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South Carolina Wine Joe First Aniversary

One year has passed since I began my humble wine blog.  In that time, I have learned much, drunk some wine and had a lot of fun.  When I began, I had no idea if anyone would read my blog but there have been almost 19,000 pageviews, mostly from North America with a few from Australia and western Europe.  I have reviewed over 100 wines from Costco, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Total Wines and More and below I am listing some special wines that my wife, friends and I have found.

Most Viewed Posts
33 Tentatre 2012 Trader Joe's Wine #1
Kirkland Signature Sonoma County Chardonnay 2012
Kirkland Signature Cotes Du Rhone, Villages 2012
Overlake 2012 Red Blend
Sphere 2012 Lodi Zinfandel

My Highest Rated Wines
Norton Malbec Reserva 2010  92 pts.
Chateau Hanteillan Haut-Medoc 2010 92 pts.
Kirkland Signature Series Oakville Merlot 2012  92 pts.
Vina Eguia Rioja Reserva 2007  93 pts.

I was extremely lucky to find the 2007 vintage Vina Eguia.  Costco was selling the 2009 vintage and I found a couple of cases of 2007 mixed into the stack.

My Highest Rated Trader Joe's Wine
Trader Joe's Reserve Paso Robles Syrah  91 pts.

Best Value Costco
Kirkland Signature Cotes Du Rhone Villages 2012    $6.99
Tranco Monastrell-Cabernet Sauvignon 2010  $6.99
Kirkland Signature Prosecco  $7.49

Best Value Whole Foods
Pallas Tempranillo 2013  $6.99

Best Value Trader Joe's
33 Tentatre Rosso $5.99
Earthstone Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County  $4.99

Wines that I have purchased most in past year
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot
Joel Gott California Cabernet 
Kirkland Signature Sonoma County Chardonnay

I have not rated white wines by a numerical score.  The styles of these wines are so diverse that I just cannot assign a number.  For example, I cannot judge the superiority of one unoaked chardonnay against a creamy, buttery oaked Chardonnay.  I can only describe the wine and say what I like or dislike.  In the days ahead, I may attempt to assign a score or I may continue on as I have done.

Thank you for reading my blog.  I hope it has been useful and look forward to commenting on more wines in the next year.

South Carolina Wine Joe

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