Deal Found for Bargainistas

Last night I dumped a wine down the drain. Even at $3, the wine was not a good deal. Grocery Outlet buys wine that wineries are moving prior to new releases.

From the Bargainista Blog: These overstocks are most of what Grocery Outlet buys.  The wine can be from the winery, importer or distributor.  Past vintages are opportunistic buys, because once a vintage has been replaced by a newer vintage, the salespeople stop showing the older vintage.  Older vintages become a storage expense, not a sales opportunity.  Wineries, importers and distributors have money tied up in this stock.   To quickly move through non-performing inventory, wineries, importers, and distributors will sell the wine at cost or even a loss.

Yesterday’s post brought lots of activity and comments. People are pretty passionate about finding good deals. The general consensus about shopping at Grocery Outlet is that it’s hit or miss. Be cautious and buy some “test bottles” before you commit to quantity. BUT – when you find a bottle you recognize or a region you trust…scoop it up.

Tonight, I broke out the short sleeve golf shirt to celebrate Spring and two potential white wine “deals.”

The NectarView

2006 Imagine Chardonnay

• The Stuff: 100% Russian River Chalk Hill estate Chardonnay. Aged in oak. A portion of each bottle benefits disadvantaged children. 
• The Swirl: Clean and well filtered with a nice golden yellow color
• The Sniff: Melon and pear/apple aroma with hints of oaky vanilla
• The Sip: The wine has a nice mouth feel but the mid-palate seems slightly off structure. There is a mild butter toast that includes an effervescence like a sparkling wine. A good apple flavor comes through as well.
• The Score: Retail of $22, I wouldn’t re-buy this Chardonnay, but at $11 this is a good 3!

Cellar Tracker Score (2 Reviews) of 84

This is the first DEAL from the Grocery Outlet bunch! With the 20% off sale March 30-April 3, this wine would only be $9 which is a good price for a well made Sonoma Chardonnay.

2007 Sylvester Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

• The Stuff: 93% Sauvignon Blanc and 7% Chardonnay from Paso Robles
• The Swirl: Pale yellow, straw
• The Sniff: A hint of lemon but a predominant yeast / bread smell
• The Sip: At first the wine presents a really nice citrus and straw flavor but the back end kicks you with a tart finish.
• The Score: Even at $5 I have to compare this to some other good Sauvignon Blanc’s from Arbor Crest ($7) and Yellow + Blue ($9). I can give this a 2 (out of 5). Some people may love the crisp flavor but there isn’t a lot going on here.

Cellar Tracker Score (1 Review) of 76

As a reminder, Grocery Outlet has a huge wine sale March 30 – April 3. Stop by for 20% off their already low prices. Each of the 130+ Grocery Outlet stores is independently operated, so selections vary by store.

*The wine in these reviews was purchased using a $50 gift card provided by Grocery Outlet

ENTER TO WIN $50

It’s simple, leave a comment. Names won’t be added to a mailing list and you won’t be spammed. One lucky person will receive a $50 Grocery Outlet gift card.

The Affair Seeing Red

The Affair

*My contribution for Wine Blogging Wednesday #67, hosted by 1WineDude

She stood in the archway clutching her chest, heart pounding, short of breath. Her mind swirled dizzy with excitement, drunk with lust. As the exhilaration faded, guilt set in. The new experience was a thrill but her friend…her lover. She would never understand. How could she know? Would she detect the new scent, would she…ahhh her mind drifted to the intoxicating and rich aroma. Bright, like deep cherries and strawberries. As the scent lingered it turned to an erotic spice. It reminded her of her mom’s cherry cloves that she would sneak when noone was around. The aroma would float along with the breeze into her bedroom window and linger overnight.

Days passed as she tried to put aside the memory of her affair. She returned to the comfort of her long time companion. As they sat out by the pool in the heat of the sun, she was reminded of the comfort she’d known for so many years. Her partner was sweet, seductive and slightly coy. Her light skin shimmered against the water in the pool. She had grown to love the comfort, her fragrance of melon, and citrus perfume was all she’d known. Each night they would embrace but their passion had grown stale. She longed for a break from the routine.

