Tag Archives: Costco

Gnarly Head Pinot Grigio

Cost: Average price $8-9

Where buy now: Most anywhere. Costco has it for $6.49 right now

Grapes: Pinot Grigio

Region: California

Vintage: 2011

Gnarly Head Pinot Grigio

Unsolicited samples can be a double-edge sword. On one hand, hey, free hooch! On the other, if you’re just not into it, then what?

There are two schools of thought: write the God’s honest truth or don’t write anything at all. Remember what momma used to say, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Personally, I prefer Olympia Dukakis’ character, Clairee Belcher, in Steel Magnolias where she says, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, come stand by me!”

I was oh so happy to be pleasantly surprised by this Pinot Grigio by Gnarly Head. They make a mean, chewy Zinfandel, one I adore with spicy BBQ. http://bit.ly/VzpPHp /Ravenswood & Gnarly Head Zinfandel But hey, you couldn’t expect the Mack Truck folks to create a cutesy, sporty, two-door Mini Cooper, right? This light, crisp white varietal seemed like such an unlikely departure. Alas, it totally works. This Pinot Grigio is what fans of Pinot Grigio are looking for. This wine is light and lively. It is crisp and tart with flavors of lemon.

Are you making anything with lemon butter? Pair it with this Pinot Grigio. A light, herbed citrus chicken? Pair it with this Pinot Grigio. Hitting up the Chinese take out after work for some Kung Pao Chicken? Do it to it (just add Gnarly PG).

You can find this almost everywhere for around $8-9. [Psst! it’s at Costco right now for $6.49!]

Three Thieves Red Wine

Cost: Average price $10

Where buy now: Costco

Grapes: 52% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Zinfandel, 4% Syrah

Region: California

Vintage: 2010

Three Thieves Red Wine Blend

‘Tis the season of hustle and bustle, shopping and gift giving, eating and drinking. If you’re like most people, you’re probably going to holiday parties and/or hosting a holiday party or two. Either way, booze is involved and it can get, well, pretty freakin’ expensive.

I’ve waxed poetic about the miracle of Bota Box RedVolution http://bit.ly/NcxhVL/Bota Box RedVolution and my quest for big, inexpensive party wine continued. I’ve found it: a mighty 1.5 liter bottle of Three Thieves Red Wine.

Here’s the “Cliff Notes” rundown: Three Thieves = Joel Gott, Charles Bieler and Roger Scommegna. Three hipster dudes whose philosophy is that wine is made to be enjoyed by all people, not just upper crusters [insert appropriate percentage here]. Their spin is that they represent modern day wine Robin Hoods- “stealing” expensive wines and repackaging to make it affordable for the masses. They make a few different wines, if you want to know more, check ‘em out: www.threethieves.com/Three Thieves

Admittedly, when I first saw this big ol’ bottle in all it’s glory, I thought I was picking up the American version of “Yellow Tail” [*snap!*]. Ahhhh, what I do in the name of research. I less than confidently put this hooch in my cart with a sigh.

The garnet juice emits scents of cherry, alcohol and light tannins. The taste echoes all the above with a silky punch that coats your mouth, leaving a light zingy aftertaste. I don’t get strong flavors or scents one way or another. It’s simple goodness up in your glass. No need to decant, breath or age this big dog. Pop it, pour it, pass it around, polish it off.

It’s terrific party wine. (At least, any party I’d willingly attend.) If you’re a fan of Menage é Trois, you might even dig this more. PS – it’s a 1.5 liter for $10 and my “Skank wine of the month”. PPS – I better see this at one of the holiday parties I’m attending. PPPS – you know who you are!