Another day, another 96-point wine with a massive discount! And this time it comes from reader favorite Gard Winery.

They’ve brought with them a wonderfully delicious wine, the 2021 Gard Reverence. In fact, it’s so good, it reminds us of the Dusi Paper Street GSM (IYKYK).

We previously offered the 2020 Gard Reverence (also a perfect 10 Taste Rating) as part of a mixed pack, but the 2020 was almost entirely Grenache (88%). For the 2021 Gard has gone to 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. The result is glorious!

Don’t just take our word for it, the 2021 has quite a line-up of scores. They include:

• 96 pts – Decanter
• 96 pts – Jeremy Young, Int’l Wine Report
• 94+ pts – Reverse Wine Snob
• 94 pts – Owen Bargreen
• 94 pts – Vinous
• 93 pts – Sean Sullivan, Northwest Wine Report

Only 216 cases were produced and the wine was aged in new and neutral French oak barrels for 24 months. The grapes come from the estate Corfu Crossing (Grenache) & Solaksen (Syrah) vineyards at 1,365+ feet of elevation in the Royal Slope.

The result is a stunning, big, dark, deep and delicious wine! And the winery gives it a 20 year drinking window so don’t be afraid to stock up.

Of course, all this also adds up to a very expensive wine – normally $70 a bottle! Not so today…

For the next day you can get 3 bottles of the 2021 Gard Reverence for just $69.95 ($23.32/bottle). That’s an incredible discount of 67%, saving you over $46 a bottle!

ADD TO CART

Given the limited production, we don’t expect this deal to last long, so get those orders in quick if you’d like to get some.

From the winery:

2021 Gard Reverence

TASTING NOTES: Dark cherry, black olives, tobacco, leather, and bacon fat. Swirling brings raspberry purée, strawberry jam, red licorice, and hints of sage and oak spice. The mouthfeel here is medium-bodied, with tons of red and black fruits, orange peel, and a touch of bergamot tea. Showing outstanding tension and a beautiful mid-palate sweetness, the tannins are powdery, and the wine has great volume, soft texture and lifted acidity. Enjoy now or in the next 20 years

PRODUCTION NOTES: Stainless steel and barrel fermented, with extended maceration. Aged in new and neutral French oak barrels for 24 months.

THE VINEYARDS: Gård Vintners is 100% estate grown sustainably at Lawrence Vineyards in the Royal Slope AVA.

CORFU CROSSING is home to some of our oldest vineyard plantings on the Royal Slope. Sustainably farmed on the Frenchman Hills near our Scarline and La Reyna Blanca sites, ranging up to 1,675 feet in elevation with a south-facing slope. 64 acres. Planted 2003-2010.
GRENACHE: Clones 3, Tablas Creek
SOIL TYPE: Adkins very fine sandy loam and Taunton silt  loam at a depth of 12-24 inches on top of fractured basalt
ELEVATION: 1,365-1,675ft
SPACING: 8′ x 4′
ABOUT THE NAME: The naming inspiration for Corfu Crossing came from a trail over the hillside that was used by early settlers to the Corfu area to access water when it was unavailable to them during portions of the year. Corfu, now considered a ghost town, is just south of the Royal Slope.

SOLAKSEN: Located atop the Frenchman Hills on the Royal Slope, this unique site boasts a variety of angling south slopes. Planted 2013 to present. 100 current acres with future plantings to total 240.
SYRAH: Clone Joseph Phelps
SOIL TYPE: Adkins very fine sandy loam, Taunton fine sandy loam
​ELEVATION: 1,430-1,490 ft
ROW SPACING: 7′ x 3′ off axis
ABOUT THE NAME: A Norwegian-inspired term for “off axis to the sun,” signifying the row planting direction of this vineyard.

MATÍAS KÚSULAS Winemaker & Viticulturist: A Chilean with Greek roots, Matías was a Marine officer and Naval Engineer in Chile for more than seven years when he realized that it was time to change the course of his career: In 2005, he started studying Agricultural Engineering at the University of Chile, where he graduated with distinction and a major in Viticulture and Enology. He worked in Chile for a few years and in 2011 he decided to start traveling the world on a quest to learn new wine-making techniques. After several harvests in Oceania, Europe and Africa, he settled down in France, to do his post degrees at the Universities of Bordeaux and Montpellier. He also performed for two years as a Maître de Chai for one of the oldest and most reputable wineries in Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie.

After years of traveling and over 15 harvests, he came to the United States and joined Gård Vintners/Lawrence Vineyards as a Production Winemaker and Viticulturist, and is currently head winemaker for Gård Vintners, Desert Wind Winery, Valo Cellars, and his own label, Massalto. In his spare time he likes to jump out of planes and is a Judo Black Belt.

Vintage: 2021
Varietal Composition: 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah
Vineyard: Corfu Crossing & Solaksen
Cases Produced: 216
Release Date: February 2025
Certifications: Sustainably Farmed, Vegan and Glyphosate Free

14.80% Alcohol
Cork

And now on to our review:

The 2021 Gard Reverence opens with some simply beautiful aromatics. There’s strong, deep aromas of dark berry fruit with wonderfully integrated spice plus touches of smoked meat, cedar, cigar box, licorice and more. The more you swirl the more you discover. It’s a fantastic start!

Taking a sip reveals…wowzer! The blend may have changed but this is still big, deep and delicious and we love it. Featuring a silky smooth mouthfeel, the Reverence has similar notes to nose with layers of flavors and some soft yet grippy tannins. Wonderfully delicious, this wine reminds us of the Dusi Paper Street GSM, which is a very good thing.

And it gets even better the longer it is open. It ends dry, very long, a bit grippy and quite savory on the finish. It was just as good on day 2.

Incredible! This is an easy 10 Taste Rating.

Cheers,
Jon

Here’s what people are saying about our Insider Deals:

“I have tell you that I have been really, really pleased with this whole reverse wine snob endeavor. The info you provided gives me enough to purchase with confidence. The shipping is unbelievably convenient. The wines are right in that price-tag-sweet-spot. And everything has been just as described. Great job.”

