South Carolina Wine Joe

 I was aware of the reputation of Ken Wright Cellars for Willamette Valley Pinot Noir but had never tried one of their wines.  The winery is most known for single vineyard Pinot Noirs but their entry level wine is a blend from several vineyards.  When I have looked for wine from Ken Wright, I have either found the single vineyard wines costing more than $60 or I have found the entry level Willamette Valley blend priced significantly higher than the $22 price on the winery website.  One well known wine shop in downtown Greenville actually sells it for $34.  I guess that the wine must be really good to command higher than retail prices. Two things have recently happened.  Costco has a Ken Wright premium Pinot Noir for around $40 and Whole Foods Market has the entry level Willamette Valley Pinot Noir on sale for $22 rather than their usual price of $27.  I chose the entry level Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and I am sure glad that I did. Ken Wright Willame...

Here are some wines we recently purchased at Costco: Kirkland Signature Barolo 2015 Wines from Barolo are considered to be the finest from Italy.  Made from the Nebbiolo grape, they usually sell for $40 and more making the Costco price of $19.99 very special.  The wine has flavors of cherry, black cherry and blackberry.  SC Wine Joe rating = 92 points Ottosoldi Gavi 2018 This is a refreshing wine which is an enjoyable break from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio.  It is $11.89 at Costco and has flavors of citrus, lemon and melon.  SC Wine Joe does not assign numerical ratings for white wine but we really enjoy this and have purchased additional bottles. Famiglia Castellani Chianti Classico Reserva 2015 This is one of the best Chianti wines we have tasted in recent years.  It is 100% Sangiovese with flavors of cherry and black cherry.  Costco is selling this for $13.59.   SC Wine Joe rating = 91 points Kirland Signature Ribera del D...