Costco Wine Tasting – Episode #345

November 6, 2007

Gary Vaynerchuk tastes and rates 3 wines from Costco. The Kirkland brand is on display. Watch and see how they show.

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Comments on this episode(349) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: the way of the pilgrim…” by ulu ulu ulu ulu
“Good episode. Nice to see my local “Kirkland” brand didnt totally dis…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
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Wines tasted in this episode:

Krikland Signature GSM 2004
Kirkland Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2005
Kirkland Signature Chateauneuf du Pape 2005

349 Responses

November 6, 2007

Mott
1st
November 6, 2007

Adam
Awesome! I’ve been wanting to test the Costco wines myself Thanks Gary!
November 6, 2007

johnyaction
top 5!!!
November 6, 2007

johnyaction
lurkers live!!!
November 6, 2007

LeatherPalate
top 5 beaaatchh.
November 6, 2007

MagnumGourmet
Top 10 again…Sweet.
November 6, 2007

ChrisR
Top 10… Yay!
November 6, 2007

crank
I’m in. With or without a beard.
November 6, 2007

GrapeStuff
10. YAY COSTCO!
November 6, 2007

Nanook 37
Cool – I love Costco and already have a bottle of most of these.
November 6, 2007

carnyc
Costco carries Chateauneuf du Pape?
November 6, 2007

Nanook 37
BTW the GSM and Chat du Pape are around $20 (in MO) and the Alexander Valley is about $17
November 6, 2007

LeatherPalate
Sex,Drugs,and Cocoa Puffs- Chuck Klosterman
It’s very funny.
November 6, 2007

sky
14?
November 6, 2007

sky
what is cosco ? i live in the middle of nowhere.
November 6, 2007

daverdude
TOP 15

Daverdude RULES !!!!!!!!
November 6, 2007

daverdude
WHOOPS !!!!
Top 16
November 6, 2007

GrapeStuff
Based on the price ($20), the GSM looks like a PAZZZZZ. It looks like all the Kirkland wines come in around $15-20. At least the cab sauv was a winner. Good ep. GV – esp because a lot of us DO shop at Costco or Trader Joe’s. You should do a TJ wine episode!

QOTD: Some book on strategic planning strategies.
November 6, 2007

sky
sorry costco
November 6, 2007

seagoon
A lurker no more.Well done G.V.Proving that your no wine snob. Unfortunately here in the Great White North Costco doesn’t sell alcohol.
November 6, 2007

Dave
QOTD: East of Eaden by Steinbeck
November 6, 2007

RonC
Good episode. Never been to Costco. None in the immediate area. May try the cab if I get to one.

QOTD: Recently enjoyed the DVD. Now I’m reading the book – Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley.
November 6, 2007

miek
Thinking With Type by Ellen Lupton
November 6, 2007

Darrell T.
Alas, I live in the repressive state of Pennsylvania, so here’s another fine wine I’ll not be able to get. Thankssssss

Presently I’m reading “Dark River” jonathon TwelveHawks; “Rough Crossing” Shannon; Lateset Bourne Title by Eric Lustbader
November 6, 2007

Dave from VA
QOTD: medical journals like the New England Journal of Medicine, but also some random half-finished books. No Costco round here, might have to get the in-laws to bring a little something for Thanksgiving.
November 6, 2007

Eben
QOTD: “Winning Contract Bridge” by Edgar Kaplan.
November 6, 2007

sky
the latest national geographic and rolling stone for starters
November 6, 2007

Dusty
how appropriate. my girlfriend and i just joined costco this past weekend.

QOTD: “Flatterland”
November 6, 2007

sky
watch lots of dvds and spend time on computer internet bfr reading
November 6, 2007

Rick "the model" M
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
November 6, 2007

Phil G
QOTD – I’m reading some comments posted from the show, and job postings
November 6, 2007

bryan
Too bad I don’t have a membership… I am currently reading System of the World by Neal Stephenson
November 6, 2007

KAHUNA
QOTD: Julia Childs- Life in France
November 6, 2007

CaliforniaWino
I was to happy to hear the Alexander Valley cab is decent. I’ve been on the fence about buying it for a while, but I’ll pick up a bottle of two the next time I’m at Costco. I’ve also enjoyed their 2004 Kirkland Roogle Shiraz from Marquis Philips. Great QPR at $9.99.

What am I reading? “The Devil’s Highway” by Luis Alberto Urrea.

Great show, Gary V!
November 6, 2007

Tom T.
9/11 Synthetic Terror by Webster Tarpley
November 6, 2007

Mitchell
Gary you only need one more follower on twitter to get 1000!
November 6, 2007

Montrose
QOTD: I am currently reading Greenspan’s The Age Of Turbulence (great book).
November 6, 2007

RieslingRon
I don’t have a Costco near me, but when I’m in Atlanta visiting the kids I’ll check them out.

QOTD: A Kurt Wallender Mystery – “Sidetracked” by Henning Mankell
November 6, 2007

Dr T from N. Carolina
‘The Jesuit & the Skull’

I may have to join CostCo!

“T”
November 6, 2007

avwineguy
Gary:

I dropped these wines off for you. Thanks for doing them. The price points were $14.99 for the CAB and $20.99 for the other two in California.

—Mark—
November 6, 2007

Kevinatfieldsound
QOTD: Passionate Sage: The Character of John Adams by Joseph Ellis.
November 6, 2007

trevor corso
QOTD- “Interred with their bones” sort of Da Vinci code only about Shakespeare. Do NJ Costcos have these wines?
November 6, 2007

getmeacab
Nice show. I go to Costco a lot but haven’t bought Kirkland wine for at least 3 years. The last bottle (Bordeaux 1999 vintage) I bought SUKT big time. I know you said to try not fixate because of one bottle but there are so many wines to try why go back to something that was bad.

QOTD: I read comments on WLTV and YouTube
November 6, 2007

Jus in WA
Too bad you have to have a membership to get those wines. Never gonna happen for me.

QOTD: I’m reading Neal Stephenson’s Cryptonomicon, as well as a bunch of crap from literary journals for my research paper on the Crusades.
November 6, 2007

Michael
The Black Swan
November 6, 2007

wtvLurker
qotd:

reading:

ken follett – world without end
mark kurlansky – salt
robert wolke – what einstein told his cook

just finished:
mark kurlansky – cod

sipping:
Gabbiano Chianti Classico 04 – yum.
November 6, 2007

DC7
Try the Kluge Estate wines. Billionaire Kluge with 45,000+ acres has some grapes growing in those hills.
November 6, 2007

Jahlove
QOTD: Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
November 6, 2007

Adam
QOTD: The Art of War by Sun Tzu
November 6, 2007

L from Cape Cod
The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolano
November 6, 2007

Autoproxy
QOTD: Another Paul Auster book, Moon Palace.

Interesting response to the costco wine…a shame I have none near me.
November 6, 2007

Mojave Joe
War and Peace. The new Pevear/Volohonsky translation.
November 6, 2007

dz
The show is getting better all the time, keep up the fresh perspective. QOTD “Mildred Pierce” from selected stories by James M.Cain along with everything by Raymond Chandler (check out “Farewell My Lovely”). For casual reading it’s Mad magazines’, “The Mad War on Bush”.
November 6, 2007

Reeve
QOTD: “Judgement of Paris” – GREAT wine book
November 6, 2007

Kev and Ams
QOTD: “The Anatomy of Melancholy”.
November 6, 2007

KJlost
QOTD: “Dreadnaught – Britain, Germany, and the coming of the Great War”

I’ve been missing good wine as of late. What to do….
November 6, 2007

Triple_J
Never would have thought the Costco brand would be any good. I should be more open-minded. Their first store is practically in my backyard.

QOTD: Endgame by Derrick Jensen is my main read. That one is taking a while, and when I get sick of scaring myself silly I go to some fiction. Right now, I’m in the middle of Moscow to the End of the Line by Erofeev.
November 6, 2007

Social Project Brian
GV, interesting rundown on Kirkland wines. Another interesting costco value is Cameron Hughes wines. http://www.chwine.com/ When I see a pallet of their stuff at Costco, I always grab a few bottles. Just FYI, although I’m sure you’ve heard of them.

What am I reading? Mostly stuff online, but when in meatspace, I read WIRED, WINE SPECTATOR, sometimes other wine mags (Wine & Spirits, Food & Wine), and I have a stack of books that are still packed up from when I moved houses a few months ago. No, not all wine books. But some are.
November 6, 2007

Drew Hillard
QOTD: Watchmen by Alan Moore.
November 6, 2007

Chargers Rule
QOTD: Porn
November 6, 2007

Rajiv Ayyangar
Yo Gary. Just a friendly reminder to please answer my email if you get a chance – That question on Australian Shiraz’s is killing me! Here it is, reprinted:

I’ve had several bad experiences lately with highly-rated Aussie fruit bombs that have been sickly sweet – even syrupy, without supporting acidity or tannins. This is distressing to me, because I fell in love with wine in the first place because of ‘04 Barrel Monkeys Shiraz (McLaren Vale), which was a RP90 “fruit bomb.” The ‘05 Marquis Philips Shiraz, ‘05 Kiss Chasey Shiraz, and ‘06 Mollydooker The Maitre D’ Cabernet, all were undrinkable to me because of sickening sugar content.

However, no reviewer of any of these wines mentioned sweetness. I don’t think I’m hypersensitive to sugar, because Barrel Monkeys, to my palate, tasted only vanishingly sweet, and the residual sugar was 1.1%, well above the tasting threshold of .2% (the average “dry wine” according to Alexis Lichine). I’m worried now, and a little gun-shy, because 2/3 of the Aussie wines I’ve bought have been undrinkable, and I don’t know how to avoid such wines in the future. Any helpful advice? Did you notice high residual sugar when you tasted the ‘06 Maitre d’? Do some people find residual sugar desirable in Aussie fruit bombs?