He was exciting, strong and full of mystery and intrigue. If she closed her eyes she could still taste him on her tongue. His warmth as he entered her made her shudder. His skin was dark and his strength assured her. Her pulse quickened and her senses aroused as she thought of the next time. The next time, she reminder herself there wasn’t going to be a next time. She couldn’t leave her partner for the arms of another. In desperation, the darkness called to her. Hastily she retreated to their meeting place. There he stood in the shadows, confident and bold, waiting for her. Throwing aside her inhibitions and fears she rushed into his arms. Red.

 Seeing Red for the First Time

As I thought about the challenge of this week’s Wine Blogging Wednesday, I went back and forth between ideas. The challenge: What red wine would you choose to introduce a white wine drinker to the dark side? I could go light, Gamay, Beaujolais, Pinot Noir. Or I could go big, Cabernet, Bordeaux, or Zinfandel. Obviously from the story above, I chose something bold, intriguing, with lots of aroma and flavor. The wines that came to my mind were dynamic and multilayered. Going cheap would run the risk of an off balance wine that could taint the white wine lovers experience. I picked a 2004 Croze Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa (previously reviewed) and a local blend from Latah Creek Winery called Vinosity (Cab, Syrah, Zinfandel). The Croze had a nose (nice rhyme) that was intoxicating – the flavor profile was so deep. The Vinosity brings strength and sweetness that is appealing to a wide audience.

How Do You Define Bargain?

Just because it’s cheap, doesn’t mean it’s a deal.

Finding good wine at low price makes it taste even better.

We’re all looking to save money. Buying something for a bargain makes us feel a sense of accomplishment. It’s easy to agree that getting a new Chevrolet Corvette for $10,000 is a bargain (if not a steal), but is it a bargain to pay $3 for a bottle of wine that tastes disjointed, tart, sour, and thin? The definition of a bargain is “Something offered or acquired at a price advantageous to the buyer.” A used Paul Reed Smith Custom Ten-Top with bird inlays for $2000 would be advantageous to me, but not for everyone.

Grocery Outlet is known for low prices on food items. While I’ve never considered G.O. a place for wine, I learned from my Twitter friends that several often find deals there. Evidently there are more bargainistas out there than I imagined. Ahead of their bi-annual wine sale (March 30-April 3) Grocery Outlet reached out to me with a fun challenge. They offered me two $50 gift cards – one to use to buy wine and the other to give away to a lucky viewer/reader. I have to admit that at first I was conflicted about being “paid” in wine to promote an event, but I see it as an opportunity to uncover a good value for those that read this blog (thanks, Mom). It’s also pretty cool to be able to give someone $50.

So, off I went with my preconceptions in search of the $7 bottle of Opus One, and the $4 Clos de Betz. Each of the 130+ West Coast stores is independently operated, and from what I hear, wine selection varies greatly by location. The Spokane location on Sprague Ave had a decent sized section of wine. If you’re looking for a wine steward, shelf talkers, and organized bottles – go somewhere else. If you’re looking for wine that is as low as $3 and $60 Napa wine (retail) for $15, then you may be onto something.

Armed with my $50 gift card, I walked up and down the aisles looking for labels I recognized, appellations that have respect, and the biggest mark-up. 30-minutes later the till said $61 (pre-tax) for my 8 bottle score ($7.62 average). Sadly I only saw a few labels I recognized. With a low of $3 and an outlandishly expensive $15, I left a little uncertain of how this experiment would take shape.

HOW TO WIN $50

It’s simple. Leave a comment (either here or at my Facebook page). You won’t be added to a mailing list, you won’t be spammed – one lucky reader will win!

The NectarView

2009 Buckley Cove Shiraz

• The Stuff: This wine comes from AU Vineyards in South East Australia. The winery is responsible for AU, Buckley’s Cove, 12 Apostles, Element 79, Fly, and Tambourine labels. This is a 2009 vintage blend of Shiraz and Cabernet. The web site availability shows US distribution is limited to Grocery Outlet stores.
• The Swirl: Very bright purple (neon), moderately thin with medium translucence.
• The Sniff: Sugary grape or cherry jolly rancher and sweet candy. Reminded me of those sugar candy you dip the stick into.
• The Sip: Very thin throughout. The wine is very off-balanced with a sugary sweet front end and then a bitter tart back end.
• The Score: At $3, I score this wine a 1 (out of 5). This is a not recommended at any price.

