.The Waterbrook Cherry Street Red is back, at 9.99; it’s the 2012 version. And, I found the Alleromb Grenache for 9.99–this time, it’s the 2012 instead of the 2013,and it’s in a screwtop. I really liked the 2013, so I picked up one for comparison sake. Finally, I saw the Torii Mor Pinot Gris at 12.99–back in our two income days, I would have picked this up for sure. I have enjoyed it in the past, but in the past, I didn’t blanch a 20 bucks a bottle wine. (Which is what the shelf-talker claims it sells for elsewhere, and I don’t doubt they’re right.)
In encouraging news, I met the new wine guy at Lake City, Alfonso. He’s friendly and seems pretty knowledgeable. I haven’t seen so many interesting things at this particular GO in quite a while, and since it’s my closest GO, this makes me happy. He reported that he’s making over the wine area with the intent to stock more interesting stuff, and also that every Wednesday, wine cases will be 10% off, and one Wednesday a month, there’ll be tastings. So things are looking up there
A Pfalz at 12.5% I’m not getting. Allowing for a 1.5% latitude from the stated alcohol, even a 11% sounds high.
Perhaps it is fermented dry? My limited experience with German trocken wines is that they take some talent to produce successfully; having never heard of St. Holga, I rather doubted whether they would produce a good one. And, you can save you money regarding the Spatlese: it was relatively weakly flavored and flabby, without enough acid to suit me.
So SO jealous of the tastings! If they had one at our GO, life would be so much easier…
Tried a new wine and? No. “Ride” chardonnay (with a bike on the label.) 2014, from Napa, $3.99 and? Tasted like herbs. Like a confused SB, not a chardonnay. I think it’s a private label bottling…
What I saw but did not buy was this –
https://www.vivino.com/wineries/kunza/wines/limited-edition-chardonnay-9999
4.99, really couldn’t find reviews and the ones I did find? Mentioned a hint of banana. Which worried me. So I may go back and try it, I may not. But if anyone has already quaffed? Please! Cast your vote!
The evaluator tasted the Kunza Chardonnay at about one year old and that is young enough to still have some fermentation bouquet, part of which may have that banana smell, amyl acetate. One has to look beyond that bouquet, if one can, to predict the potential of that wine. I once purchased a young Chard that smelled fresh and fruity, but was only disappointed later after the fermentation bouquet blew off with age.
Thanks Darrell – that explains heaps. Plus now I have a new phrase in my life – fermentation bouquet!
The Bridgeview Pinot Noir is rather tight and tannic. It needs food for sure, and I can’t really recommend it, all things being equal. Too bad, because small wineries are the source of many of our best GO bargains.
Bridgeview’s been around for many years, but I haven’t had any of their wines since the early 2000’s. I cut ties with them when their Blue Moon Riesling in blue glass became their top seller. Other than the Alleromb, none of the other wines you mentioned are over here in west sound. I’m assuming you never saw the email I sent you while you were gone, FC; never heard back. I believe it had something to do with the white Burgundy you gave me a couple years ago. Unfortunately my short term memory is shot…but then, I’m an old hippie.
Haven’t looked for or purchased any GO wines since the last sale, but just returned from a week in the northern Willamette Valley and some lovely wines…most way too expensive. Best wines I had (and even purchased a few) were from Elizabeth Chambers Cellar in the beautiful old red brick building that Panther Creek used to inhabit in McMinnville. Their Pinots and rose’ are delicious.
It’s been slow going here in the South Sound for a while, but I did see a couple of interesting bottles at the Olympia store recently:
2012 Kenwood Jack London vineyard Zinfandel, $10.99
2016 Torii Mor Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley), $12.99
this next one looked intriguing, but comes with a caution:
2013 Clos d’Argentine Malbec Reserva, $5.99
http://costcowineblog.com/2013-clos-dargentine-malbec-reserva-winemakers-selection/
That Kenwood Zin is a reliable wine. I’d love to see that here in NoCal.
Saw the Torii Mor in Bremerton, but price was high for GO without knowing what I was getting, so I passed. I’ll wait to see what others think and report. They’re a reputable winery, but I’m not a trusting soul when it comes to GO wines over $10.
I have had some lovely examples but not so many recently. The wine.com liquidation wines and the rumored Katrina wines above $10 were great. At a sale about 5 years ago there was some good Champagne and an exceptional Chateauneuf du Pape blanc. But after that, not so much.
At the Petaluma GO there are two Joseph Kent wines, a 2012 Joseph Kent Vieux Carre and a 2014 Shapeshifter. The 2012 Joseph Kent Vieux Carré a white rhone blend of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Viognier for $4.99 and the Shapeshifter is a blend of Zin, Syrah and Petite Syrah for $7.99. The 2012 Joseph Kent Vieux Carré produced and bottled by while the Shapeshifter isn’t, can’t remember whether vinted or cellared by. Bought the 2012 Joseph Kent Vieux Carré since it was produced and bottled by and wanted to compare it to Bonny Doon 2012 Le Cigare Blanc “Beeswax Vineyard”.
The 2012 Joseph Kent Vieux Carré has a lengthy, vintage branded whole cork which was a good start. If anybody has or can recall the Bonny Doon 2012 Le Cigare Blanc “Beeswax Vineyard,” this Joseph Kent wine is lighter and less ponderous. The color is light yellow. The nose is a light blend of oak and varietal fruit, but not a fruity, estery bouquet nor is it waxy. Med. body and acid and not a first choice for shellfish on the half shell but rather for fish and chicken courses. My wife doesn’t like most SB and thought I would give this a try and will pick up some as a substitute white.