Incidentally, I found a Chilean Cab – ‘05 Cousino Macul Antiguas Reservas – to be too sweet also (though less than the Aussie’s). To my taste, one of the most beautiful things about red wines is the taste of fruit without sweetness. If I want sweet, I could drink grape juice! If this isn’t the common opinion, do you have any guidelines as to which regions tend to make sweeter wines? Is there is a secret reviewers’ code word for sweet wines that I should watch out for?
November 6, 2007

Agnes
QOTD: Profitable menu planning
(test tomorrow)
November 6, 2007

Les
GV sorry to hear about the Lamb vomit!

QOTD: Light at the Edge of the World – Wade Davis
November 6, 2007

yowens
Stupid-ass Sam’s club doesnt do booze, at least in RI. QOTD: Light Years, by James Salter
November 6, 2007

Russ J
QOTD: To my great shame, the only things non work related that I have read recently are Car and Driver and Automobile magazines…….:(
November 6, 2007

Dave Canada
QOTD – SLAM…..annointing my Raptors as NBA Champs!
November 6, 2007

michael
Costco can surprise. Bought some 2001 Val di Suga Tenimenti Angelini (one of my favorite bruns). it’s still young, but awesome with a little decant action. most places in LA- $60. costco $40 bargain BONES.
have always wondered about their brands. thanks for an excellent show.

QOTD: finishing “the Crime Writer” by Gregg Hurwitz;
starting Robert B Parker’s new “Spenser” novel “Now and Then” (read every Spenser novel written to date)
November 6, 2007

melissa vv
QOTD: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Desiring God by John Piper
November 6, 2007

Robin C.
We buy wines at Costco but have never tried the Kirkland brand. We’ll do so. Thanks for the tip.

QOTD: I have a hold on the new Spenser novel, just checked out a Judith Evanovich mystery for light reading, and am reading Adventures on the Wine Route – Kermit Lynch, and The Power of Movies -Colin McGinn.
November 6, 2007

Tracie
QOTD: Cloudsplitter By Russell Banks
November 6, 2007

Bonzo
The Red Wine Diet by Roger Corder. Interesting book on the latest research on the health benefits of wine.
November 6, 2007

spyder47
I’ve purchased wine from Costco, just not the Kirkland brand. Maybe I’ll spring for the Alexander Valley Cab if I see it on my next trip.
QOTD: Currently reading Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2007 Edition by Kevin Zraly and Emperors of Chocolate by Joel Brenner
November 6, 2007

Corrado
QOTD: A Very Good Year (a year in the production life of a Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc).

Gary, we had similar views on the CdP. I thought it showed potetial to get better, but agree that $20 on an experiment is a little pazzzzzzzzy. http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=372120
November 6, 2007

Shad
I purchase quite a bit of wine from Costco so its nice to see their brand do well.

QOTD: Catholicism and Fundalmentalism by Karl Keating
November 6, 2007

Corvette Tony
QOTD: “The Dangerous Book for Boys”
November 6, 2007

JimKay
QOTD: Just finished “How Starbuck’s Saved My Life” A little sappy, but nice, quick read.

Sipping: Whole Foods 05 Trackers Crossing Shiraz. Not bad, $6.29
November 6, 2007

Patt
QOTD: The Pink Panther Strikes Again
A Full-Length Play by William Gleason
Based on the film by Blake Edwards & Frank Waldman
November 6, 2007

Greite
Interesting show. Alas, no Costco around here, so I won’t be able to try these wines, but it’s fun to hear about them.

QOTD: Reading a book on VB scripting.
November 6, 2007

DulaMae
QOTD: I am currently reading The Gravedigger’s Daughter by Joyce Carol Oates (she is a fellow NJ state resident)
November 6, 2007

Ned
“spook country”, “unknown soldiers”, “underworld”, and “war and peace”(the new translation, of course!)
November 6, 2007

sharon
Costco wines=product placement.
qotd:The Gathering by Ann Enright
November 6, 2007

John P
QOTD: I’m not reading any books right now. Most of my reading time comes from scouring the net for new wine information and news.

http://westhillswineblog.blogspot.com
November 6, 2007

Beetroot
QOTD: rereading “Noble House” James Clavell
November 6, 2007

SoCal
QOTD: The house of Mondovi
November 6, 2007

Michael
thanks for trying the costco wines.
November 6, 2007

Matt
QOTD: “The world without us”

Hey Gary, I’ve just recently been getting into wines. Thanks to the show, I’m really starting to expand my horizons and do things like… smell the wine, and let it sit open for a couple hours before I have a glass.

Great show!
November 6, 2007

threethirty
I’m reading (well actually listening to him read it aloud) Cory Doctorow’s Eastern Standard Tribe, for like the 5th time. I love this book, you can find it at craphound.com/est
November 6, 2007

Lindsay
QOTD: Just finished The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and Insatiable by Gael Greene.
I guess I can go back and finish the Inheritance of Loss now. I get all caught up in other stuff.

I don’t think there’s a Costco in Madison. Maybe I should check? Hmm.
November 6, 2007

Dale Cruse
Among other things, I’m reading Jancis Robinson’s “How to Taste” and Alpana Singh’s “Alpana Pours.” Women. Wine. Delicious.
November 6, 2007

Robert Howells
I am reading “The Lemon Table” by Julian Barnes. It is a series of short stories about getting old and is really well written and hilarious. Julian Barnes is a wine collector and has some of the rarest wines in the world.
November 6, 2007

Adam
QOTD: Breakfast of Champions – Kurt Vonnegut
November 6, 2007

Carlo
Currently reading Heat by Bill Buford.
November 6, 2007

Dr. Dan
Is Costco a state in the U.S. now. I thought this was state week?? Very interesting show, though.

QOTD: Donald Westlake (mysteries).
November 6, 2007

Mike
QOTD: Think Big & Kick Ass – Trump
November 6, 2007

Marc
I think I need to head to Costco for that 2005 Kirkland Cabernet…and a good book

New promo video at: http://www.ChinaWineTours.com/gallery.cfm
Enjoy (and travel with us..you’ll enjoy it!)
November 6, 2007

Taylor
Wow gotta love the surprises, Go Kirkland!
QOTD Service included jsut about a 1/3 of the way through it, liking it so far.
November 6, 2007

John Farrin
West Coast prices for the Kirkland CSM and CdP are $19.99 so……

QOTD: Rereading Catch 22
November 6, 2007

Kev
i’m currently reading da intranets.
November 6, 2007

rambler
It was cool to even get the chance to see these wines. The so open so free canadian gov. doesn’t allow anyone but them and a selected few to sell wine BOOOOOOO so thanks for giving the kirkland brand a go.

QOTD: The end of food. by Thomas Pawlick
November 6, 2007

KingLurker
I am currently reading my philosophy text boook
November 6, 2007

CHATrBox
Mushrooms in the bag?

Reading
-At the moment, Wine Enthusiast Best Buys Issue
-On the beach, The Templar Legacy
-After work, the label of whatever wine I’m drinking…Merry Cellars 2005 Carmenere
November 6, 2007

half century
QOTD; Is This a Great Game or What? Tim Kurkjian
The Shotgun Rule Charlie Huston
The Last script written for Law and Order Criminal Intent before the writer’s went out
November 6, 2007

Vinvin
G.R.E.A.T. show.
November 6, 2007

Nathan
QOTD: The Letter of Marque – Patrick O’Brian (Aubrey-Maturin Series)
November 6, 2007

FJDR
QOTD: The Franco-Prussian War by Michael Howard. Pretty good book, good mouth feel, a hint of black ink on the mid-palette, long finish.
November 6, 2007

wine-ot
QOD-Spectator and books on wine making…gonna make some riesling next year….
November 6, 2007

amgryger
QOTD: Architecture of the Roman Empire Vol. 1, by William Macdonald.
November 6, 2007

TROC
Costco, I hope I don’t have to buy a gallon, everything seems so big there. Might have some issues with the Kirkland brand, kinda like a nice Wallmart Cab, ain’tgonna happen. QOTD: Just finished Forever by Pete Hamill, a nice history of NY city and a great story. Working on Cross by James Patterson, very bloody tale so far.
November 6, 2007

joe p.
QOTD: Adventures on the Wine Route, Kermit Lynch

WLTV rocks.
November 6, 2007

brandon
I felt compelled to comment just based on the fact that Gary used the phrase “suck-ass lurkers”. Can’t wait to see what you’re sampling from Michigan. Really hoping for something from Lone Oak!
November 6, 2007

mlong
Adventures on the Wine Route – K Lynch
The Accidental Connoisseur: An Irreverent Journey Through the Wine World – L. Osborne.
Both are fun and you learn a bit about wine.

I just finished Kitchen Confidential. – A. Bordain

Other books…
about to start BLINK by M. Gladwell. Get The Tipping Point by him as well. Fascinating guy and subject.
November 6, 2007

Harley Stan
Interesting episode today, normally I would not purposely shop for Costco brand wines, cool I will have to check and see if I can find them this weekend.
QOTD- Death in Sturgis by Steven Grimes
November 6, 2007

JonE
Believe it or not Kirkland Wines are shipped to France and soldout throughout the country under their own private label called ‘vin du Sellouts’, the labels are painted with green backs, and on the back it says (in French ofcourse)’when you have no place else to go, have too much money and no sense of your own buy this! S’il vous plait assist la super power!!!

