EVEN MORE Bargains 2026

Continuing several previous years of reporting on bargain wines mainly from Trader Joe’s, Aldi and Costco, we’ll start 2026 with a couple of wines from the Costco CASE SALE. These are still the same price going on at least two years now. I will continue to add to this post for the remainder of 2026.

I’ve written reviews on both of these wines previously but, the Casa Santos Lima is a new vintage and the very generic nature and presumably enormous quantity produced of esteban martin, even if all of their wine is from the same batch, just the fact that they’ve been releasing the same vintage for several years now suggests that it might be maturing or changing. So, here’s the current reviews. 2023 Casa Santos Lima Red Blend Vinho Regional Lisboa PORTUGAL (13.5% abv) $59.99 per case of 12 at Costco equals $5 per bottle. In previous posts regarding the 2021, I’ve noticed and explained that although delicious upon opening, it evolves and develops that very special allure I call “desert island wine” after being open a few days. Just in the 10 minutes that this 2023 version has been in my glass having not tasted or swirled it yet, the nose has filled the room. Here goes! This is what wine smells like and way more. The initial whiff is just plain vinaceous but in seconds, a another whiff is filled with complex tropical fruit phenols and energy just waiting to pop. In the mouth, pop it does with lively acid, edgy fresh fruit and the distinct sensation of grape skins. Not tannic; more of a fresh bitter mouth feel. Lovely right now, I’ll try to keep my hands off of it and see what it tastes like tomorrow and the next day.

Although the esteban martin in the European Wine Box was a 2022 and maybe a different cuvee, 2021 esteban martin Grenache-Syrah Varietal de Espagña SPAIN (13.5% abv) $49.99 per case of 12 at Costco equals $4.17 per bottle was given a 92 point James Suckling rating. How is it possible to ship a 45 pound case of wine halfway around the world, pay tariffs, taxes and markups and still sell it for less than many brands of bottled water? The nose just blossoms out bright, fresh, exotic and captivating. The palate seems lighter than I remember, but still absolutely delicious with just enough texture to cleanse the palate. Like the Casa Santos Lima, I’ll try to stay focused on the next project and let this air for a day or two as well. UPDATE: Both of these wines not only hold well, but I do believe that they actually have a richer feel and more pronounced character with no loss of freshness after a couple of days with the caps screwed on half full bottles.

By the way, although these epitomize what I crave in wine character, Alice is not normally a fan of raw, fresh, edgy and unsettled wines like I am, but she too loved these wines.

TASTED 2/21/2026

A few days ago, I went through the cellar and picked out a dozen decent wines that I felt we needed to drink. Not necessarily rare wines or old wines but good wines for nice meals. One that caught my eye was 2010 Château LaFleur Plaisance (80% Merlot/20% Cab Sauv) Montagne Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux FR (14% abv) current vintage under $20. This is a wine I sold while working for Great Lakes so besides buying at wholesale, I definitely got a commission and probably some other perk on top. So, it was truly a bargain when I bought a case in about 2013 or so for something like $7-$8. This is a perfect example of how an inexpensive petite château can mature into an absolutely compelling bottle of fine wine. Why spend the big bucks for Grand Crus Classé grade? After decanting, the instant I stuck my nose near the decanter a whole host of Right Bank memories unfolded. This wine is absolutely quintessential Bordeaux Merlot. The color is a very deep maturing red and in the glass, that combination of compost, forest, toast, tobacco superimposed on berry jam captures the essence of the terroir. The palate is soft and silky yet rich and satisfying. As it slides across the palate, it picks up texture finishing very soft but not insignificant. One couldn’t ask for a more enjoyable wine to accompany a meal. We have one left to enjoy sooner than later.

IN ADDITION: A couple of days later, I opened a 2010 Château Du Ragon Bordeaux Supérieur FR (13% abv). Alice found it unpleasantly old. I enjoyed it but would agree that its best days were well behind. I think I had a full case of this at one time so we must have enjoyed most of the bottles while still in their prime. Like all vintages, some wines mature gracefully and some just get old. I wouldn’t save any 2010’s at this point enjoying the best while still in their prime and the others before they go over the hill.

TASTED 1/29/2026

So after a dinner of spaghetti with Bolognese sauce accompanied by a brisk fresh Barbara d’Asti, it was time to lay back and enjoy something that hits the sweet spot. 2019 Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (14.5% abv) CA about $17 at MegaBev hit that spot beautifully. The nose is perfect! Loaded up with fine honed cassis, concentrated sweet cherry extract and sweet oak the nose is both powerful and classy. There is something about the best vineyards made by experienced winemaking teams that capture everything the grape has to offer. Even the oak is remarkable. I’d bet it is American oak. Ever notice how Rioja is oakier than oaky yet, the oak neither interferes with the fruit nor does it in any way detract from the elegance and breed of the wine. It reinforces and adds complexity. Most Rioja producers use American oak. On the palate, this wine does have the personality of a Rioja yet the structure and black fruit essence is all California. There is plenty of tannin but it goes pretty much unnoticed finishing with a fruit memory that has lip licking indulgence. This epitomizes a few characteristics that I love about the best California wines from the best vineyards made with great expertise. First of all, it is highly complex with great depth. It is balanced. Nothing lacking and nothing over done. It is the hallmark of tradition. Wines have been produced from this legendary vineyard by Kenwood for over 40 years. They know what they are doing in the vineyard and in the winery. Most importantly, it is a proven star. Back when many of us were earning $10 and hour, this was $17 and quite a luxury to enjoy. Today, with inflation, it is an absolute steal! I know it is only January, but clearly this is the best Cab we’ve had this year.

TASTED 1/11/2026

This wine may not seem bargain priced, but based on the price of comparable wines from this legendary Spanish cooperative, I was very surprised to find it at a decent price at Costco. Unfortunately, I waited too long to try it and it is now out of stock at our store. 2018 CVNE (Compañia Vinicola del Norte de Españna) “Cune” Rioja Gran Reserva SPAIN (14% abv) $19.99 at Costco hails from the same producer as the CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva which these days sells for $80+. The Imperial is only produced from select higher altitude vineyards in the very best vintages. This wine is also only produced in the very best vintages but not necessarily from the same vineyards. So, at a fourth the price of the Imperial, I figured that I’d give it a try. To my pleasure, it is classic traditional Rioja in every way. Distinct dusty oiled mahogany wood scents with black berry and strawberry scents follow with more terra cotta and long rich wet wood and tannin to the end. It certainly resembles the Imperial but may not exhibit quite as classy or elegant a stature. Though not a top Rioja, it is a good one and very typical. I’m not wowed but would certainly buy it again for $20 if it becomes available.

Enjoy in Good Health!

A Brian Cain, the Michigan Vintner

PS In the above photo, you’ll notice a huge stack of Château Petit Freylon 2023 Kirkland Bordeaux Superieur. This is a Cab based wine and right now tastes more like a young California Cab than a Bordeaux. I know this sounds stupid when talking about a $6.99 wine, but I believe it is age worthy and worth putting a few in the cellar.