I liked this wine, sadly Petaluma is the only store where I’ve seen it. Benny gets a lot of stuff on his own.
I had a feeling this wine was the case as you mention. I couldn’t find any of the Val de Loire or that 2016 Yankalilla Chardonnay there though. I think Benny found a Russian deli closeout similar to some of his wine discoveries.
Burbank CA, I picked up two bottles I have not seen listed, both $3.99 –
Deep Sea Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, 2013
Yankalilla Chardonanny, South Eastern Australia, 2016
The Deep Sea appears to be a wine.com closeout –
https://www.wine.com/product/conway-family-wines-deep-sea-chardonnay-2013/191645
The Yankalilla? Woot.com
https://wine.woot.com/offers/yankalilla-australian-chardonnay-6
(Woot listed it’s retail as $20 per bottle and sold it for $10 per.)
To my taste the Deep Sea chard is a loss – just tastes sour. And I usually like SB Chardonnays.
Happily the Yankalilla? Lovely. Rich, creamy but not too heavy, they say it tastes a bit of toast but at the end, I just taste almonds or a hint of apricot. Definitely a rebuy, I’ll probably be there Monday to nab more!
FYI, the first night we opened the Yankalilla? We thought “Okay, nice, doable.”
We uncorked the bottle the next day to drink the rest? It had gotten better! Richer, more complex, longer finish. Just fab. (And that’s the taste I posted my review on.) Makes me want to pick up bottles, and open them the day before I’ll drink them, to get that extra yumminess.
Happy, I like, I like. It’s hopping good and especially at $3.99 a bottle. The wine was imported by A W Direct in Santa Rosa, CA and then cellared and bottled by them. The nose is tropical, orange-like. The flavors are nothing I have had in a Chardonnay. I smelled the wine and wasn’t expecting much in flavor, but was I surprised in the mouth. I was hoping for white Burgundian wine making, but didn’t get any lees aging or bâtonnage treatment in the nose. I don’t get any toast, but it was quite flavorful. I popped open the bottle with fresh caught French food, grenouille appendages. Definitely will pick up more. Thanks.
Darrell –
So glad you liked it! And yup, it’s not a classic CA chardonnay but still, pretty tasty. And I’m glad you reported – I forgot to pick some up when I hit the 20% off sale last week, I’ll be sure to nab some this Monday or Tuesday. If you liked it at $3.99, imagine how you’d feel about $3.20?!
(Oh and can’t believe you had fresh caught um, grenouille appendages…)
Where was there a 20% off sale? Not in any of the stores I frequent.
Seedboy – I had a post that gave the location but, I think it was awaiting moderation. Anyhoo, just the Los Angeles area stores, none in NoCa : (
These 20% off sales might be at the discretion of individual GO stores since my local Novato GO is having one, but this might be a special situation since this store’s liquor section was shut down by the ABC for a spell. I was wondering the same as you when Happy mentioned her 20% off sale.
Darrell –
The sale was a bit odd as, not at one of the “official” times (round easter and Thanksgiving) but, hey, I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth!
And all 5 LA Area stores, so they must have come to an agreement : )
The Fairview Chenin Blanc is delicious. Nicely balanced, a nice minerality, fresh tasting, nice citrus fruit.
It was really delicious the second day also, and at $2.99 a bottle a screaming deal.
I had the Sauvignon Blanc. I thought it was pretty tasty – nice mix of citrus and stonefruit – but a little less crisp than I prefer. It was definitely worth every penny of the 3.99 pricetag.
I’ve not yet opened the SB. I did try a 2014 Loire SB that some of the stores now have. It is $3.99 also and a very nice wine. I also opened the Fairview Viognier. I like them to be restrained, but this one is pretty much flavorless. There is also a Spice Rack (I think) Chenin from South Africa. It is tasty but not as complex as the Fairview. At the SF store I got a Syrah from Hawkes Bay New Zealand called Maimai or something like that, nice example of a cooler-climate Syrah. If I did not have so much GO Syrah waiting to be consumed I’d buy some more.
I finally tried the Fairview SB. Classic example of a New Zealand flavor profile.
Do you remember the name of the Loire SB and the appellation?
It is a Val de Loire, so nothing fancy.
One can a lot of bang for the buck with a Val de Loire. Will be on the lookout for this, thanks.
I saw some of the Val de Loire at Richmond a couple of days ago. Oakland seems to be out of it now.
I think I found your Val de Loire, a 2014 Le Grand Caillou, and I like it for the price. Not like other Val de Loires I have had or other forms of SB around the world, but rather a flinty, high acid white to pair with shellfish crudo. Not high in a SB varietal character that I can recall, but has a distinctive character that I can’t find a descriptor for.
You found it. The flavor profile comes from the flinty soil, noted by the flint on the label. I like it, noting a bit of reduction though when first opened.
I had the SB as well. Very nice very, and agree with Seedboy, tastes like a classic NV SB.
Oakland store had Wednesday some new white wines from Fairview in South Africa including Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. I bought a couple and will be trying them over the next few days.
I bought all three in SF and popped the Chenin Blanc and the Viognier. The Chenin Blanc is nice for the price, clean with moderate fruit in the nose. I thought the Viognier had more fruit and flavor, but not my idea of Viognier varietal character. Some of this estery fruitiness may be due to fermentation bouquet since the wines are three years old, fermented early 2015. Definitely thought the extra dollar for the Viognier over the Chenin Blanc was worth it.