Just lost a lot of respect for old Nick. This crap reminds me of Tyler Florence for Applebees and Wolfgang Puck for Home Shopping Network. Selling out never looked so bad.

QOTD: Breakfast of Champions, and lots of wide open literature.
November 6, 2007

Bob F
QoftheD – “The World is Flat a Brief History of the Twenty-First Centurey”, 3rd edition and a realy good book “Alan Greenspan – the Age of Turbulence”.

Thanks for doing the show on Cosco wines.
November 6, 2007

Andrew
Hey Gary

Good show. I’m really impressed that you happily tried supermarket brands that you would never stock yourself.

QOTD: I’m currently reading ‘The Quary’ by Damon Galgut. Apart from watching you while I eat breakfast each morning, I also read http://www.winorama.com.au – it’s probably the only wine site I check everyday.

Thanks Andrew
November 6, 2007

Dominus
I just finished another great read by the married couple from LA Law. Foodies and wine geeks will love it.

http://www.amazon.com/Living-Foreign-Language-Memoir-Italy/dp/0871139626/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-3180070-4791258?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194398095&sr=8-1
November 6, 2007

Harry Foster
I’m currently reading Ken Follett’s new book: “World Without End.” Truly a masterpiece.
November 6, 2007

kit
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway.
kit . . . no longer a suck-ass lurker
November 6, 2007

luvgrapesqeezings
I’m reading Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” with my students.
November 6, 2007

Leftcoast
Thanks for trying the Kirklands so I don’t have to buy them all and find out they suck. There are many more Kirkland wines at Costco (Napa Cab, Italian Neb, Champagne etc.) How about a part 2 episode? Costco is all about finding good QPR…

QOTD- First big crush (GV recommendation on the back is a nice touch…)
November 6, 2007

Dave Grega
QOTD: The Accidental Connoisseur by Lawrence Osborne ….Great wine book…Osborne is witty and intelligent…been around a lot of top people in the industry.
November 6, 2007

Jon B.
Cool Kirkland I’ll have to Check it out.QOTD Wine Spectator.Thanks Gary and WLTV crew.
November 6, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
Population: 485 http://www.sneezingcow.com/

Top that you “suck-ass lurkers!!!”
November 6, 2007

BethB
Yeah Costco! Too Bad I dont have one near by me.
I am currently reading Cold Mountain.
Hope you have a good time in Vegas Gary!
November 6, 2007

John Cabot
Got the CNDP for $18 in Eureka, Ca. It brought the thunder for 18 bones.
Love the show.
John Cabot
The Vanernation
November 6, 2007

glassrunnethempty
Great show, G. Surprised and impressed to see you taste these. Personally I may have never tried them…now I might. Kudos.

QOTD: Multi-tasking on the reading front. Escape from Colditz (quick two night read)…..and work related technical stuff.

Cheers.
November 6, 2007

PASO WINO
QOTD: Denner Vineyard’s newsletter from my wine club shipment. All about the harvest here in Paso for 2007.
Gotta give it up to Costco they are a pretty solid company that usually has awesome prices on their wines. Thanks GV!
November 6, 2007

TimF
QOTD: Knicks
November 6, 2007

monkuwino
Costco is wonderful. Kirkland stuff is generally very high quality, as good if not better than “name brands,” and way better than any of the other store brands out there. QOTD: 1776. Good read.
November 6, 2007

Bundydb
No Costco’s around me at all ; ( Oh well. Great show though. Definitely have to check those out if I ever find myself at one.

QOTD: Mental Floss

It’s a great magazine that only comes out once every two months. It’s filled with all kinds of tid bits of knowledge. Some articles are serious, most are very comical. Like it says at the top of every issue “Where Knowledge Junkies get Their Fix”
November 6, 2007

JC
Cool, very cool. Interesting show. QOTD; mail, e-mails, prospectuses …
November 6, 2007

cgf
gary- im loving the off-beat subjects the past couple of shows.

qotd: philip roth’s american pastoral.
November 6, 2007

t_moderne
Thanks for tasting the Costco-Kirkland wines. I’ve been asking for them and you came through. Nice episode.
Now let’s see if you taste wines from New jersey.
reading Charles Nicholl’s LEONARDO DA VINCI – FLIGHTS OF THE MIND.
Interesting biography of – you guessed it – Leonardo.
Also trying to finish books, 5, 6 and 7 of Harry Potter series.
November 6, 2007

JamesB
I was a “Suck Ass Lurker” until today. Love the show.
QOTD: “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini
November 6, 2007

Saftig
However do you keep yourself “UP” when you tape a number of shows in one day? I’d be a pool of drool.
QOTD: Reading a great book about a Premier League ref called “Who’s the Bastard in Black” also Jeremy Scahill on Blackwater and Joseph Amann’s new book on Republican sex scandals, juicy Schadenfreude, just for fun stuff.
November 6, 2007

Alos Diallo
I am reading Dante.
November 6, 2007

SRS
Gary, you pulled out another lurker with this episode! Thanks for doing the show, it’s great! I have had several Cosco wines. I found them to be average to slightly above average overall, but the QPR is not where it should be. Everytime I try one of their wines (and I have tried several), I think that the wine is good but generally not worth the price.
November 6, 2007

elvindeath
Doesn’t surprise me at all – Costco is a quality operation. They don’t slap their name on absolute crap. They’re also, if I’m not mistaken, the largest Wine buyer in the US. One of the local high-end wine shops near me has a wine director who is intimately familiar with Costco’s wine operation, and has nothing but great things to say about them. They definately seek out quality offerings – not just “cheap” wine.

QOTD: Reaper’s Gale by Steven Erikson. Fantasy fans unite and bow to the books of the Malazan Empire.
November 6, 2007

Grape Expectations
Thanks for trying the Kirkland wines. I’ve been eyeing them. Wondering if they would be worth a try. Now I know.

QOTD: On tape (at the gym) The Wine-Dark Sea by Patrick O’Brian. On paper, just finishing Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes, in the middle of Italian Neighbors by Tim Parks and just fixing to start Away by Amy Bloom. Best books read in the past year: Heat by Bill Buford and The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. I read a lot.
November 6, 2007

Pastafari Pirate
QOTD: I usually read a half dozen books concurrently. Right now: The Long Emergency (James Howard Kunstler); Collapse (Jared Diamond); The Trouble with Tom [Paine] (Paul Collins); The Accidental Mind (David J. Linden); and Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (Tom Robbins). Plus a few issues of Scientific American magazine that I’ve gotten behind on….
November 6, 2007

Cody
QOTD Brew like a Monk by Stan Hieronymus
November 6, 2007

MTM
Gary,

I think you have to address the speculation that you rated the Kirklands wines because of some kind of payola from Costco.

I’m reading William Gibson’s Burning Chrome for about the 4th time. “The Hinterlands” is one of the best short stories ever written.
November 6, 2007

Palmer
those Kirkland labels remind me of the old Leaf or O-Pee-Chee baseball cards that looked exactly like the Donruss or Topps cards but with a different looking, slightly off-putting logo in place of the regular one.

QOTD: well since the writers are on strike, I’m not reading scripts like I normally would, so I’ve moved on to Sports Illustrated, HIP TASTES: The Fresh Guide to Wine by Courtney Cochran, and Gary’s column in Men’s Health. I’m also reading a great old baseball book called THE CELEBRANT by Eric Rolfe Greenberg that weaves the life of Christy Mathewson together with a fictional story. Amazing.
November 6, 2007

thepiratedoc
QOTD: Recently finished Water for Elephants and Harry Potter 7 and starting King of Torts when I can get a good day to read. Need autumn to actually show up here in East Carolina … a nice drizzly chilly day warmed by a nice bottle of decent juice. Oh yeah … beats catching up on medical journals!
November 6, 2007

Rene B
Reading My Grandfather’s Son by Justice Clarence Thomas. I have never been to a Costco, but I may go now.
November 6, 2007

NathanN
Costco? Interestingâ€¦.

QOTD: Confronting Jezebel. I should be reading it but havenâ€™t cracked it open yet.
November 6, 2007

Craig
I’ve been a lurker for 2 weeks and am hooked on WLTV
November 6, 2007

paul
Now how about a show on BJ’S Wines. Thats where I have my membership. Gary you know I love you but you work for Wine Library, so fuck kirkland and do only wines you sell bro!
November 6, 2007

A-Gar
Thank you for a doing a review like this. Excellent show today.

QOTD: I am reading “Black” by Ted Dekker, great novel.

Keep up the good work.
November 6, 2007

Candace
very funny! but why did you try the calif. cab before the chat. de pape? i’m so confused*
November 6, 2007

Jeff D.
I’m glad Costco made a good showing; I have a Costco card so if they’re in the price range, I’m definitely seeking this out.