Two Cellar Tracker scores at 77

Okay – so for me this was not a deal. Keeping it real here, this wine ended up down the drain. I’m sure that there are some folks who would be okay with it, but for the majority of wine lovers, this is no deal.

2005 Two Iron Red Wine

• The Stuff: The bottle says Napa and references Costa del Sol Cellars. My online investigation revealed next to nothing about this wine. The retail on the Grocery Outlet shelf said $60, but I was unable to validate that anywhere.
• The Swirl: Dark plum with a good color. Thins out toward the edge and is mostly opaque.
• The Sniff: The nose opens up with a nice black fruit and cassis. Hints of stone and oak come through as well.
• The Sip: The mouth feel is a Jekyll and Hyde. The initial attack is modest with good fruit but the finish is very bitter, woody and sharp.
• The Score: At $15, I score this wine a 2 (out of 5). A purchase price of $25 and over, I’d be ticked. At $15, I’m slightly disappointed, at $10 it still doesn’t make the Under $10 Team.

Cellar Tracker – Seven people have this in their cellar (all purchased from Grocery Outlet), but no reviews.

I had high hopes for this wine, being from Napa Valley. So far, neither of the two wines I selected would qualify as “bargains” for me. Three of the remaining four are from labels I recognize, so I’m hoping for good things.

Stay tuned! Have you ever found a bargain at Grocery Outlet? Want to win $50? Leave a comment.

Merlot Gets Its Groove Back

If you’re not drinking Merlot because of a silly little quote in a silly little movie, then you are missing out on a sexy, smooth wine that can be full of flavor and is an amazing value!

• A recent Nielson study shows that more American households purchase Merlot than any other wine variety (red or white).
• “I say it’s time for Merlot to raise its battered flag and reclaim its position as the broadly fruited, texturally satisfying, food-friendly red wine it can be.” Paul Gregutt

Check out the article on Cork’d featuring Merlot and the upcoming #WAMerlot event on March 25. What are you drinking for #WAMerlot?

GO MERLOT!

Opening Day Wine Line Up Coming Together

Queue up Don Henley’s Boys of Summer. Spin some John Fogerty, Centerfield. In less than two weeks, the official start of summer begins with the yell of, “play ball” and the crack of the bat. I can almost smell the fresh cut grass, pine tar, stale beer and hot dogs.

While baseball season is right around the corner, my attempt to field a team of solid “Under $10 All Stars” has been a challenge. Spring training tryouts have been hampered by poor performance, no shows and injuries. The graphic above shows the status of the team including tryouts from three Merlot.

2007 14 Hands Merlot

• The Stuff: Washington State, 85% Merlot, 14% Syrah, 1% other red grapes; Aged 12 months in a variety of new and used American and French Oak.
• The Swirl: Dark plum and slightly cloudy
• The Sniff: Tight on the nose with hints of plum and sweet candy
• The Sip: A muddy combination of cherry syrup, sweet candy, and woodiness. Very flat back end with a lack of tannin and little acidity.
• The Score: At $9.99 I score this a 2 (out of 5). The character is undefined with little structure. There are better under $10 Merlot

Cellar Tracker reviews 91.5 (two reviews) – wow, not sure I agree here

2007 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot

• The Stuff: Columbia Valley, 85% Merlot, 7% Syrah, 5% Cab Fanc, 3% Cab Sauv; 13.5%ABV, aged 14 months in a combination of new French and American oak.
• The Swirl: Dark cherry color with moderate translucence and thin outer edge
• The Sniff: Modest cocoa and oak on the nose with hints of cherry and tobacco
• The Sip: Dark cherry blackberry on the mid palate with a nice smooth finish of cocoa. A hint of spice jumps through that makes this a decent Merlot for the money. Nothing is intense and everything is subdued.
• The Score: At $9.95 I score this a 3 (out of 5). This is an average Merlot that will provide many enjoyable nights.