“Hi Jon, Best thing I ever did is buy wine thru you…not been disappointed with any of them! Thank you SO MUCH!”

“Just love your site and the great deals on unique small production vino. You do an outstanding job!”

“Jon, this is a wonderful wine all around. You have become our go-to person for wonderful wines and wine values. Please keep up the excellent job that you’re doing! Regards, a very satisfied customer.”

“Wow!! Just got my shipment. It is absolutely tremendous.”

“Another terrific selection from Reverse Wine Snob. Keep up the good work!”

“I’ve bought a ridiculous amount of wine from your deals in the last year…I just want to say that I really appreciate what you guys have done with RWS. I discovered your site looking up Costco wine reviews and have been hooked on your insider deals ever since. I’ve been referring every friend I know.”

“I recently took advantage of your offer. So glad I did, and now sorry I did not buy more (like all those quotes on your website!)”

“I have been buying your Insider Deals for about 3 years now and we have enjoyed every one of them. They are wines that we never would have found on our own… ”

“The only thing I have ever been disappointed in with an Insider Deal is that I didn’t purchase more.”

“Received my shipment today and just cracked open my first tasting. It blew me away…I guess I have another top pick to my list. Can’t wait for my next glass…”

“You can count on great value from the wines offered.”

“the wine is, in a single word, superb! as have been all other wines offered and purchased since I first learnt about you…”

“love them all so far…Glad we ran across you. Too bad we can not order them all.”

“Also your prices are pretty amazing.”

“Hey Jon! You do great work. I’ve bought a bunch of the Insider Deals and probably 80% of the wine I drink comes from them. Great values!”

“The shipping on the Insider Deals is another great part of the deal. We recently paid $27 to a winery in California to ship 6 bottles (same packaging as the insider deals)….yikes!”

“Just got my 6 bottles and having my first glass. WHY, WHY didn’t I buy a case??!!”

“Would you happen to be offering this one again anytime soon? I regret not buying more. This was exceptional!”

“I am seriously considering having the Insider Deals as my primary go-to. Why did I not do this sooner? Thank you”

“I love this wine I bought from you!!!! Thanks for doing what do do!!!”

“This an absolutely amazing wine, Jon…You’ve outdone yourself!”

“Thanks Jon. We already drank all 6 of the first order so we were ecstatic to see you offering it again. My wife and I both love it.”

“You are a man after my own heart. I have always looked for the best and least expensive wine and you just made it easier. Cheers!”

“Hi Jon, well, I did something people have warned about – bought 6 bottles and should have bought 12!”

“Have had nothing but great bottles since I started ordering your recommendations. Thanks so much!”

“We’ve gotten in on three of the deals and have been VERY happy with the value. I originally was going to do a wine club thing but the insider deal appeals to me much more.”

“I really missed the boat by only getting four bottles of this offer last month. Should have bought least at a case.”

“My wife and I have really enjoyed getting to know new wines (and better than we used to buy!)​ Thanks for what you do and providing this service!​”

“Jon – you have to stop offering all of these amazing deals. My self discipline is fading fast!!”

“The wine is outstanding. I am so glad I bought a case.”

“ I only drink Reverse Wine Snob wine, it actually doesn’t make sense to buy from a store. You don’t get anything interesting, unique, and full of value otherwise.”

“Jon, I should have bought more! Delicious!!”

“I am a Certified Specialist of Wine. I love your deals. You pick great wines!! Kudos to you for getting us great deals!”

“Wish I would have ordered more!! It was great. Looking back, I wish I didn’t open it at our annual pool party. It’s gone. **Sob**”

“Hi Jon, just had to let you know that I love this wine!!!! Thanks for doing what you do.”

“I have purchased many times over the last several months and loved the wines!”

“Seriously amazing deal!!! I love a bold red, and Reverse Wine Snob delivered!!! Perfect for a rainy night!!”

“AMAZING!! Damn, I should have bought a CASE!!”

“WOW. Just… wow. Absolutely delicious. If I knew it was going to be this good, I would have bought a case… or two. This was dead-center in the sweet spot of what I like. Thank you!!”

“I have loved all my RWS deals, can’t wait to get this one.”

“I know that you don’t need to have ‘customers’ email you every time they like a wine that you have suggested/rated, and I have enjoyed many of your recommendations. But this Tannat was spectacular! Wow! That was amazing!”

“I finally opened a bottle of this and it did not disappoint. Delicious!!!”

“Thanks for a great service! We’ve been loving your emails and wine deals!”

“This insider deal is a great wine!!! So glad I got it!!”

“I’ve gotten quite a few of these and loved them all — keep them coming!”

“Bought a case wish I had purchased 2-3 cases. Fantastic buy for the price.”

“We purchased several times and have been massively impressed. Thank you.”

“I love your approach to wine and all the great wine finds out there. It’s tempting to order almost every time you send out a deal. Keep up the great work, truly appreciated. ”

“Wish I had doubled my order!”

“By the way, you guys have a great company – smart concept, well executed. I may never have to make another trek to the wine store again. And your customer service is pretty darn good. Thank you. ”

“I am very much enjoying the wines I have been getting from you. I have discontinued all other wine services as the quality of the wines you select seem superior to what I was receiving elsewhere.”

“That’s tremendous…I wish I had tripled my order.”

Get the 96-Point 2021 Gard Reverence 3-Pack while you can! This deal ends Friday 5/8 at noon Pacific.

If you have more questions or any trouble ordering, please check out our FAQ or just click the Help button at checkout! No account is necessary to save your info for future orders or to checkout. GPay and Apple Pay are also enabled.

Trader Joe’s doesn’t specify but the wine is believed to be 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre from the Cairanne appellation in the southern Rhone Valley of France.

We were quite happy to see this wine pop up at Trader Joe’s recently as you don’t often find wines from this lesser known Rhone Valley wine region. Formerly part of the Cotes-du-Rhone Villages, the Cairanne appellation was promoted to Cru status in 2016.