QOTD: Well, seeing as I’m in grad school, I’m reading way the heck too much. The book I’m reading right now at this very moment is The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin. Nice light reading.
November 6, 2007

Dan NYC
QOTD Wine atlas of the langhe,then, some medical stuff.
November 6, 2007

cgatesman
QOTD: O’Reilly books…all day long…
November 6, 2007

Jx
QOTD: The only time I make time to read is before I go to sleep at night. Right now, I’m finishing “Money Ball” by Michael Lewis (Gary, you may be familiar with his book “Liars Poker,” about the bond market of the 1980s). Anyhow, good show – given respect to Costco brand demonstrates your honesty as a critic.
Peace.
November 6, 2007

T. Holland
Cool episode, but I don’t have a Cotsco card. QOTD: Just finished Harry Potter 7 & “Killer Angels” by Michael Shaara. Now reading “Idiots Guide to Puppies.”
November 6, 2007

K MAN
QOTD: Genesis “Chapter and Verse”

An incredible new autogiography of the greatest band of all time as told by all the original members. It’s incredible!
November 6, 2007

Mike
Great Show! Have you ever done a show with Quivera wines? QOTD:I just read Rise to Rebellion and The Glorius Cause. (cant remember the author) Awesome books. Made me feel rather wimpy when I complain about various stuff.
November 6, 2007

Jx
I meant “givin’” respect not “given” respect. Mom would kill me.
Nice comment, Palmer. Leaf baseball cards, circa 1989. Have you read “Money Ball” by Michael Lewis? Excellent baseball book. To me, it shows, ONCE AGAIN, why baseball is actually a better GAME than football. But anyway…
November 6, 2007

Cookiedds
Nice episode, thanks for giving Costco a fair shake. I try and shop with the smaller local wine shops or order through the wineries themselves but Costco does offer some nice wines at very fair prices. For the question of the day: I just finished Heat by Bill Buford, wonderful book if you are a foodie, I highly recommend it to anyone. I am now reading A Life Uncorked by Hugh Johnson, so far so good. I like how he breaks down the scoring of wines and the impact of RP on the wine world. He seem to advocate; drink what you like and like what you drink.
November 6, 2007

Ferrigno
QOTD: soooooooo many things based of my studies… but mostly around the machiavelli thought
November 6, 2007

SteveW
Thanks for doing the Costco wines, I’ve passed them while shopping at Costco and wondered if they were any good.
QOTD: The Road by Cormac McCarthy.
November 6, 2007

laposte
QOTD:

Becoming Human: Evolution and Human Uniqueness by Ian Tattersall
November 6, 2007

DG
QOTD: Animal Farm, Ars Technica Review of Leopard, and my Accounting book.
November 6, 2007

Kristen
I’m sorry lamb made you puke once…to me, it smells like dog food, so I can understand why you got sick! It was great to see you review these Costco wines and actually like most of them! Unfortunately I am not a member, nor do I know if there is a store nearby Madison!

QOTD: *lots* of things, it’s the school year! But my personal choices are “The Second Brain (Your Gut has a Mind of Its Own)” by Michael Gershon and “Collapse” by Jared Diamond. Then I just finished reading “La guerre des vins: l’affaire Mondavi” (The Wine Wars: the Mondavi Affair) by Olivier Torres. Interesting wine book on Mondavi’s attempt to create a new winery in southern France.
November 6, 2007

JustinL
QOTD: Children of Dune
November 7, 2007

Toke-Dawg
QOTD: David Harvey, The Condition of Postmodernity
November 7, 2007

Alex
QOTD: For school it’s Essential Biochemistry
and for pleasure; CI’s The New Best Recipe Cookbook
November 7, 2007

Tommy Vernieri
Man, you’re going to be just loopy by that fifth episode. I really liked this episode Gary, it’s definitely nice to see you doing a series of non-WL wines. It just makes me feel good inside.

QOTD: I’ve been reading about Microformats (techie link, non-techie link). Very cool stuff, you and the guys working on Cork’d and Eric from CT need to get together on a rockin’ wine microformat. Get some of the wine search sites in on it and you’ve got yourself something very cool. If a wine uF is a well established standard when the semantic web really starts hitting the collective consciousness that could be one more way to get more people interested in wine and another step to changing the wine world.

I’m sure this is on your radar, WLTV kind of uses hCards and Cork’d uses hReviews—hWine, maybe as some variant of hItem, would be sweet. Me being a CellarTracker user, I think Eric has a great handle on the set of fields it should contain too.
November 7, 2007

Eric A.
Gary, good job with the Costco wines — I think they even did a Central Otago Pinot Noir in 2006, which is pretty frickin’ cool. I’ve also liked a lot of the Cameron Hughes wines sold at Costco, but I think they’re mostly on the West Coast. Either way, could be another good episode.

QOTD: My book ain’t too shabby! Though I just finished Peter Sagal’s ‘Book of Vice’. Pretty interesting, and has some good laughs. Next I need to go back and finish ‘The World Without Us’.
November 7, 2007

Marc
QOTD: The Warren Buffet Way.
November 7, 2007

SacramentoCharlie
DOH !!! Was at Costco just last night and almost put that Cab in my basket but like that Fantasy Football trade offer, I just couldn’t pull the trigger…I have found Costco a great place to experiment with something different. I’ve always found something very good in the $15 range. I’ll def grab the Kirkland Cab next time.

QOTD: Just finished “Emperor of Wine” by Elin McCoy and am about to start “House of Mondavi”
November 7, 2007

Brad Kitson
QOTD: Jamie Goode’s Science of Wine. He’s the best wine writer going!
November 7, 2007

Greg B
Big G, Thank you for giving me a great show and one I can really use. I going to give this episode 96 Pts. I guess your writer has crossed the line. : ) Good Job!

QOTD: Macworld and Wine Spectator.
November 7, 2007

flippy
QOTD: Saint Morrissey by Mark Simpson.
November 7, 2007

LisaMarie Seattlite
This is me officially NOT being a lurker! I love the show, and take pleasure in sharing both it and wine with friends. Right now I’m reading “How I got to be this hip,” which is a collection of articles from my favorite journalist, Barry Farrell. He wrote for Time and Life during the late 1960’s to 1980’s chronicling, quite poignantly, some of America’s defining moments.
November 7, 2007

Jensen
QOTD: “Divagations” by MallarmÃ© and “Wonder Tales” by Lord Dunsany.

Great episode! I may grab the cab next time I’m in the store.
November 7, 2007

Alex Haag
QOTD: The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead by Max Brooks. It’s a hilarious, deadpan strategy guide for what to do in case of a zombie outbreak. Oh, and also textbooks. For my thesis.

I call for a boxed wine episode, GV! My parents are all about that crap, I’ve never been a fan.
November 7, 2007

stitics
Is there any way that the price and/or score that Gary quotes could be included on the tag for each wine in the videos?

Just a suggestion.

Hi, everybody, btw.

QOTD: I think this is my first QOTD….. I am currently reading RObin Hobb’s Assassin’s Apprentice, book 1 of three (as far as I know) in The Farseer Trilogy.
November 7, 2007

C-Lo
There aren’t too many Costco’s where I’m from – don’t you have to have a membership to go in, like Sam’s? If not, hell I’ll try that cab. Question for you: what do you do with the leftover bottles after you do your tasting? Do you pitch bottles you don’t like, or do you save them for another use? And as for the QOTD: I’m reading a few things. “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” by B.D. Tatum; “Life of the Beloved” by H.J.M. Nouwen; and “Feminism is for Everybody” by bell hooks. If you have never dabbled into bell hooks, you really should give her a try. She is a prolific writer in feminist studies, and she just freakin rules. But if that’s not your style, please tell me that you’ve read some Kerouac – make this known to the entire Vayniac nation: everyone should read Kerouac. Whether it’s Dharma Bums or On the Road, or Mexico City Blues, tell the nation GV – Kerouac needs to be read. I just ranted, and I’m sorry. Books are my thing. Nice show today, looking forward to the Michigan episode cuz that is my homeland. Keep it real.
November 7, 2007

Malphas
QotD: I am currently reading ImagineFX Magazine, 2DArtist Magazine, and Freelancing for Dummies.

Because it’s fun to educate and empower yourself.
November 7, 2007

Michelle
Thanks for the reviews on Costco wine
QOTD: A Thousand Splendid Suns. Definitely worth checking out; probably the best book I’ve read but we’ll see if it continues to hold strong.
November 7, 2007

Withnail
QOTD: Storming The Court by Brandt Goldstein
November 7, 2007

Alex
Right now i’m reading… nothing. Over the summer i think i may have burnt myself out reading and will probably start reading again soon.
November 7, 2007

Trish-da'-Dish
QOTD: As usual, I’m reading 4 books simultaneously: 1.)I’m halfway through Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said (Phillip K. Dick–VERY GOOD!), 2.)Two chapters into The Barbed Wire College: Reeducating German POWs in the U.S. During WWII (Ron Robin), 3.)Halfway through The Art of Advice: How to Give It and How to Take It (Jeswald Salacuse), and 4.)Just started my new “car” book (I always leave one book in the car), The Gods Themselves (Isaac Asimov). I always tell myself that I need to start reading in a more linear fashion, and finish 1 book before starting another–but I keep falling into the same bad pattern!! Crazy ol’ me…
November 7, 2007

Dan the Man
Gary, great show! I’ve seen the wines a number of times and alway laugh with my wife. The next time I’m in Costco I might just have to try one.
November 7, 2007

CRZYWinemaker
Hey GV ~ Interesting tasting today, not sure I’d make Costco my wine buying location, but sounds like good price to quality ratio.
QOTD: I’m reading Cesar’s Way by Cesar Milan. I’ve gotta get my 4 pups under control. I have 2 pugs, a chihuahua and a Shi Tzu. They all get along great, but talk about a bunch of different temperments that don’t behave very well on our daily walks. Time for me to be the pack leader !!
November 7, 2007

KW
Interesting wines from Costco. Sam’s doesn’t carry their own wine label. Noticed on the Costco web site that the GSM and Chateauneuf are both $19.99. Can’t find the Cab. At these prices, not sure they are a bargain.
November 7, 2007

de Las
GV-that fox jackass called you gary vanderchuk
November 7, 2007

ktw
QOTD A Twist of the Wrist by Nancy Silverton
November 7, 2007

Panoca
Great great episode Gary! As usual…thanks for your honesty…as usual…
QOTD: Wine spectator. Just got it yesterday.
November 7, 2007

Panoca
Great great episode Gary! As usual…thanks for your honestly…as usual…
QOTD: Wine spectator. Just got it yesterday.
November 7, 2007

de Las
qotd sotheby’s wine encyclopedia, but only because the terroir blog ended.
November 7, 2007

jalopyracer
This was an interesting show, and it definitely confirmed by Mom’s habits of buying wine from costco. Since I was sixteen my Mom has bought wine from costco, and has found some major steals. As for reading, I am currently reading Henry Roth’s American Pastoral, a novel that goes down with the American greats, and Nietzsche’s In the Twilight of Good and Evil.
November 7, 2007

luck
Better sign-off….pleased with the reversion.

