Grocery Outlet Bargain Hunt Final Chapter
March 26, 2010 by drinknectar
Filed under 3+ Rated Wines, Under $10
Six wines, two drain dumpers, two meh, and two certified “deals.” This is the result of the Grocery Outlet Challenge. Yesterday, I received a comment on my blog that I MUST pass along. Kelly shares this in regards to wine deal hunting at Grocery Outlet, “You have to kiss a lot of wine-toads before you find your prince charming vin.”
Day One: How do You Define a Bargain?
Day Two: Deal Found for Bargainistas
The last two GO posts have generated some of the most intense response I’ve seen to a wine review (over 100 comments between my Facebook page and this blog). This tells me two things, 1) people are looking for bargain wine in a big way and 2) people like the chance to win $50! For me the exciting part has been seeing actual consumers comment on the blog (usually wine blogs generate a lot of industry insider comments). I want to thank the hundreds of new visitors that have stopped by and I want to encourage you to keep coming back and to check out the blog links I read on the right side of the page. There are so many great wine reviewers there that can help with your wine buying decisions.
Today’s review is two reds and two labels that I recognize. In reading through everyone’s comments, this seems to be one of the themes. If you see a label you recognize at a price below what you would find at a grocery store, pick up a few bottles. The other theme is, if you’re into experimenting, be sure to just pick up one test bottle before you commit to the whole lot.
Now, on with the review.
2006 Cameron Hughes Petite Sirah
The Stuff: Sourced from a top Petite Sirah producer in Lodi then re-introduced to oak barrels for 12 months; 6000 cases produces 13.5%abv- The Swirl: Dark brooding wine with a rusty purple tinge.
- The Sniff: Subtle and subdued but gives off hints of dried cranberry, blueberry, violets and nutmeg (Thanksgiving in a bottle)
- The Sip: Slightly disappointed because the nose was so nice, the structure seems very thin. The hint of cranberry on the front loses itself pretty quickly. The seems to be average tannin on the back end, but not as bold as I would hope for a Petite Sirah. Could be a decent sipper for some folks.
- The Score: G.O. says the retail is $15, but Cameron Hughes website says $11. The price I paid was only $6. At $6 I can score this wine a 3 minus (out of 5). Some people may love it, I was on the fence.
Cellar Tracker scores average 85 (with 7 reviews)
The Stuff: 100% Grenache from the McLaren Vale; Aged 10 months in used oak 14.5%abv- The Swirl: Brighter plum with hints of ruby red jewel tones.
- The Sniff: BAM – I just hit in the nose with a raspberry / blackberry fruit. Soft tones of oaky smoke are there too.
- The Sip: My mouth eagerly welcomed this Spanish lover! The fruit was intense but not over the top. It smoothed out nicely and provided just enough spice, leather and smoke as the finish lingered.
- The Score: At $22.50 retail, this is a good wine – at $12, this is a great deal. I score this a 3+ (out of 5)
Definitely the best of the six wines that I purchased.
Cellar Tracker score of 87 (1 review)
There you have it! Six wines down the hatch (or down the drain). Thank you for all your comments, encouraging words and suggestions. I love hearing about the DEALS you found. Please leave a comment for your chance to win a $50 Grocery Outlet gift card. You won’t be added to a mailing list and you won’t get spammed.
GROCERY OUTLET BI-ANNUAL WINE SALE IS MARCH 30-APRIL 3 20% OFF ALL STOCK
*All wine reviewed was purchased using a gift card provided by Grocery Outlet
Awesome, adding this one to my shopping list as well. Thanks!
-Janet
Both were “good” but the Shingleback was “deal worthy” for sure!
wow really want to try that grenache i hope they have it our local grocery outlet. we reviewed the Genesis Riesling from there on our vlog, and will probably take a field trip there with our flip cam. wineweirdos.com
I tried the Cameron Hughes Petite Sarah several weeks ago and was on the fence about it too… but I loved the Cameron Hughes Shiraz (35) that I bought at Grocery Outlet at the same time. If you see the Shriaz you should definitely try it!
I’ll look for the Shingleback Grenache at my Grocery Outlet this weekend.
I can’t tell you how many bottles I have poured down the drain…… But I have also have had some AMAZING finds! The best was a Mariflor Pinot Noir from Argentina for $10.00 Very, very Good. Could have paid $25 – 30 and it would have been worth it.
(Just a sip of course…)
The best DEAL for the Money was a Vera Monte Chardonnay from Chile that sold for $ 1.99, that’s right $1.99!! and I wouldn’t have been disappointed if I had paid $12.00 for it….. Great summer wine. Got a few cases of both of these, well worth it.
I LOVE the Grocery Outlet because you never know what you are going to find! But you are right, do a little homework before you buy , or bring a corkscrew and taste in your car the parking lot
Malin – that’s funny! I can picture you popping a cork in the parking lot to “test” the new find. Thanks for the comment.
Who won the $50 certificate? Please don’t say Alena…she won one from Mary and the other from Colin…so not fair. LOL
-Janet
I Love to try new wines! I have zero budget being a stay at home mom. I LOVE BGO!!!
It is a great place to experiment and try new things!
Got gewurztraminer??
Megan,
Funny, I’ve yet to review a Gewurztraminer…interesting…
Que Shiraz, Shiraz!!
thanks for the scoop! I agree! You need to do your homework. Last year I bought 3 cases of the Jerry Garcia Chardonnay from the GO! It was awesome and I’m down to my last bottle…must…stock…up…NOW
IF they still have it. Stock rotates pretty frequently there. Thanks for stopping by, I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews.
our hunt continues. we found a couple really good ones! love grocery outlet.