We’re huge fans of pretty much anything from the Rhone Valley, so it’s nice to see TJ’s expanding beyond just the big, recognizable areas.

The Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Cairanne Lot 147 is made by Camille Cayran, a cooperative with around 65 growers that produces a number of highly respected wines. The wine is available exclusively at Trader Joe’s and sells for $12.99.

From the bottle:

Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Cairanne Lot #147

Bottled by EMB 84028A France
Imported by Asgram
15% Alcohol

The 2022 Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Cairanne Lot 147 opens with pleasing aromas of ripe dark berry fruit, a little spice, a bit of a meaty note and touches of licorice and garrigue. It’s an attractive, harmonious start.

Tasting shows that this is a nice Rhone Valley red that is balanced and well put together. It gets even better with air so give it some time to breathe. It features similar flavors to the nose, including the meaty note, that are wrapped up in a smooth mouthfeel.

It ends dry and long and was similar on day 2. Very cohesive and quite tasty, this is a nice find.

 
As always you can find an updated list of our recommended wines from Trader Joe’s as well as more info on their pricing model and some tips and tricks for shopping the store in our giant guide.

You can also find more of our favorite wines from France here!

Review Summary

A white wine blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon from Bordeaux, France.

Red wines get all the attention in Bordeaux, but there are also some very nice white wines being made. The blend used here is very typical for the region with the Semillon adding some body and texture to the high acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc.

The newly released Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Blanc is available exclusively at Costco and is priced at just $6.99. It is imported by Misa Imports and made Chateau Petit-Freylon.

That is the same producer as the excellent Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Superieur Red, which we are very happy about since the red is consistently one of the best Kirkland Signature wines offered. Let’s check out this Bordeaux Blanc.

From the bottle:

2024 Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Blanc

A carefully selected blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon, this Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Blanc has pleasant aromas and a complex nose. The woody notes blend with white-fleshed fruits, such as pear and peach, and citrus fruits. The palate is velvety and smooth, combining notes of toasted brioche, honey, lemon and hazelnuts.

12.5% Alcohol

The 2024 Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Blanc opens with a pleasing aroma of lemongrass, honeysuckle and citrus. It’s a nice, inviting start.

Taking a sip reveals a very easy to drink and refreshing wine with a rich and smooth mouthfeel, good acidity and decent depth on the tangy fruit, which is similar to the nose. This is a porch pounder/pool party type of wine.

It ends crisp, soft and dry with good length and a little bit of lip-smackingness. This is another great entry to the Kirkland Signature line.

 
Looking for more of the top Costco wine selections? Browse our multi-page listing of recommended wines along with more information on how to best shop the store!

You can also find all of our favorite Sauvignon Blanc wines here!

Review Summary

96 points AND discounted over $40 a bottle?? You got that right! We heard your pleas for more deals on imports so we’re kicking things off today with a bang.

In fact, this wine has multiple 96-point scores (from MW Tim Atkins and Patricio Tapia at Descorchados) plus 95 point scores from Wine Advocate, Vinous and Decanter. We give it a Perfect 10 Taste Rating as well.

Made from 75 year-old, dry-farmed vines in the Maule Valley of Chile, the Reta Romelio is a field blend of 85% Malbec plus small amounts of Pais, Carignan and Semillon. (Yes, Semillon!) The combination is remarkable.

The wine, named after the Romelio vineyard planted in 1945, spends an incredible 27 months in 228L French oak barrels (3rd & 4th fill) and is expertly made by the highly respected Chilean winemaker Marcelo Retamal, the former winemaker at Viña de Martino. Reta is his family label.

The wine is brought to us by importer Eric Solomon and his European Cellars/Indigo Wines import business. Eric was behind the excellent Calatayud Garnacha that got us hooked on wine, so we’re very excited to welcome him to our Insider Deals. (And stay tuned because we have several more imported wines from him coming up!)

Given the expert winemaking, old vines and high scores, it’s no surprise that this wine normally retails for $80 a bottle. Of course, you won’t pay anywhere near that price through today’s Insider Deal…

For the next day you can get 2 bottles of the 2020 Reta Romelio for just $74.95 ($37.48/bottle). That’s a discount of 53%, saving you over $42 a bottle!

ADD TO CART

From European Selections:

Few winemakers in Chile require less of an introduction than Marcelo Retamal. Throughout his more than two-decade-long career, Reta has been in the vanguard of the qualitative changes in Chilean winemaking. For his restlessly pioneering work, he’s been lauded as one of the most influential winemakers in South America. He not only possesses a keen sense of terruño and how to translate it into his wines, but he’s an effective communicator for his work and the history of winemaking in South America. After 23 years working for Viña De Martino, Reta has “retired” to focus on the wines he makes at Viñedos de Alcohuaz in the Alto Elqui Valley and his personal project, RETA.

RETA was officially born in 2019 with the selection of three vineyard sites that Reta feels personally embody the best qualities in Chilean wine – Chardonnay from Quebrada Seca, Pinot Noir from Talinay, and Romelio, a Malbec-based field-blend from an ancestral vineyard. Each of these vineyards is dry-farmed without chemical inputs. Working the soils is done by horsepower and timed to prevent moisture loss. Harvest is manual, and the fruit is either pressed whole cluster or partially destemmed. Fermentations are spontaneous, and SO2 is only added to the wines after malo has finished or just before bottling. These are some of the most strikingly pure and defy wines we’ve tasted from Chile that demonstrate their Burgundian inspiration while representing the best Chile can offer.

Romelio is a small vineyard located a few kilometers from the Mataquito River on the far western edge of Maule. Close to the Pacific and benefiting from its proximity to the Mataquito River, this is a cool site for Maule with warm, dry conditions throughout the growing season. The age of the vines, which are about 85% Malbec, and the granitic soils make for a more austere and mineral expression of fruit. The wine is named Romelio in honor of the man who planted this vineyard in 1945 and tended it his entire life.