QOTD: “Drafting Marital settlement Agreements” Sweet read…..Otherwise, Arthur Schopenhauer’s “Studies in Pessimism”
November 7, 2007

Augustus
My Wine Library shipment showed up on Monday – opened the Passagno Pinot with some friends that night. Really nice sour cherries and vanilla. Nothing complicated, but it was delicious for twenty bucks. Good show today, Gary. I might check out those Kirkland wines, just for kicks

QOTD: The latest issue of the New Yorker (I subscribe). There is a great article about a guy who sabotages whaling ships by ramming them and shooting tear gas onto their decks.
November 7, 2007

medo
QOTD: The comments from today.
November 7, 2007

Ian
QOTD: Piles and piles of cases. Got to love law school!
November 7, 2007

Garo
Kirkland? Good wines? Impressive. Their 2% milk still sucks though. A little wet cardboard on the nose and mid-palate.

QOTD: Going through aviation law books for class.
November 7, 2007

Yourfriend down under
Book two of the Wheel of Time series. If you love Lord of the Rings this will blow you away.

Also reading Gourmet Wine Traveller, a REAL wine magazine, not a “buying guide”.
November 7, 2007

YoungDave
QOTD: A letter from my sister from back east…
November 7, 2007

Jorr
Loved this episode.
QOTD: Bleeding Afghanistan
November 7, 2007

Jeaux
The Cab is selling for $18 at the Seattle 4th Ave S Costco. The CdP is probably all gone now, but was $19.95. I don’t quite agree with your assessment of it, mainly because it’s still too young and too tight. At $20 it’s worth putting a few away to see how the wine develops. The cab, OTOH, is pretty darned good already. An oft-published wine writer pal of mine thought it could stand well against wines in the $30 category. Btw, Alexander Valley is in Sonoma, not in Napa, and the Alex cabs are noted for being softer and less oaky than their cousins in Napa. If you can get your hands on any, try the 2004 Hanna cab.

Costco’s Kirkland wines are steadily improving. I recently had a 2005 Kirkland syrah from Bob Betz (Sunset’s Wine Maker of the Year). Unfortunately, I tasted this just after I’d done Betz’s flight of four high end 2005 syrahs (which really are to die for!). The Costco version is a tad light and more alcoholly compared with the others, and needs time for the tannins to settle. But it’s also only 1/3 the price ($17, vs. $45/$56/$75).

The “90-point Mendoza Line?” ROFLMAO!
November 7, 2007

Shahar Golan
The nice Chateauneuf-du-Pape bottle reminds me that in my last visit to London I bought two wine that Gary recommended and that I could not get in Israel; one is a Vacqueras (episode 36) that is still awaiting a proper occasion, and the other was a Chateau Musar (Lebanon, episode 115) that was very nice and very sour-red fruit. However, I am ashamed to say that I didn’t have to go to London to get the 2004 Grand Vin du Castel (93-GV, episode 299) that is being made less than 30km from my home, and I didn’t try it before Gary did…

QOD: Apart from wine labels? I am currently reading the wonderful “The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years” of Tschingis Ajtmatow, and I recently finished the even more lakeable “La sombra del viento” (The Wind’s Shadow) of Carlos Ruiz Zafon.
November 7, 2007

Shahar Golan
Funny, your site says that I wrote my comment “in the future”, but it still doesn’t allow me to correct my typos Anyway, first word in the last line is “likable”…
November 7, 2007

Kirk
Great show today…interesting to see how you liked those wines. Thanks for a great show…now here’s my 2 cents

QOTD: Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Understanding Research Methods, and The Lucifer Principle….an odd but interesting mix of school & interests.
November 7, 2007

Teresa
Great show… really liked to hear reviews on easier to find wines… will try the Cabernet…

QOTD….”Down River” by John Hart. So far it’s pretty good
November 7, 2007

JDM
Uhh, isn’t Alexander Valley in Sonoma?
November 7, 2007

Chris G
Liked the episode Gary, good to see you trying wines that are more readily available. Thing is I live in London so Costco isn’t an option for me but I guess it’s like Tesco’s (which is where most people buy there wine over here! And everything else for that matter!!)

QOTD: Confessions of a Philosopher by Bryan Magee. Really brilliant book, bit lke your tasting today, takes the pretension out of philosophy and makes it a real activity for everyone.

Enjoy your trip!
November 7, 2007

stephen
Actually reading a series of books called the Merlot myseteries and the chardonnay charades written by Ellen Crosby. Not a heavy read at all, pretty good so far
November 7, 2007

Ken T
What am I reading?? Playing for Pizza by John Grisham. Good Football book and it involves wine and food.
November 7, 2007

AlisonD
Thanks for tasting wines I normally wouldnt even think of trying!

QOTD: Into the Wild – John Krakauer – the book that is now a major motion picture about the kid who travels across the country and ends up dying in Alaska = (
November 7, 2007

Ryan D
QotD: Currently reading Terry Brooks’ new novel, 2nd in the Genesis of Shannara “The Elves of Citra”. I’m a sap for fantasy novels.
November 7, 2007

Karen
Gary! Lovin’ the thunder from the get-go for the Costco! “Kids–be careful of Halloween candy!–What a hoot and a holler! And–Battle Royal! And, I must admit, whenever you say things like “Suckass lurkers”, well that does motivate me to leave a note! Thanks for bringing that thunder. (Much better than Sir Gary V. I do say!). Cheers from Ohio!
November 7, 2007

Karen
Oh–QOTD–Just finished reading some short stories and poems–a bit from Langston Hughes and some from Sylvia Plath. If that isn’t a huge contrast, I don’t know what is!
November 7, 2007

Chris M
QOTD: A mix of financial magazines. Very boring to normal people, but I love it. And sometimes it gives me an idea that makes me money so I can buy more wine.
November 7, 2007

Cynthia
QOTD: I’m reading “A HIstory of the World in Six Glasses” by Tom Standage. Good Book!

Love the Vlog!
November 7, 2007

Jayhitek
Sounded like a bad Bill Cosby impersonation..
November 7, 2007

Trucbinouche
Hey Gary, I’m reading Angels & Demons by Dan Brown also the author of DaVinci Code. If you haven’t
read any of those, I strongly recommande them. Last weekend, I was enjoying the book with an outstanding glass of Tinto Pesquera 2001, the only thing I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!
November 7, 2007

tinhorn1
Reading Gluten Free Girl!
November 7, 2007

italianwinelover
Great show…glad you are trying ready available wines…never thought to go to a Cosco for wine!!

QOTD: I’m a big magazine reader…Wine Spectator, Body+Soul, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair. But also started a book “The Revenge of Gaia” by Jack Lovelock. And 10 questions for the Dalai Lama. Never enough time to read everything I’d like

What are you reading GV??
November 7, 2007

Chris D
Thanks for doin a show on some wine in the big box stores, interesting and the fact you don’t sell them and gave decent comments gives you more credibility.

QOTD – I recently finshed a very good read in “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini
November 7, 2007

Jason
Great Episode Gary!

QOTD: Soon I Will Be Invincible
November 7, 2007

jasmurph
By Night in Chile–Roberto Bolano.

I think it’s time for some more Reisling coverage.
November 7, 2007

SmokinActuary
Hey Gary,

I am reading “The Persian Puzzle:The Conflict Between Iran and America” by Kenneth M. Pollack. Excellent book if you at all interested in the subject.

I agree with a lot of other posters in that you just added to your credibility with this review. The importance of that can’t be underestimated.
November 7, 2007

Matt N.
Great show, always interesting to find out about widely available wine. I just finished Into the Wild which was a fascinating book by Jon Krakauer (also a movie out right now). Otherwise I am reading about Japanese history for an online class.
November 7, 2007

hasbeen
QOTD – The United States of Europe, T.R. Reid

I frequently find good wines at Costco, and, at least in Minnesota, you don’t have to be a member to buy from the wine store.
November 7, 2007

Sassodoro
QOTD. Apart from work-related reading, I listen to books on tape while I’m on the elliptical machine at the gym. It has to be diverting, but not too demanding. Right now, I’m working my way through the Harry Potter books.
November 7, 2007

Wade
I think all of these wines would be a lovely accompaniment with complementary pizza pockets, pigs in a blanket or trucker-sized cheese doodles.

