For the beer connoisseur’s out there, if you like imports such as Chimay red label which Trader Joe’s sells for $10, you have to try the Trader Joe’s Vintage Ale which they sell for $5 or $6. Its Belgian inspired but a Canadian brew and has a higher alcohol content than Chimay.
On wines from Costco, I notice no one talked about the whites. Here are a few I suggest as we approach warmer weather. Estancia’s Pinot Grigio is great to drink for about $7 and is something you can bring to a BBQ or party. If you like the style of white Burgundy and not such a big fan of the big oak and buttery Chards from CA, try the Aussie Trevor Jones Virgin Chard for $13 which is unoaked. If you’ve never tried chardonnay from france, please pick up a bottle of burgundy, it will change your perception of chardonnay. Latour is an excellent producer and one you can find reasonably priced.
I almost didn’t want to share this tip, but the David Bruce Pinot Noir when Costco carries it is one of my favorite Pinot’s. Costco carried it for $18/btl one year when the next cheapest wine shop had it for $23. But they carry a limited supply so if you like it, snatch a case!
On pinot’s under $20, I am currently in love with the MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir if you can find it. Some of the BevMo’s will carry it.
Shiraz- I have never tasted a shiraz produced by Two Hands that I didn’t like. Its an Aussie wine. Angels Share is very good and reasonably priced.
Zin – Joel Gott Zin used to be very reasonably priced at around $10 a bottle. Its gone up a bit since then, but if you come across a year under $20, give it a go. I also like Spelletich which I buy directly from the winery for those who enjoy the bigger bolder Zin.
For those burgundy and bordeaux drinkers out there, it is very difficult to find great french wines here in SD, or on the west coast compared to the selection offered by NY retailers, and at reasonable prices. I would suggest you order your wine from one of the top 3 wine shops in NYC and pay the shipping costs. According to my wine guy, 25% of French wine that enters the US ends up in NYC. And most of it ends up in those top 3 wine stores.