Tasting Notes: Romelio is a field blend that includes a touch of Semillon, contributing a fresh citrus note to the backbone of Malbec, País and Carignan. It’s a riot of vibrant damson and red cherry fruits, and has a refreshing floral element, with rosehip and violets, silky tannins and a chalky texture.

Aromatic with floral and spicy notes, damson, black cherry and blackcurrant. Juicy, pure and precise, with high acidity that makes it vibrant, almost effervescent. It should age nicely.

Region: Maule
Appellation: Maule
Climate: Mediterranean
Altitude: 60 metres
Soils: Sandy granite
Farming: Dry farmed and sustainable
Viticulture: All vineyard work is by hand and horse, no herbicides are used and weeds are controlled mechanically
Varieties: 85% Malbec, 15% field blend including Pais, Carignan and Semillon
Fermentation: Hand harvested, 40% whole cluster, natural yeast fermentation in tank, gentle maceration
Ageing: 27 months in 3rd and 4th use 228 litre Burgundy barrels
Bottled without fining or filtration.
Vegan Friendly

13.5% Alcohol
Cork

And now on to our review:

The 2020 Reta Romelio opens with wonderful aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, lots of floral notes, and all kinds of nice little touches – spice, bay leaf and other herbs, tart citrus, hints of vanilla, some iron-like minerality, an earthy note and more. It seems like you find something new every time you sniff.

It’s a fantastic start just be sure to give it a couple hours to breathe to truly experience it at its best.

Tasting the wine reveals similar notes to the nose that are wonderfully balanced and delicious in the mouth. Silky smooth and medium-bodied, the wine is layered with deep and harmonious flavors. It also has plenty of structure and acidity.

It ends dry and extremely long with a lingering finish of delicious, juicy fruit. It was just as good on day 2. This field blend of grapes, including a small amount of the white grape Semillon, adds a truly unique and delicious twist to the wine. You don’t want to miss this one.

Cheers,
Jon

Here’s what people are saying about our Insider Deals:

“I have tell you that I have been really, really pleased with this whole reverse wine snob endeavor. The info you provided gives me enough to purchase with confidence. The shipping is unbelievably convenient. The wines are right in that price-tag-sweet-spot. And everything has been just as described. Great job.”

“Hi Jon, Best thing I ever did is buy wine thru you…not been disappointed with any of them! Thank you SO MUCH!”

“Just love your site and the great deals on unique small production vino. You do an outstanding job!”

“Jon, this is a wonderful wine all around. You have become our go-to person for wonderful wines and wine values. Please keep up the excellent job that you’re doing! Regards, a very satisfied customer.”

“Wow!! Just got my shipment. It is absolutely tremendous.”

“Another terrific selection from Reverse Wine Snob. Keep up the good work!”

“I’ve bought a ridiculous amount of wine from your deals in the last year…I just want to say that I really appreciate what you guys have done with RWS. I discovered your site looking up Costco wine reviews and have been hooked on your insider deals ever since. I’ve been referring every friend I know.”

“I recently took advantage of your offer. So glad I did, and now sorry I did not buy more (like all those quotes on your website!)”

“I have been buying your Insider Deals for about 3 years now and we have enjoyed every one of them. They are wines that we never would have found on our own… ”

“The only thing I have ever been disappointed in with an Insider Deal is that I didn’t purchase more.”

“Received my shipment today and just cracked open my first tasting. It blew me away…I guess I have another top pick to my list. Can’t wait for my next glass…”

“You can count on great value from the wines offered.”

“the wine is, in a single word, superb! as have been all other wines offered and purchased since I first learnt about you…”

“love them all so far…Glad we ran across you. Too bad we can not order them all.”

“Also your prices are pretty amazing.”

“Hey Jon! You do great work. I’ve bought a bunch of the Insider Deals and probably 80% of the wine I drink comes from them. Great values!”

“The shipping on the Insider Deals is another great part of the deal. We recently paid $27 to a winery in California to ship 6 bottles (same packaging as the insider deals)….yikes!”

“Just got my 6 bottles and having my first glass. WHY, WHY didn’t I buy a case??!!”

“Would you happen to be offering this one again anytime soon? I regret not buying more. This was exceptional!”

“I am seriously considering having the Insider Deals as my primary go-to. Why did I not do this sooner? Thank you”

“I love this wine I bought from you!!!! Thanks for doing what do do!!!”

“This an absolutely amazing wine, Jon…You’ve outdone yourself!”

“Thanks Jon. We already drank all 6 of the first order so we were ecstatic to see you offering it again. My wife and I both love it.”

“You are a man after my own heart. I have always looked for the best and least expensive wine and you just made it easier. Cheers!”

“Hi Jon, well, I did something people have warned about – bought 6 bottles and should have bought 12!”

“Have had nothing but great bottles since I started ordering your recommendations. Thanks so much!”

“We’ve gotten in on three of the deals and have been VERY happy with the value. I originally was going to do a wine club thing but the insider deal appeals to me much more.”

“I really missed the boat by only getting four bottles of this offer last month. Should have bought least at a case.”

“My wife and I have really enjoyed getting to know new wines (and better than we used to buy!)​ Thanks for what you do and providing this service!​”

“Jon – you have to stop offering all of these amazing deals. My self discipline is fading fast!!”

“The wine is outstanding. I am so glad I bought a case.”

“ I only drink Reverse Wine Snob wine, it actually doesn’t make sense to buy from a store. You don’t get anything interesting, unique, and full of value otherwise.”

“Jon, I should have bought more! Delicious!!”

“I am a Certified Specialist of Wine. I love your deals. You pick great wines!! Kudos to you for getting us great deals!”

“Wish I would have ordered more!! It was great. Looking back, I wish I didn’t open it at our annual pool party. It’s gone. **Sob**”

“Hi Jon, just had to let you know that I love this wine!!!! Thanks for doing what you do.”

“I have purchased many times over the last several months and loved the wines!”

“Seriously amazing deal!!! I love a bold red, and Reverse Wine Snob delivered!!! Perfect for a rainy night!!”

“AMAZING!! Damn, I should have bought a CASE!!”