I’m trying to read David Markson’s Wittgenstein’s Mistress for the third time. It sounds like such a pretentious novel, doesn’t it? Twice I’ve read around a hundred or so pages but I just couldn’t finish it, even though line by line I love it. Not a boring sentence in the entire book, even though I haven’t read the entire book. And although I’ve had difficulty finishing this particular book, not only should everyone at least read one of the novels he’s published since W’s M, but everyone should also begin an intense letter writing campaign to the Paris Review demanding that they interview DM and print it as soon as possible. Send all correspondence to: The Paris Review, 62 White Street, New York, NY 10013, Attn: Philip Gourevitch. You can start it with something like, Dear Sir, We wish to inform you that David Markson (insert impassioned plea here)â€¦
November 7, 2007

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
Oh, man, I had a good trip, but it’s good to be back watching WLTV! Gary, check your email, I sent you a pic from SanFran

QOTD: I’m working on three books right now. I’m reading the last Harry Potter (yeah, I’m slow), The Red Paperclip, and The Wine Bible
November 7, 2007

JB
chateau neuf du pape by kirkland? what is that about? anyway, steve berry books, really good reads incorporating history into fiction. yeah sounds like dan brown but berry will tell you what is fact versus fiction in the end.
November 7, 2007

Rich
Not reading anything at the moment. Writing a novel for the NaNoWriMo “challenge.
Great podcast.
This may be a really odd question, but do you ever review non-alcoholic wines?
November 7, 2007

back9birdies
first off, i am now no longer a lurker….phew, i have relieved myself of the guilt……
QOTD: among other things, the catalog from The Golden Cellar’s wine auction with Acker…..extremely insightful and has become bible-”esc” for me to learn of great wines from France
November 7, 2007

Denise
Great show! I visit Costco often but never thought about purchasing their wines. Next trip I will pick up a few bottles along with the trucker size bag of cheese doodles. I just finished Into the Wild by Jon Krakuer. I am currently reading The Road by Cormac McCartney for the 2nd time. An exceptional novel.
November 7, 2007

Chris
QOTD: Adventures of Sherlock Holmes on my jailbroken iPod touch.
November 7, 2007

Raybo1959
Hi All –

Pricing for IL – Based on web:
Kirkland Signature GSM 2004 = $19.99
Kirkland Signatureâ„¢ Chateauneuf du Pape 2005 = $19.99
No info available on the Kirkland Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2005

Enjoy

Raybo1959
November 7, 2007

Melanie E
QOTD: currently reading two wine books “windows on the World, complete wine Course” and “the World Atlas of Wine” Hugh Johson And Jancis Robinson. Otherwise for more of a casual read “Eat, Pray, Love” Elizabetn Gilbert.
November 7, 2007

B-727
QotD: The Black Swan
New QotD: What is your favorite wine book, or a wine book you love more than any other and you wish all wine lovers would read?
November 7, 2007

Agent Red
@ AlisonD: Thanks for ruining the ending!
November 7, 2007

irishf8
Thanks for the Cosco segment. I enjoy exploring Cosco’s liquor store while y wife is shopping for the other neccessities of life. They carry a good list of wine not only the Kirkland brand and their prics are usually a bone or two less than the other guy.
I am reading “The Cork Jesters Guide to Wine” by Jennifer Rosen. It is funny and a relief from the many stuffy wine books around.
November 7, 2007

Paula
Found some prices online. GSM and Chateauneuf-du-pap 19.99. Alexander Valley not online. Gary you are wrong… what do we have left Walmart, Kirkland, and the Wine Library!!! Just wish you shipped to AZ.
November 7, 2007

Blondie
If Costco and Wal-mart are all that’s left – I’m leaving.

Thanks for a fun show today Gary, you make me laugh and learn.
Great combo.

QOTD – “Wicked” by Gregory Maguire. Haven’t seen the show yet but
the book is interesting. Also “Evening” by Susan Minot – Boston girl -
love that.
November 7, 2007

Martin
‘College Algebra’ by John W. Coburn
November 7, 2007

MtnCharlie
Thanks for the Kirkland tasting. My father-in-law is a Costco shopper and he has been encouraging me to look into the wines they sell. I hadn’t even considered the “brand” name wines, but now I will. Thanks.

QOTD: “Winery Technology and Operations:A Handbook for Small Wineries” by Yair Margalit and rereading Hemingway’s short stories
November 7, 2007

Patrick L
QOTD: I read about three books at any given time, the best of the bunch, The Age of Speed. A great look at how to gain time……What do I do with that extra time? I spend it with my family and friends, and hopefully some great bottles of wine!
November 7, 2007

JeffWalnuts
Excellent show, going to check out the costco cab and the shiraz/grenache. Reading “this is your brain on music” very interesting how and why the songs we all know and love and grew up on affect our brain and make us love them. Great show.
November 7, 2007

VinoVixen
Good show. I have never purchased any wines from Costco but may check it out.
QOTD: I am in the middle of three books….depends on my mood! A Year in Provence, Looking Behind the Label..for my WSET class and The Art of Simple Food.
November 7, 2007

DianneWalnuts
enjoyed watching comments about costo wines, looking forward to trying the cab sauv. I’m about to start “I am Legend” as I love all things Bats/Vampires. YOU ROCK!!!
November 7, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
The Bavarian Crisis by Eric Flint an alternate history. I have not tried Costco’s branded wines but have bought wines from them from time to time. Uusually good buys but inconsistent for what they carry from one visit to the next. If the Kirkland wines are a good buy the Cab may certainly be worth a try for the price point.
November 7, 2007

Irv
QOTD: My daily reading usually consists of Internet sites and political blogs. Over the last year I’ve read Hubris by Michael Isikoff, Broken Government by John Dean, Fiasco by Thomas Ricks, Imperial Life In The Emerald City: Inside Iraq’s Green Zone by Rajiv Chandrasekaran… all politically oriented stuff. I’m waiting to read Blackwater by Jeremy Scahill, and I’ve been trying to continue to finish The Known World for months.
Good episode on Costco wines. You never know where you’ll find good stuff!
November 7, 2007

Mr. Cabernet
I buy about 50% of my wine at Costco and have tried a number of their house brands. They have gotten very ambitious, ie CNP and Bordeuxs, but it is best to stick to the tried and true (like the Cal cab).

QOTD: I am on page 10 of In Search of Lost Time by Proust. Since it’s 4,000 pages I guess I have a way to go.
November 7, 2007

Totte
Hi there G.V

I did some work for the Gambero Rosso Top Italian Wine Roadshow in Stockholm and wore my WLTV wristband through the whole day. Proudly showing it to all the major wine people in Sweden and the editor of Gambero Rosso.
The event was really good and I recommend every one whoÂ´s in LA the 6th of march or LV the 7th to check it out. I tasted Sassicaia 04, Gaja ca’Marcanda 04, Massari Grattamacco 04, plus 50+ more of the very best. Mastroberardino Radici Taurasi -99 was a blast.

QotD : Im reading a book on Cheese and the 20th anniversary edition of the Gambero Rosso guide to Italian Wines.

Cheers
Swedish T
November 7, 2007

Mark
Fun show on Costco Wines…..the Cab looks interesting and I will try it indeed!

I am reading the latest Playboy Magazine….the articles are riveting!

M
November 7, 2007

Cliff A
Excellent show Gary. As a point of interest that all Vanyiacs may not be aware of is that COSTCO is the biggest wine retailer in the US. Also, COSTCO’s Wine Buying Director, Annttte Alvarez-Peters is #10 on Decanter Magazine’s (July 2007) 2007 Power List of the Top 50 Influencers in the Global Wine Market. One day we shall see Gary on the list!

On by the way, the Crochet Sancerre Rouge from last week was fantastic. You were right on the spot – at least a 90 and a great price.

QOTD: 1) What to Drink with What You Eat – The definitive guide to pairing food with wine and other beverages – by Andrew Dorenburg & Karen Page 2) Italian Wine for Dummies by Mary Ewing-Mulligan, MW & Ed McCarthy, CWE

Cliff A, CSW
November 7, 2007

Joe S
QOTD Seeing we just came back from Italy and one of the tour guides recommnded it, I am reasing Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet.

I like that your are tring different regions for wine and have found this week to be very intresting. Keep up the good work.
November 7, 2007

Viking
great show gary…

QOTD: Stardust (Neil Gaiman)
November 7, 2007

cprider
Gary,
Nice show on Costco wines. Current readings: “The PathFinder” by James Fenimore Cooper. Fasicinating reading if you are interested in 18′th century life in upstate NY. “The Icebound Land” by John Flanagan… it’s great when you and your 10 YO can read and enjoy the same books!!
PS- you’ve turned my 7 YO aspiring sommelier into a Vaneiak! Niiicccee!
November 7, 2007

conedude13
Just recently finished up the first of the Hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy series then jumped to Batman: Knightfall; a novel that is a three-part series wrapped into one big book. I’ll be moving on to a spiderman novel then the rest of the Hitchhiker series.
November 7, 2007

daWineGuy
QOTD: I’m reading Playboy, I buy it for the articles and not the pictures. Can’t wait for that Kim Kardashian edition, she is one of the great AKA… minds of our times.

Great job on the costco wines! When will I see the box wine review? I love my big box of wine.
November 7, 2007

Gretchen Crebs
Gave up my Costco membership years ago. Couldn’t figure out where to store all that TP and paper towels. But liked hearing about wines that are readily available here in NorCal too.
QOTD: Expecting Adam (so far it is inspiring)
November 7, 2007

PFORTY
QOTD: Love in the Time of Cholera by Marquez, Irreverent Acting by Eric Morris and the Junie B. Jones Series with my daughter!
November 7, 2007

Frank LeFevre
Is it just me or are others having the same problem. I get into your video tasting and I lose the audio. The video just stops. Anyone know why??
November 7, 2007

Tony S.
QOTD: Our Band Could be Your Life: Scenes from the American Indie Underground 1981-1991 by Michael Azerrad. Great book about the hardcore punk and underground indie rock (before “Indy” became a brand in the 90’s). It profiles 13 important bands from 81-91.

What? I like to escape the wine world a lot and even though I’m in the wine business, my first passion is music. Good show, I’ve been curious about those CostCo wines, I think next time I’m there, I’ll check one or two of them out.