No reviews on Cellar Tracker or Cork’d for 2007 vintage

2008 Charles Smith Velvet Devil Merlot

• The Stuff: 100% Washington Merlot, 10 months in oak, 13.8% ABV
• The Swirl: Mildly translucent with ruby red undertones. A pretty wine
• The Sniff: Smooth dark chocolate with cherry and oak. I would imagine this would be the aroma an Umpa Lumpa would smell in the chocolate river (if cherries were involved too).
• The Sip: The sip is slightly thin on the front that opens up to a nice moderate fruit – still cherries. Definitely a chocolate covered cherry Merlot.
• The Score: At only $12 (sometimes under $10) – At this price, a solid 3 (out of 5). A trustworthy wine for the money. Good sipper, but the thin front and single dimension leave the score lower.

Cellar Tracker average of 85 pts with 5 reviews

With these three tryouts (and 2 other Merlot), I place the 2008 Charles Smith Velvet Devil Merlot on the starting roster at Right Field batting 8^th.

My 2010 American League Baseball Predictions

AL East The Red Sox will win the East at 93 wins, Yankees will finish with 90 wins

AL Central The Twins will win the Central with 90 wins, Whitesox will finish with 86 wins

AL West The Rangers will win the West with 93 wins, the Mariners will finish with 91 wins and take the Wild Card for the AL

Do you have a player to suggest for the team? Leave a comment. who do you think will win each of the AL divisions? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Spokanes Vino! A Wine Shop

Does your wine shop provide a unique wine of the month club, special membership discount, quality guarantee, unique stock, and weekly tasting and educational events? No? You must be shopping somewhere other than Spokane’s Vino! A Wine Shop.

Running away from the bureaucratic world in the 80’s John Allen ventured into the wine business joining Lindaman’s Café as a wine steward and barista in 1988. The journey to Vino travelled through a failed wine shop (Grape & Grain / Award Winning Wine) and the Four Seasons Café prior to opening in 1995 at their current location 222 S. Washington. For 15 years, John and his staff have been providing quality wine, unique events and a special wine club to wine lovers in the Northwest.

If you’re looking for the deal and rock bottom prices, you may not always find it at Vino. If you’re looking for a wine shop full of knowledgeable people, quality wine, and good prices, then check out Vino! Customers return year after year because they can trust that each wine on the shelf has been tasted by the Vino staff. If the wine does not meet their tastes, they don’t stock it. Sounds like a tough job, tasting all that wine. Vino also brings in a broader range of wine than the typical store. Once a month Vino travels to Seattle to pick up unique wine and special orders. Chances are if you want it, they can get it.

The Wine of the Month Club

One of the unique programs Vino offers is their Wine of the Month club. Nearly 1000 people currently participate. The idea is simple; customers choose a price point (under $15, under $20 and under $30) and they choose red or white wine. Club members have a box in the back room where from 1-6 specially chosen wines are sorted and stored in an air-cooled room. Once a month a newsletter informs members of their new release, including tasting notes from the Vino staff. Wines can be picked up at their convenience. You can count on each of these wines being tasted and approved by the staff and representative of their varietal and region (nothing obscure or odd here).

The simple, straightforward nature of the program keeps people coming back month after month.

The Connoisseur Club

“So, John, can I get a discount on this wine?” With this comment, the Connoisseur Club is born. Similar to a Costco Club membership, members pay $50 per year and receive 15% on all wine they purchase. During Vino’s sale periods, Connoisseur members receive 25% off. Wine lovers, high end buyers, and general winos like me really benefit from this type of discount program. Costco Club prices with a trusted staff and taste guarantee!

Events and Classes

Some wine shops can be intimidating. Vino is a welcoming environment where wine types and styles are easy to find. The large selection of nearly 1000 wines all include the staff tasting notes. If you looking for wine events and learning opportunities, there is no shortage at Vino. John and staff host events nearly every Friday and Saturday including wine dinners, tasting classes, winemaker tastings, and more. Check out their events page on the web site, or their Facebook page to stay up to date.

Buy local! Shopping at the grocery store may provide convenience but typically the selection can lack creativity and finding a quality wine can be a gamble. Shopping at a local wine store or a local winery supports our community, keeps more money local and sustains economic growth. I challenge you to buy more wine from a local wine shop, like Vino or directly from the winery!

The Stats

222 S. Washington (parking is limited)

1.800.826.5674

www.vinowine.com

Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 6 pm

Saturday 10 am – 5 pm

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