“WOW. Just… wow. Absolutely delicious. If I knew it was going to be this good, I would have bought a case… or two. This was dead-center in the sweet spot of what I like. Thank you!!”

“I have loved all my RWS deals, can’t wait to get this one.”

“I know that you don’t need to have ‘customers’ email you every time they like a wine that you have suggested/rated, and I have enjoyed many of your recommendations. But this Tannat was spectacular! Wow! That was amazing!”

“I finally opened a bottle of this and it did not disappoint. Delicious!!!”

“Thanks for a great service! We’ve been loving your emails and wine deals!”

“This insider deal is a great wine!!! So glad I got it!!”

“I’ve gotten quite a few of these and loved them all — keep them coming!”

“Bought a case wish I had purchased 2-3 cases. Fantastic buy for the price.”

“We purchased several times and have been massively impressed. Thank you.”

“I love your approach to wine and all the great wine finds out there. It’s tempting to order almost every time you send out a deal. Keep up the great work, truly appreciated. ”

“Wish I had doubled my order!”

“By the way, you guys have a great company – smart concept, well executed. I may never have to make another trek to the wine store again. And your customer service is pretty darn good. Thank you. ”

“I am very much enjoying the wines I have been getting from you. I have discontinued all other wine services as the quality of the wines you select seem superior to what I was receiving elsewhere.”

“That’s tremendous…I wish I had tripled my order.”

Get the 96 Point 2020 Reta Romelio 2-Pack while you can! This deal ends Wednesday 5/6 at noon Pacific.

If you have more questions or any trouble ordering, please check out our FAQ or just click the Help button at checkout! No account is necessary to save your info for future orders or to checkout. GPay and Apple Pay are also enabled.

Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina.

There’s no indication as to who makes this particular wine or as to how it is made, but that’s par for the course with these private labels. Let’s check out how it tastes.

The Member’s Mark Mendoza Malbec is available exclusively at Sam’s Club for just $6.98, so once again it’s the exact same price as the very popular Costco version, the Kirkland Signature Malbec (which is made by Broquel Winery).

From Sam’s Club:

2024 Member’s Mark Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina

Situated at the foothills of the Andes and fed by the purest water from melted snow, the vineyards that produce Member’s Mark Malbec are renown for growing grapes of outstanding quality. This wine brings the robust feel of a traditional malbec, with spiced red plum flavors backed by a silky texture. It’s as elegant as it is complex, yet it pairs perfectly with most cuisine.

13.5% Alcohol

The 2024 Member’s Mark Mendoza Malbec opens with lots of dark berry, almost mulberry type fruit. You’ll also find a little vanilla, chocolate and black pepper. It’s a bit simple but inviting.

The wine tastes surprisingly decent. It’s quite smooth and features lots of slightly juicy dark berry fruit plus some baking spice and the other touches from the nose.

It ends dry with good length and was similar on day 2. This is a nice, very drinkable example of Malbec for the price. Once again, however, it falls a bit behind the Costco version in terms of taste.

 
Looking for more of the best wine selections at Sam’s Club? Browse our growing guide along with more info about the store!

You can also find all of our favorite Malbec here!

Review Summary

Today we welcome Five Star Coffee Roasters to our Inexpensive Gourmet Insider Deals.

First, we have a confession to make. While we are definitely Reverse Wine Snobs, when it comes to coffee there’s no reverse about it! We’re coffee snobs through and through, although we still especially enjoy getting a big discount on those extremely high-quality beans we love — and that’s just what we have today.

Five Star Coffee Roasters is run by fourth generation Honduran coffee farmers who import and roast amazing beans from all over the world. These guys know their coffee:

Coffee is more than just a drink, for us it is a way of life.

Nelson Amador, the founder of Five Star Coffee Roasters, and Alejandra Gomez, the manager of Five Star Coffee Roasters, have a strong connection to the coffee industry. They both grew up on their grandfather Raul Rodriguez’s coffee farm, Finca Santa Lucia, which is located in the remote village of Tres Pinos, Honduras. This family-owned and managed farm has a rich history and is dedicated to producing the finest specialty coffee beans.

Coffee has been a part of our family for over five generations and we are proud to say that we have over 22 coffee producers in our family, all of whom share a passion for producing some of the finest organic specialty coffees.

Today we have four excellent, all dark roast whole bean coffees. For the coffee snob in us, these pass the test with flying colors. We found them all to be excellent no matter how they were prepared – straight black coffee, espresso, cold brew, latte, cappuccino and more – hot or iced. We can’t wait to buy more ourselves!

Here’s what is included:

• 1 12oz bag of the Five Star Coffee Roasters Sumatra from small farms at 1200-1700M of elevation in Batak, West Central Sumatra (Indonesia). Rich and dark it features notes of chocolate, fruitiness and earthiness. Smooth, flavorful and lasting, this is very enjoyable.
• 1 12oz bag of Five Star Coffee Roasters Midnight which combines the richness of Colombian, Sumatra, and Brazilian coffee beans. This one is very dark just as the name suggests and it went wonderfully with my wife’s famous flourless chocolate cake. It is also great for iced or milk based drinks since it is so full of flavor – it’s hard to water this down. It’s intense just like they say and we love it.
• 1 12oz bag of Five Star Coffee Roasters Havana, a unique French roast coffee that combines beans from Brazil, Sumatra, and Honduras. Super dark, rich and almost creamy, this is another intense one just like they advertise. Talk about a pick-me-up, this fits the bill. Pair it with a bit of dark chocolate for a little bit of heaven.
• 1 12oz bag of the Five Star Coffee Roasters Il Gattopardo, a limited edition Italian Espresso Blend. Very smooth and strong with notes of dark chocolate this is honestly just as good as anything we’ve had in Italy! And it’s not just for espresso, you can prepare it any way you like.

If you’ve seen the price of coffee beans lately you know they are not cheap and it seems they are getting more expensive by the day!