By the way, I’m afraid I’ve become a lurker. I used to always post, but for some reason, I usually just watch and then get back to work. Well, I have to go out of town now, so I won’t see you until Monday.

Have a great day!
GO BEARS!!
T
November 7, 2007

cazssiew
QOTD: Haruki Murakami (awesome!)
All about that Cab, think I’m gonna make my first trip to Costco… Anyone know if Sam’s Club has any good wines?
November 7, 2007

Moose
Where do you get the ranking for WLTV? Congrats on the #14 GV. You keep doing good work, we’ll keep showing up.

QOTD – my managerial economics textbook – yeah… really sexy… really really sexy… I know.
November 7, 2007

Juicy Jesse
Interesting show! (I know, sometimes that’s the kiss of death, but not in this case). The cab sauv does sound like something to try. QOTD: “Music, the Brain and Ecstasy” (fascinating) and “Small Vices” (one of the old Spenser mysteries by Robert Parker – no, the OTHER Robert Parker.)
November 7, 2007

Mike D
Thanks for doing Kirkland brand wines – that was great!
Book – The Speed of Trust by Covey (Steven C’s boy)
Great book. Get it! Read it!
November 7, 2007

DrunkenSailor
I’ve had the GSM before — great call on the rasberry (too much for my taste) — especially at $20+ bones.
November 7, 2007

Jon & Grace
My daughter just watched the show with me, so she’s answering the QOTD: The Santa Clause
November 7, 2007

BW
I read an interview a while back with the guy who heads up Costco’s wine program & he is a bit like you GV – he’s out to change the wine world as well – wants to bring quality wines at a reasonable price to the masses. Can’t remember his pedigree but I do recall it was a pretty strong one. Maybe it will be a stepping stone for many to learn about good wines before they step to the next level (Wine Library) ??

QOTD – Readings lots of technical journals both for work & some new research I am doing…..I know, how boring !
November 7, 2007

wannaBconnoisseur
Interesting show GV!!

Q: Reading????…uhhh it’s football season.
November 7, 2007

DomTheSomm
Yo GV, Great Episode…I too have come to like the Costco Brand when I am on a budget for any given reason. I found the wines to be consistent and fun for the price point! Thanks for tasting them through! Besides, prior to nowworking in the wine industry, I was a Manager for Santa Cruz, CA and Gilroy CA for 7 years!! You did us Costco-peeps right with your review!!

QOTD – The House of Mondavi!! What a book!! Want to read how a dynasty rose and fell….excellent book! I think California owes a lot to Mondavi and his endless persuits back then to make California wine a worldwide powerhouse!! Check it out!!

When you going to taste and rate Clos LaChance?
November 7, 2007

RandyB
Thanks for branching out. I’ve often wondered about Kirkland wines. The Cab is selling ro $17.59, the GSM $19.89 and the CdP $19.99 here in sunny NorCal.

QOTD: Latest copy of Winemaker Magazine and just finished another Baldacci novel, The Collectors.
November 7, 2007

wayno da wino
I had one Kirkland Signature wine, so far, da
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It was pretty
decent.

QOTD: Da Newspaper, of course. Plus I looooove
my California Grapevine, Wine Advocate, Wine
Spectator, and Connoisseur’s Guides to California
Wine Subscriptions!!
November 7, 2007

M. Waite
QOTD: “It’s All Too Much” by Peter Walsh – gotta get rid of stuff to make for the wine storage.
November 7, 2007

Broccolirabe
Havnt tried any of these – did we get prices on all of them ?

Reading Crazy 08 about baseball in 1908 – excellent
November 7, 2007

Barry
The last time I looked Alexander Valley is not in the Napa area.
November 7, 2007

ToddE
QOTD: Good to Great is my Business fun book right now; The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho just for fun
November 7, 2007

Colin
GV – Good show. Unfort. can’t get to Costco (residin’ in the city sans car) – but good to know it ain’t terrible. QOTD – Wine Report 2008 and some Philip Roth novels…
November 7, 2007

cb
glad to see that you are doing these wines. hope they are good
November 7, 2007

Moose
Checked the pricepoints at my local Omaha Costco-
2005 Alex Valley Cab – $16.99
Chateauneuf du Pape – $19.99
November 7, 2007

gerald
hi…love the show..I really think gary just likes to say..va..ner…chuck….keep up the good work…
November 7, 2007

Michael Z
QOTD: Moby Dick, finally.

I can get my trashbags, tires, avocados, pork loin, golf gloves, paper towels and now wines from the same company … hmm is this a good thing?
November 7, 2007

ev
Wait just a doggone minute, Alexander Valley moved to Napa? How did it get over the Mayacamas???
November 7, 2007

question
Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius; The Chrysanthemum and the Sword; Absalom, Absalom; The Brothers Karamazov
November 7, 2007

Cliff and Darcey
Thanks again Gary … always a pleasure to watch!
READING: SETH: The Nature of Personal Reality by Jane Roberts
Essential reading!
November 7, 2007

CGTombstone
What’s the old radio line, “Long time listener, first time caller.”? Alright not that long, but it is the first post. Love the show Gary.
QOTD: Omnivore’s Dilemma – Great book, but don’t know if I can ever eat anything again
November 7, 2007

Shotgun
Very fair of you Gary, not that Costco is exactly competition for you (Wine Library isn’t getting ready to branch out into car batteries and diapers, eh?). I don’t live anywhere near a Costco and have never heard of the label. The stuff one can learn watching WLTV! Reading A History of the English Speaking Peoples Since 1900 by Andrew Roberts.
November 7, 2007

PiperJS
QOTD: I don’t read unless there is more Harry Potter to be read. and there isn’t. IT’S OVER!!!!!
November 7, 2007

SmokeyUST
Yea, what is this reading GV?! Does Playboy count, seriously, for the articles.
November 7, 2007

Michael
interesting show. i’m surprised costco would go to the trouble to brand wine…wierd?
QOTD-finished three recently
william gibson’s last couple of novels (pattern recognition and spook country)
philip roth-the plot against america
November 7, 2007

Jennifer K
Just received my box of 9 wines that I bought from your shop and my husband and I get to look forward to several great nights of trying them.

QOTD:Living with Contradictions: Controversies in Feminist Social Ethics by allison M. Jagger
November 7, 2007

Michael
Thanks for the review. Interesting the brands are as good as they are.
QOTD – What am I reading? Case law and theft reports.
November 7, 2007

Keith L
Thanks for doing wines of COSTCO

New wines at COSTCO worth trying- http://feedroom.businessweek.com/?fr_story=FEEDROOM194868&rf=sitemap
November 7, 2007

tarheel17
I just finished Suite Francais, by Irene Demirovsky.
November 7, 2007

LG
The lurkers do live….love the show! Krikland Cab Svgn is 16 bones in NH. Can’t wait to try it.
Can’t wait to see your next show!

LG
November 7, 2007

Dash
QOTD: On the Road
But not just because the movie came out, its one I have been meaning to read for a while… Especially since I live in SF.

I would have never tried the Costco wines, so I am glad you did!
November 7, 2007

Justin
Jean Jacques Rousseau, A Discourse upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality among Mankind
November 7, 2007

Ryan Erickson
Great show Gary, thanks

QOTD: Now that I’ve enjoyed my WLtv show, I’m back to reading my comparative law *yawn* textbook, section on judicial review in … ZZzzz ZZzzz ZZzzz
November 7, 2007

streamertyer
QOTD –
I’m reading Poe. His short story The Cask of Amontillado. It’s a great story about some amber wine SIMILAR IN COLOR TO TAWNY PORT – and a guy who gets revenge on a wine expert who slighted him by burying him alive in a wine storage cave…. Ever read it??

Embrace the amber. Fear the Poe. Nevermore!
November 7, 2007

Clark
May have to join Costco just to try the wines.
Qotd: A Dance to the Music of Time by Anthony Powell and about to re-read a P. G. Wodehouse Blandings novel. Can’t go too long w/out poor old Lord Emsworth and the Empress of Blandings.
November 7, 2007

Sam Spencer
What are you reading is the real question. Sorry i missed you while in NJ last week. I just finished Into the Wild, which i figured I ought to rerad before i saw the movie. A fascinating story with Henry the IV similarities. Sad the Kid almost made it out of the Wild.
Just picked up The Razors edge by Somerset Maugham, I saw the movie 20 years ago and was intrigued by the Parisienne dens of iniquity… we’ll see if the book provides the same literary stimulation.
November 7, 2007

Cracking 300
Looking forward to hitting Costco soon. Never even seen these displayed there — do they hide them or something?

Listening to Alice Sebold’s Almost Moon, downloaded from audible.com. Does that count? My first audiobook. Gets real hard to focus on the subway, but I imagine it gets easier, as long as you don’t get mugged first. Kind of a chick read, but I loved Lovely Bones by her so I took a shot. Depressing, yet edifying. I’m sure there’s a wine analogy to be made, but it’s late, so no neurons are firing.
November 7, 2007

Adam
I bought the GSM for $10 and the Cab for $17 in Missouri. Didn’t see the other.

QOTD: The entire internet.
November 7, 2007

nachema
Hi Gary! I’m a lurker. I’ve been watching for a couple months now and I really appreciate your show. You’ve taught me to really pay attention to flavors and aromas not just in wine but everything. Thanks for waking up my tastebuds. By the way, you look better on my iPhone than on the billboard on the Turnpike. I’m reading “the Year of Living Biblically” by A.J. Jacobs and it’s great so far.
November 7, 2007

Vinsant
needed 1 more comment for #300, cheers
November 8, 2007

crystal
Gary, what are your thoughts on the way Costco stores their wine?

