Category Archives: Wine by Region

Santa Julia Canned Wines, Mendoza. 13% ABV, $5.99/375ml can.

Posted on April 20, 2019 by The Frugal Wine Snob

The wine world continues to explode, with winemakers pretty much everywhere producing wine, alternative closures, and alternative packaging. Boxed wines emerged into everyday use several years ago with mixed results, just like bottled wines. And, along with single-serve plastic servings, … Continue reading →

Posted in Argentina, Bonarda, Chardonnay, Malbec | Leave a comment

2016 Lucas & Lewellen Cabernet Sauvignon Valley View, Santa Ynez Valley. 14.5%, $25.

Posted on March 5, 2019 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Fun fact: As long as a wine consists of at least 75% of a particular grape variety, the label may designate it as such with no further explanation. However, as a wine wonk, I delight in knowing if any other … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California | Leave a comment

2014 Stellina Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi. 14.5% ABV, $32.

Posted on February 9, 2019 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Looking for a Valentine’s Day wine? Oh, is THIS ever delicious. Every year, Lodi hosts its Wine & Chocolate Weekend. This year, their 22nd, the event is happening this weekend, Feb 9-10. I can’t attend, but the hosts sent me … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chocolate, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

2017 Due Mari Sangiovese I.G.T., Puglia, Italy. 12.5% ABV.

Posted on January 13, 2019 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Through a Groupon deal, I paid $54 for a 15-bottle case of red wines from Wine Insiders, plus shipping ($29.95). At an average of $5.60 per bottle including shipping, I expected some “weeknight wines” among the mix, but I didn’t expect … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Sangiovese, Wine Clubs | 1 Comment

2016 Simi Chardonnay, Sonoma County. 13.5% ABV, $9

Posted on January 3, 2019 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Sonoma County, adjacent to Napa Valley, is well known for its excellent wines. Simi Chardonnay is no exception; it’s a tremendous wine, particularly at its price point, just $9. We enjoyed its terrific flavors of apple, pear, light oak, vanilla, … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay | Leave a comment

God with Skin On

Posted on October 11, 2017 by The Frugal Wine Snob

You Just Never Know. Like the rest of the country, I’ve been watching the news in horror as fires consume parts of California wine country and thousands of people’s homes. And all this after the summer wildfires hit Oregon/Washington/Montana, Hurricane … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Family | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

2014 Augey Bordeaux Blanc. 11.5% ABV, $7

Posted on March 29, 2016 by The Frugal Wine Snob

This is a classic white Bordeaux blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon. It is softer than many of the popular, in-your-face Sauvignon Blancs out there, so it’s a good wine to share with friends who aren’t totally in … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, White Blend | 2 Comments

Avalon 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, California. 13.8% ABV, $12

Posted on February 25, 2015 by The Frugal Wine Snob

I haven’t blogged in a while. Yesterday, Tim Edison at WineTurtle.com sent me a link to his blog post about the 103 Best Wine Blogs. We’re on it. Smart guy—that’s a good lesson on how to get 103 top bloggers … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Music | 2 Comments

Three Fine Tempranillos

Posted on November 13, 2014 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Thanksgiving is a busy time for wine geeks, with Tempranillo Day on the second Thursday in the month (today!), Beaujolais Nouveau Day on the third Thursday, and, of course, Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday. Here’s what I enjoyed for Tempranillo Day … Continue reading →

Posted in Spain, Tempranillo, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Switzerland. Day 1, October 30, 2014

Posted on October 7, 2014 by The Frugal Wine Snob

My plane landed in Zurich at 11am. The airport was interesting: there really are men who look like the figures on beer steins, and there really are men who dress up in leiderhosen and look quite elegant. Refreshing, really. Although … Continue reading →

Posted in Switzerland, Travel | Leave a comment