Each 12oz bag of Five Star Coffee Roasters whole beans retail for a reasonable $17 plus another $8 or so in shipping. Not so today…

For the next few days you can get all 4 bags (1 of each) of the Five Star Coffee Roasters whole beans for just $53.95 ($13.49 each) plus FREE SHIPPING!

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Here’s some more info on each coffee in today’s offer:

Five Star Coffee Roasters Sumatra

Notes: Spiced, Herbal, Fully Bodied
Roast: Dark 
Farmer: Smallholder Farmers
Farm Elevation: 1200-1700M
Region: Batak, West Central Sumatra (Indonesia)
Processing Method: Semi-Washed Process

Sumatra is a rich, full-bodied coffee that lingers on your taste buds. Grown at elevations between 1200-1700m in the Batak region of West Central Sumatra, this coffee is made from the Catimor and Typica coffee plants and is known for its earthy and rustic taste. With its mild acidity, Sumatra Mandheling is a great choice for those with acid sensitivities who are looking for a satisfying and delicious coffee experience.

The natural almond, chocolate, and lemongrass notes are enhanced through the traditional wet-hulling and sun-drying methods, giving the coffee its unique and spicy flavor profile. With smallholder farmers dedicated to producing high-quality coffee, our Sumatra Mandheling is the perfect choice for those who enjoy a fully bodied and flavorful brew, with just the right touch of spiciness and herbal notes.

Five Star Coffee Roasters Midnight

Notes: Rich, Bold, Smooth
Roast: Dark
Multi-Origin Blend

A dark roast blend, Midnight combines the richness of Colombian, Sumatra, and Brazilian coffee beans.

This full-bodied coffee offers a smooth and satisfying taste, making it the perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and flavorful cup. Midnight is carefully crafted to bring out the best in each bean, resulting in a rich and intense flavor profile.

Five Star Coffee Roasters Il Gattopardo Italian Espresso Blend

Introducing Il Gattopardo, our limited edition Italian Espresso Blend. Experience the bold intensity, decadent chocolate undertones, and irresistibly smooth finish that define this classic espresso. Savor Italian coffee craftsmanship with every sip of Il Gattopardo.

Five Star Coffee Roasters Havana French Roast

Notes: Chocolate, Rich, Balanced
Roast: Dark – French Roast
Multi-Origin Blend

Experience Havana, a unique coffee that combines the richness of three exceptional coffee-growing regions – Brazil, Sumatra, and Honduras. This French roast coffee offers an intense flavor profile, with roasted notes of caramel and chocolate, making it the perfect choice for coffee lovers who enjoy a strong and satisfying cup.

With its rich flavor, Havana Blend is guaranteed to start your day on a high note, whether you enjoy it black or with cream. The intense taste and aroma of this French roast coffee will awaken your senses and provide the perfect kick-start to your day.

So why wait? Treat yourself to a cup of Havana and discover the magic of this exceptional international blend.

Get the Five Star Coffee Roasters Dark Roast 4-Pack while you can!

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This deal ends Friday 5/8 at noon Pacific.

If you have more questions or any trouble ordering, please check out our FAQ or just click the Help button at checkout! No account is necessary to save your info for future orders or to checkout. GPay and Apple Pay are also enabled.

Cheers,
Jon

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Primarily Tempranillo plus small amounts of Graciano and Mazuelo from vineyards throughout Rioja, Spain. The wine spends 18 months in 225 litre American and French oak barrels, followed by at least 18 months in the bottle before release.

We love a good Rioja, especially when you get it for close to $10. Surprisingly, we’ve never actually reviewed this wine on the site, so let’s check it out!

Sample submitted for review. The 2018 Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva has an SRP of $16 and is available widely for as low as $11. It is imported by Pernod Ricard USA.

From the winery:

2018 Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva

Regional overview: The Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja is located in the north of Spain, in the Ebro River Valley, and it’s divided into 3 zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental. The whole area hosts 66 thousand hectares of vineyards, distributed in terraces at both sides of the river. Rioja’s mild climate, being a confluence of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, is perfect for grape growing. The diversity of soil types and mesoclimates, together with local varieties and centuries old experience in winemaking makes Rioja one of the most emblematic regions in the world.

Vineyards: Campo Viejo benefits from the diversity provided by Rioja by sourcing grapes from vineyards distributed throughout the region, each one of them with its unique characteristics imprinted in the wines obtained. Sustainable practices are used during the growing season to ensure high quality grapes in each vintage are obtained in a respectful manner with the environment. The Campo Viejo winery itself was built to be sustainable and pioneered in the country to be the first Spanish winery to be carbon footprint certified, among other certifications.

Winemaking and ageing: The grapes coming from different locations are de-stemmed, gently crushed and carried via gravity force to stainless steel vats for fermentation at a controlled temperature of approximately 28°C.

During fermentation, regular pump-overs are used in order to extract colour and flavours. The components of the final blend are aged separately in French and American oak barriques (225 litres) for 18 months. After the oak ageing, the final blend is made and then the wine rests in bottle for a further 18 months where it gains its complexity and round palate.

Tasting: A beautifully-structured Spanish red wine with fruit notes (cherries and ripe blackberries). The wine has elegant, soft tannins, medium body, and a long, complex finish. There is a great balance between the fruit (cherries, black plums, ripe blackberries) and the clean nuances from the oak (clove, pepper, vanilla and coconut), enriched by the complex aromas developed during bottle ageing. Very attractive to the palate, with ripe fruit and spices, tobacco and toasted oak. Elegant, soft tannins, medium body and a long, complex finish.

13.5% Alcohol

The 2018 Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva begins with a pleasing aroma of black cherry, leather and licorice along with touches of cranberry, blood orange and spice. It’s a nice start.

The wine needs a bit of air but then it tastes quite nice. Smooth and with good balance and acidity, it’s easy to drink but also has enough depth to keep it interesting. It features juicy fruit with similar flavors to the nose.

It ends dry and a touch grippy and spicy on the very long finish and was even a bit better on day 2 where it was even smoother. This is lovely.

 
Looking for more of our favorite picks from Rioja under $25? Browse our multi-page listing along with more information on the wines of this popular, and unique, region!

