James Alfred's Wine Blog

  The founder, Jed Steele sold this winery in 2024, which is probably why this delicious wine is at Grocery Outlet for $4.99 per bottle . https://schoolofwineandspirits.com/blogs/news/unveiling-the-2020-steele-cuvee-zinfandel-the-deductive-tasting-method-dance. We really enjoyed this Zinfandel, and consider it one of the best wines we have tasted. Produced and bottled by Steele Wines, Kelseyville, Lake County, California. Alcohol 14.5%.

  I enjoyed this Australian Shiraz. It was a little rough around the edges but was spicy and went down well. Another wine imported in bulk and bottled in the U.S, A good buy at Grocery Outlet for $3.99. Alcohol 13.5% Imported by Vintage Wine Estates, Santa Rosa, California, formerly a top-15 US wine producer, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2024, leading to a liquidation of assets and sale of its 30+ brands, including B.R. Cohn , Kunde , and Girard . The company, which went public in 2021, suffered from high debt and failed to turn around its portfolio. Key brands were sold to new ownership, including Foley Family Wines and Jayson Adair. Bottled by Layer Cake, Hopland, Calfiornia. https://www.layercakewines.com/. Their explanation of this wine is: "For our Shiraz, we pull from vineyards in McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley—from the sandy-soiled blocks on the sea coast of Gulf St. Vincent to the Terra Rosabased, tiny-berried, wind-blown rolling hills in the Barossa Zo...

  This is not a wine I am going to buy again. It just left me feeling unsatisfied. Slightly bubbly with a slight blueberry flavor. Premium wine brightened with natural fresh blueberry flavor and bubble.  Grape wine with natural flavors. Vinted and bottled by Ste. Chapelle Winery, Qunicy, Washington Alcohol 8%.

  A light, spritzy, citrusy Vinho Verde. It was very easy to drink, and a perfect spring wine. Alcohol 11.5%. santavirdinawines.com Bottled by Agrimota-Sociedade Agricola e Florestal, SA, Tras Do Outeiro, 4600-720 Amarante, Portugal.

  From the winery's website: Made in Côtes de Provence in the village of Vidauban in a true Provence Rosé style, the 2024 Social Bird Rosé opens with a nose filled with delicate scents of strawberry, juicy peach, and rose petals. On the palate, it delivers a punch of flavor with ripe grapefruit, lemon, and melon notes that lead to a crisp, refreshing finish. 50% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 10% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 10% Mourvèdre  To me, it tasted like a typical copper colored French Rose. A wonderful wine if you like French Rose wine, which I do. Alcohol 12.5% Estate-bottled by the Master Vintners of Vidauban  

  This wins an award as one of the most original front wine labels. The front label simply says: SALDO. This was an excellent Chenin Blanc. Fruity, full mouth, glad I bought more than one bottle. Bottled by the Prisoner Wine Company, Oakville, CA. The winery's description of the wine is:  Saldo Chenin Blanc is a vibrant blend from California's diverse regions, offering bright acidity and rich fruit flavors. Fermented in stainless steel tanks, it features aromas of pineapple, citrus peels, honey, and white flowers. Enjoy the juicy flavors of pineapple, mango, and papaya, balanced by refreshing citrus notes, with a creamy mouthfeel perfect for versatile pairings.  https://theprisonerwinecompany.com/collections/saldo/products/2023-saldo-chenin-blanc The vintage currently on the winery's website is the 2023 vintage. Guess the 2021 did not sell out. The 2023 vintage is listed for $20. Alcohol 13.5%.

  I saw this wine in the cooler at the downtown San Diego Grocery Outlet and thought I would take it home and try it. And, I'm glad I did. It is only 9% alcohol and 85 calories per 5 oz serving. Best of all it was a very tasty Chardonnay. 75% barrel fermented and aged six months. https://raeburnwinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Rae_23Skylight_TechSheet.pdf. The winemaker was Steven Urberg, who is part of Purple Brands, a wine and spirits company. He is Director of Winemaking for all Purple Brands including Raeburn, Scattered Peaks, Avalon, and Four Vines.

  A bold, dry Malbec from Mendoza Argentina. Produced and bottled by Bodegas Salentein, S.A., B-73536, B-88980 - Ruta 89 SN Los Arboles, Tunuyan, Mendoza, Argentina. Alcohol 13%. Another wine that is not shown on the winery's website.https://www.bodegasalentein.com/en/bodega/lineas.html. Nor, is the winery's name on the front label. Imported by Pampabev.com located in Miami, Florida. But, still a very good wine.

  A delicious, dry, light colored Rose, that is 100% Pinot Noir. https://www.raeburnwinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Reaburn_23SCRose_TechSheet_V2.pdf.  All the grapes for this wine came from the Russian River area of Sonoma County, California Laura thinks that this is one of the best Rose wines that she has had. I agree that it is very nice. In 2014, Derek Benham created Raeburn Winery. His mother, Phyllis Benham's influence is felt throughout from the egret crest on the label to the Olde English word “Raeburn – the stream where one goes to drink.”  Alcohol 13%.