Some other Random Stuff I grabbed at Costco

Lemons and not too sweet. Not very yeasty. you'd be hard pressed to find another actual Champagne for $20 that drinks like this. A superb value that demonstrates what Costco does best: best value for money. 

Initially, I really wasn't liking this wine too much. It was just too big and wooly. After an hour or two it had come together and was all about the blueberries, herbs and licorice. It's apparent that this is a bigger style of CdP. Came off as a bit hot for me. This isn't really the style of CdP that I really go gaga over--that tends to be the spicy, cherry raspberry style. For $25, I suppose this is okay. I think there are more interesting wines to be had at that price point. For what it's worth, Sarah liked this wine a lot. 

Kent Rasmussen Carneros Pinot Noir 2007

This wine was delicious. About $20 at Costco. Elegant and not over the top (IE this didn't taste like Syrah), with fully resolved red fruits, little bits of spice, vanilla and orange rind. I am definitely getting another bottle of this while they have it.  

This wine was not delicious. In fact, it sucked. $7 at Trader Joes. Don't buy it unless you're a masochist. 

Pio Cesare Barolo 2004

Infanticide. Shouldn't have opened this when I did. Clearly could age for a lot longer; lots of tannin, great balance. Obviously a pretty great bottle of wine. Modern and leaning towards licorice, spices, and blackberries (as opposed to roses and cherries or something). I wish that I had a couple more bottles of this, but alas, I do not. 

 I received this as a sample. Should retail for $20. Cooked or heat damaged. Pretty porty, and it's clear that the wine had seeped through the capsule. Would love to try this in an undamaged form.

Domaine Vacheron Sancerre and Lucques

I've been terminally broke for the last year because I paid out of pocket for all my MBA tuition...and had a lot of other expenses too. Thankfully, that's all done with. Sarah and I got some engagement pictures yesterday, and since we were all dressed up, we went to dinner at Lucques, which is one of our favorite restaurants in LA. Obscenely delicious. Suckling pig and whole roasted fish are pretty killer, and of course, so is Suzanne Goin. We also had a delicious Sancerre from Domaine Vacheron that was minerally and citrus with tons of acid. I like this wine and would buy it again. I think that I am officially over New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. 

Carmenere Concha y Toro 2009

Got this wine for free as a sample. Surprisingly good actually. Suggested retail $20. Seems a little steep I guess, but this is more interesting than your garden variety new world wine. Big and rich, with good balance and just a hint of the green streak Carmenere typically has. Worth a look if you see it and you're in the market for a modern leaning wine.