You can also find more of our favorite Tempranillo here.

Review Summary

Includes the new vintage of a Bordeaux blend from the legendary Pickberry Vineyard with a Perfect 10 Taste Rating. Don’t miss the Fifth Hill Reds 4-Pack.

Here is what is included in today’s 4-pack:

• The 2022 Fifth Hill Pickberry Vineyard Red Wine. We’ve offered this absolutely delicious Bordeaux-style blend before and this new vintage might be even better, garnering a Perfect 10 Taste Rating. It was aged for 24 months in French oak, 30% of which was new. Only 296 cases were produced and it normally retails for $55 a bottle! You will receive two bottles.
• The 2022 Fifth Hill Oak Shade Ranch Merlot from 800 feet of elevation on Sonoma Mountain. The Oak Shade Ranch vineyard is known for excellent Merlot and that’s evident here from the first sip! It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 30% of which was new. Only 296 cases were produced and it normally retails for $50 a bottle. You will receive two bottles.

All told these wonderful wines would normally set you back $210! Not so this weekend…

For the next two days you can get the Fifth Hill 92-94 Point Reds 4-Pack (2 bottles of each wine) for just $78.95 ($19.74/bottle). That’s a discount of 62% saving you a total of $131 – an average savings of $32.75 a bottle!

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Up first let’s take a look at the 2022 Fifth Hill Pickberry Vineyard Red Wine. It is a blend of 55% Merlot, 20% Malbec, 15% Petit Verdot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. You will receive 2 bottles in today’s 4-Pack.

From the winery:

2022 Fifth Hill Pickberry Vineyard Red Wine, Sonoma Mountain
55% Merlot, 20% Malbec, 15% Petit Verdot, and 10% Cabernet Franc

This wine beautifully expresses the history and prestige of one of Sonoma’s most acclaimed vineyard sites. First established in the early 1970s on the volcanic slopes of Sonoma Mountain, Pickberry Vineyard has become synonymous with depth, elegance, and age-worthy structure, producing award-winning wines that reflect both terroir and meticulous farming.

This blend captures that legacy by weaving together the plushness of Merlot, the dark-fruited intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon, and the spice and lift of varieties like Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Aromatics of blackberry, blueberry, and violet are layered with subtle notes of menthol, sage, and baking spice, leading into flavors of plum, black currant, cocoa, and a hint of dried herbs. The palate is full and harmonious, with balanced acidity, well-integrated tannins, and a long, polished finish.

Both approachable and cellar-worthy, this mixed red showcases the power and finesse for which Pickberry is known, pairing beautifully with roasted lamb, braised short ribs, or rich vegetarian stews, while promising further complexity with time in bottle. This wine is a blend of 55% Merlot, 20% Malbec, 15% Petit Verdot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. The wine is perfect to cellar or pop open for a nice steak!

Vineyards: Pickberry Vineyard
Appellation: Sonoma Mountain
Harvest Dates: 13 September 2022
Harvest Sugar: 23.5°
Acidity: TA = 5.5 g/L; pH =3.61
Fermentation: After a two day cold soak, short fermentations with regular aerative pumpovers and delastage. Then gently pressed into oak barrels.
Aging: 24 months, 30% new French oak.
Production: 296 cases
SRP: $55

14.9% Alcohol
Cork

And now on to our review:

The 2022 Fifth Hill Pickberry Vineyard Red opens with a wonderful nose full of ripe dark berry fruit and well integrated cinnamon and other baking spice. Add in some notes of smoke, licorice, vanilla, chocolate and graphite and this is love!

Tasting the wine reveals more of the same which is a very good thing. Big, juicy and delicious with a smooth and lush mouthfeel, this one just keeps getting better and better the more air it has. It features plenty of tannins and structure at this young age, which bodes well for the future.

It ends dry, very long, grippy and even a bit chewy on the very satisfying finish. Big and tasty, this is really delicious. It was just as good on day 2. Pickberry for the win!

 
Next let’s take a look at the 2022 Fifth Hill Oak Shade Ranch Merlot. You will receive 2 bottles in today’s 4-Pack.

From the winery:

2022 Fifth Hill Oak Shade Ranch Merlot, Sonoma Mountain

This Merlot comes from 800 ft. in elevation on Sonoma Mountain. It has a deep, dense ruby-red color with hints of purple at the rim. It shows an intense and complex bouquet of ripe dark fruits like blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum. Secondary aromas of cedar and vanilla. On the palate, this is a full-bodied wine with black fruit notes and well-integrated tannins. This provides a good structure and grip, but also provides a balanced acidity. The wine finishes with smooth dark chocolate and earthy notes adding depth and persisting flavors. The wine is perfect to cellar or pop open for a nice steak.

Vineyards: Oak Shade Ranch
Appellation: Sonoma Mountain
Harvest Date: September 2022
Harvest Sugar: 24.1°
Acidity: TA = 6.11 g/L; pH =3.58
Fermentation: After a two day cold soak, short fermentations with regular aerative pumpovers and delastage. Then gently pressed into oak barrels.
Aging: 18 months, 30% new French Oak
Production: 296 cases
SRP: $50

14.9% Alcohol
Cork

And now on to our review:

The 2022 Fifth Hill Oak Shade Ranch Merlot opens with a pleasing aroma of very dark berry fruit, cedar, cigar box, vanilla and cocoa with even more coming out with time in the glass. It’s an attractive start!

Tasting the wine reveals it to be very smooth, with that signature round Merlot mouthfeel. It’s also quite delicious with similar flavors to the nose plus plenty of structure, balance and good, juicy acidity. This is just a pleasure to drink!

It ends dry, quite long and grippy on the satisfying finish and it was even a bit better on day 2 where it developed more of a savory note on the finish. We put it at the high end of our 9 Taste Rating at 92-93 points.

Cheers,
Jon

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Get the 92-94 Point 2022 Fifth Hill Sonoma Mountain Reds 4-Pack while you can! This deal ends Sunday 5/3 at midnight Pacific.