QOTD: The Alchemist
November 8, 2007

moonbot
QOTD – the unbearable lightness of being.
kinda not into the idea of supporting the giant mega industry that is Costco, but if their wine’s good, and cheap, i’ll drink it.
November 8, 2007

mikemc
QOTD – “Wolves of the Calla” by Stephen King (5th book of 7 in Dark Tower series) …big King fan!
November 8, 2007

fatdoi
Goals – Brian Tracy…… awesome!!!
November 8, 2007

Bernie Bearnaise
I am always leery of buying wine from a sale bin. My mind wonders what is wrong with it that they have to mark it down? Costco also sells Cameron Hughes wines which come from all over the world and have had some critical acclaim. He buys odd lots from reputable producers and sells the whole shebang to Costco and online until its gone. His taste is the filter that determines the quality high enough to put his name on it. He just released Lot 25 which is a Carneros Pinot Noir/Chardonnay sparkler that was to be marketed in the $50 range but now $20 buys it in 3 bottle lots. Good things can be had at Costco after all.

My wife just did some tasting demos at Harris Teeter for Bordeaux wines and she came home with two bottles from the sale bin at 50% off. An Austrian Red from Leo Hillinger 2005 using the St. Laurent grape for 10 bones that tasted like a $45 pinot noir! That computes to a 4.5 on my QPR scale which is quite rare. The other find was a lightly colored Zinfandel from Renwood 2003 in Amador which was also excellent at 10 bones. If the store was not so far away I would go back and vacuum up the remaining Burgenlander from Austria but the gas spent would wipe away the value.

I’m reading “Peter, Paul and Mary Magdalene” and “The Wine Lover’s Guide to Auctions” by the goddess of the gavel Ursula Hermacinski.
November 8, 2007

Dr. Frank
For those not familiar with the Costco culture, Jim Sinegal, one of the founders from, I beleive 1982, still runs the ship on the premise that “stockholders are fourth in line” after 1)employees, 2)customers,3)suppliers. He figures if you take care of folks in this order the investors will do ok.(See recent interview in the WSJ) The Kirkland name seems to use high quality producers throughout, not just for wine. For example, the extra virgin Tuscan olive oil is a great value, the California pistachios are fresh and very flavorful, etc.
Sometime try the Pinot Noir, that, for under $20 is pretty darn good. Not sure of this but it tastes like Russian River fruit to me. Anybody know? Thanks, Gary.
Just finished a book from 2001 about the Great Harvest Bread Company, BREAD AND BUTTER,by Tom McMakin. Good stuff(and good bread)
November 8, 2007

stevo
Rich Dad, Poor Dad.

My dad gave me a copy last time he was here in an effort to make me save and invest more money, which makes me feel a little more guilty when I keep buying wine.
November 8, 2007

Jason S.
So, you shaved. Guess you thought the Jets had a shot against the Skins

QOTD: Just finished King Rat by China Meiville this morning. Fun little read.
November 8, 2007

warhwk69
actually, the only thing that I’m reading is “Wine” comments
November 8, 2007

warhwk69
BTW – Jet’s lost again, I see you’re sporting the new “Clear” beard. I understand, I’m a Raider fan..
November 8, 2007

Corky
I’m reading Richard Dawkin’s “The God Dilusion” – something to think about.
November 8, 2007

Fco.
Thank you for this episode, I always wondered what you would make of those Costco wines. I do not think I have had those particular ones but I have had a couple of others and thought they were alright. It is always good to get your point of view.

QOTD: Just finished reading I Am Legend by Roberth Matheson and moving to non-fiction: See No Evil by Robert Baer.
November 8, 2007

DARREL LAS VEGAS
LETS DO WHOLEFOOD WINES THEY ROCK!
November 8, 2007

Kevin
QOTD: Reading? Food blogs.
November 8, 2007

Mike
Harry Potter!
November 9, 2007

Adam
I’m re-watching the review of the GSM while drinking it and I gotta say – I think it’s more cranberries than raspberries (bottle has been opened for ~4hrs). I just tasted some raspberries to compare and I’m pretty certain here. Just my 2c.
November 9, 2007

Vegas Rob
One more lurker out of the Mix! I’ve been watching since day one, but I’m just a horrible typer… Great show, I bet I can swirl better than you!!! QotD: “Flood your body with Oxygen” by Ed McCabe
November 9, 2007

Stefano
reading: Assault on Reason by Al Gore. Very interesting. I’m getting very mad at people/institutions etc. that use FEAR to get at people.
November 9, 2007

Jeff Cleveland
QOTD: My out of control RSS feeds!!!
November 9, 2007

soyhead
Here is someone who didn’t have such a good Costco experience -

http://winecamp.squarespace.com/journal/2007/10/31/coteaux-costco.html

How about head-to-head blinded bottles same wine (say a 2003 or 4), same exact (non-Kirkland) bottle from Costco and from WineLibrary or other ‘trusted’ merchant to see how costco storage fares. That would be a huge service to the Vayner nation.
November 9, 2007

James Norton
Alexander Valley is in Sonoma county not Napa Valley. Knights Valley separates AV from Napa county and the valley.
November 10, 2007

Kathleen Lisson
A book on the wines of Italy.
Kathleen
November 10, 2007

ChrisR
QOTD: “The Classical World”. Up next is “Modern Winemaking” by Philip Jackisch.
November 10, 2007

Lyn
QOTD: I’m reading Pope Joan for the second time.
November 11, 2007

stephen
Reading : Under And Alone, by William Queen.
November 11, 2007

Malcolm
Hi Gary,

Please, for my sake I have but one favour to ask – the pronunciation of Barossa – please say it like a local – Bar-o-ssa not Ba-roh-sa.

Loving the show – even more loving the push that people get stuck into wines that *they* enjoy rather than what other people rate/say/suggest!

Here’s to changing the wine world!
November 11, 2007

JayZee
QOTD: “Reliquary” by Childs and Spector. Good scary novel to let my brain relax on this business trip. On deck is “Stormy Weather” by Carl Hiassen, one of my favorite authors. He’s is wicked cool in his dark humor.
November 11, 2007

Jonathan Pierce
QOTD – “Wine and War” by Don & Petie Kladstrup. Stories of French winemakers during WWII. Really interesting. Good insights into French culture.
November 12, 2007

PaVo
Back from Vacation and now I have to play catch up! AND Celebrate the Skins Victory (LAST WEEK) against your Jets…a week old, and after today…not too great to celebrate but whatever!

QOTD: Blood and Thunder – Hampton Sides (about Kit Carson and the US expansion into the west) Very very interesting if just for the good and bads of Carson.
November 12, 2007

Jeff Baldwin, RN
QOTD: “Tuesdays With Morrie” by Mitch Albom.
November 12, 2007

Badger Ann
QOTD: Just finished the latest issue of Wine Spectator
November 13, 2007

BeijingBoogieKev
QOTD: Beyond Distruption. By Jean-Marie Dru and a compilation of some of the top minds at TBWA, the Advertising Agency. Talks about the need to constantly Disrupt your process and your perspective, to find new value and sustainability. Very good. I highly recommend.

PS. I wish I had a Costco out here in China, so I could check out that Kirkland.
November 13, 2007

Valerie
Just finished “By the Light of the Moon” by Dean Koontz.
November 15, 2007

Arizonamountain
Started reading “The Naked and the Dead” a week before Norman Mailer died (on my birthday of all days). The last book I actually finished was Practical Demon-keeping by Christopher Moore.

I can’t wait to try these Kirkland brand wines. It seems lately like I’ve had so many $22-28 bottles that taste like $13 bottles. These are right up my alley.
November 15, 2007

Dusty B
Reading “Rant,” Palahniuk’s latest. Gritty and self-indulgent as always. Go Chuck. And go Costco!
November 16, 2007

Elliot Essman
Not surprised Costco did well, and if you spill any of the wine, remember their paper towels are superior.
November 17, 2007

Mike Z
Thanks for doing this tasting… I always see these wines down at Costco, but I’ve always assumed they sucked. Maybe not…
I agree with Mr. Pierce above: Wine and War is a GREAT book, and a wonderful lesson in history. Highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about wine and who didn’t pay attention in History class in high school.
Cheers all.
November 19, 2007

J Weezy
QOTD: I’m reading WANDS. Japanese magazine about wine and spirits. Tough as hell but gotta do it.
November 21, 2007

HuskerJ
Just got done reading “When Abortion was a Crime” by Judith Reagan for research and I’m reading “The Way of All Flesh” by Samuel Butler for normal reading.
November 21, 2007

Dan-o
Reading the autobiography of Eric Clapton.
Last read before this was “Think Big, Act Small”.
December 21, 2007

Matty B
Alexander Valley is Sonoma County, not Napa. Honest mistake, I think GV kicked himself when he watched this. Peace!
February 15, 2008

Rolf Lydecker
The best thing Costco does are those damn tasty corn muffins. I’m addicted to them. If on an island stranded, I’d want booze, cheese, and corn muffins for breakfast…and an xbox 360. That would do it for me.
September 17, 2008

Dessert Wine Nerd
Good episode. Nice to see my local “Kirkland” brand didnt totally dissapoint. Ive wanted to pick up a Kirkland brand of some sort (God knows Ive bought tons of other wines from them on the cheap), and this gives me the confidence to know $10-$15 will buy a decent bottle of wine. QOTD: Just finished Sinclar’s “The Jungle”, and now I am reading Karen MacNeil’s “The Wine Bible.” After that Im going to dive into some Faulkner.
September 21, 2009

ulu ulu ulu ulu
QOTD: the way of the pilgrim