If you have more questions or any trouble ordering, please check out our FAQ or just click the Help button at checkout! No account is necessary to save your info for future orders or to checkout. GPay and Apple Pay are also enabled.

Today’s Insider Deal channels a little bit of the Northern Rhone in the Walla Walla Valley! We’re delighted to bring back a favorite deal (with a Perfect 10 Taste Rating) from a favorite producer.

And when we save favorite, we mean it. Check out these reviews from previous buyers of this vintage:

As we noted when we offered the Cabernet from Amavi Cellars, buying Cabs from the Walla Walla Valley typically puts quite a dent in your wallet. That is no less the case with Syrah.

In fact, the wine-searcher average for a single bottle of Walla Walla Syrah is well over $100!

Well, today’s deal, which we’ve dubbed the “Syrah Nirvana 4-Pack“, gets you this already reasonably priced ($42) estate Syrah XX% OFF!

That means you can get 4 bottles of the 2023 Amavi Cellars Walla Walla Valley Syrah for just $XX.95 ($XX.XX/bottle), saving you over $XX a bottle!

Past vintages of this deal have proven to be very popular, so we recommend getting those orders in quick to avoid a sell-out.

 
The 2023 Amavi Cellars Syrah is 89% Syrah and 11% Grenache from estate vineyards all in the Walla Walla Valley of Oregon and Washington State. The exact vineyard split is 37% Les Collines, 30% Stone Valley, 15% Yellow Jacket, 11% Summit View and 7% Seven Hills Vineyard.

The wine spends time in 100% French oak, 24% of which was new and the rest neutral.

From the winery:

2023 AMAVI WALLA WALLA SYRAH
100% Estate 100% Sustainable 100% Walla Walla

SMELLS LIKE: dark berries, including blackberry and black cherry, hints of violet and lavender, earthy undertones of smoked meat and cracked pepper
TASTES LIKE: bold flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and ripe plum, followed by hints of blueberry, dried herbs, smoked meat, and a hint of cocoa
MOUTHFEEL: silky tannins and a well-integrated structure give way to a long, lingering finish with echoes of dark fruit and savory spice
DRINK WITH: grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs, roasted Eggplant or ratatouille, spiced pork tenderloin

THE VINTAGE: The Walla Walla Valley 2023 growing season began with late budbreak in the end of April through early May. Due to the ideal spring weather, bloom happened in record time— less than 30 days in parts of the vineyards. Summer was one of the hottest on record, with steady but not extreme heat, leading to ripe fruit that maintained freshness and acidity, and kicked off an early harvest in September. The resulting wines showcase ripe luscious tannins, balanced tension and complexity, promising exciting developments over the next decade and beyond.

THE VINEYARDS: Within our estate vineyards we dedicate ourselves to being stewards of the land and leaders in the practices of regenerative agriculture

VARIETAL 89% Syrah, 11% Grenache
APPELLATION 100% Walla Walla Valley
ESTATE VINEYARD 37% Les Collines, 30% Stone Valley, 15% Yellow Jacket, 11% Summit View, 7% Seven Hills Vineyard
OAK PROGRAM 100% French Oak 76% Neutral, 24% New 90%, 500L puncheons
HARVEST DATES 9/04/23 – 10/12/23
PRODUCTION 1,343 cases

Produced & Bottled by Amavi Cellars
14.5% Alcohol
Cork

And now on to our review:

The 2023 Amavi Cellars Syrah begins with a very pleasing aroma of blackberry, plum, lots of cured meat notes including bacon, lots of herbal notes, black pepper, some floral notes, some iron-like minerality and much more. It’s a fabulous start.

Tasting the medium to full-bodied wine reveals lots of juicy, blackberry fruit and a silky smooth mouthfeel plus firm tannins, lively acidity and great balance. There are also lovely touches of licorice plus a little chocolate and vanilla under the juicy fruit as well as continuing meaty notes. This is very Northern Rhone like! It is at its best after a couple hours of air and was even better on day 2.

It ends dry and extremely long and juicy on the dynamic, mouth-watering finish. This is delicious again!

Cheers,
Jon

Get the 2023 Amavi Cellars Syrah 4-Pack while you can! This deal ends Friday 5/1 at noon Pacific.

If you have more questions or any trouble ordering, please check out our FAQ or just click the Help button at checkout! No account is necessary to save your info for future orders or to checkout. GPay and Apple Pay are also enabled.

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As is usual, there’s not much info available from Trader Joe’s on this wine. We do know, however, given the rules for Brunello that the wine must be 100% Sangiovese and must spend at least 6 years maturing (with at least two of those in oak barrels).

The wine is available exclusively at Trader Joe’s for SRP $27.99. It is imported by d’Aquino Italian Importing Co. Inc.

From the bottle:

2019 Canto Del Principe Tre Cipressi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

Elegant and complex, with notes of ripe red fruit, spice and earthy undertones. Balanced structure and great aging potential, make this Riserva a true expression of the Montalcino terroir. Serve at room temperature.

14% Alcohol

The 2019 Canto Del Principe Tre Cipressi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva opens with a pleasing aroma of black cherry, lots of leather, a little baking spice and a bit of an earthy, forest floor note although it does take some time for all these things to come out, so be patient.

Honestly, there’s not much going on at first pop and pour – we gave it an 8 Taste Rating at best – but give it a few hours to breathe and it’s a different wine. After a good amount of air it shows some nice harmony and balance with similar flavors to the nose plus juicy fruit and well-integrated spice.

It ends dry, a bit grippy and long and is even better on day 2 where it is more balanced. This one is just barely good enough for the $27.99 price tag. In other words, unless you really have to have Brunello Riserva on the label, you can find much better Sangiovese at the same price point. (See our list of recommended Sangiovese wines here.) We give it a low 9 Taste Rating (91 points).

 
As always you can find an updated list of our recommended wines from Trader Joe’s as well as more info on their pricing model and some tips and tricks for shopping the store in our giant guide.

You can also find more of our favorite wine from Italy here!

Review Summary