Friday, November 27, 2009

Wine Finder Friday

2007 Don Miguel Gascon - Malbec

This Malbec from Argentina was a pleasant surprise when I first tasted it. I sampled it at Binny's Beverage Depot (www.binnys.com) and noticed how well it was balanced.

The bottle cost around $11.99 and I soon thereafter found it on sale at Jewel for under $10.

It has violet color tones with great fruit flavor start to finish. It boasts plum, black cherry and spice notes throughout the middle. Surprisingly complex and can be drank easily with or without food.

Argentina and Chile are coming out with phenomenal wine for the price. Don't turn your head away from these South American gems.

It's Friday...so raise your glass, and enjoy!

- Cash in the Couch





Friday, November 20, 2009

Wine Finder Friday

2007 Columbia Crest Two Vines - Vineyard 10 Red Wine

Let me preface this post by saying, WOW. This is by far the best bottle of wine I've ever tried under $6.

Masterfully blended, this Washington State product highlights the Cab Franc, Syrah and Sangiovese varietals. It has a medium body with sweet tannins. You'll catch raspberry, cherry and cola...and so much more!

As with any young, less expensive bottle, be sure to let it breath or decant for 30-45 minutes before enjoying for the optimum flavor profile.


Believe me when I say this one is a must buy!


It's Friday, so raise your glass...and enjoy!

- Cash in the Couch

Friday, November 13, 2009

Wine Finder Friday

This Friday, we look to a wonderful staple red wine for your cellar. It's the 2007 Hahn Estates Cabernet Saugvignon from the Central Coast of California. It's a perfect "second step" wine when you graduate into more complex cabernet.

I would almost say it has 2-3 flavor dimensions. It ranges from jammy to vanilla with cinnamon and spice. It's a tremendous value for the price and is highly recommended. It's not just your typical table red wine.

It's Friday...so raise your glass, and enjoy!

Cash in the Couch

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Wine Finder Friday


Take a deep breath...it's Friday, and that means wine time.

This Friday's selection is the 2007 Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec from the Mendoza  region situated at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Trapiche is the most well known wine maker in Argentina and dates all the way back to 1883.

This great value at $9 boasts soft tannins and displays plum and blackberry upon first blush. It has a surprisingly long finish of black pepper spice and hints of vanilla.

I tried this wine at a friend's birthday party, was completely taken by surprise, and followed up with a Wine Finder Friday post.

It's Friday...so raise your glass, and enjoy!

Cash in the Couch

Does it Pay to Join Sam's Club?



With any membership that charges an annual fee, you need to decide whether it is cost effective to join. Cost effective to me means that the price of membership is far less than the savings earned. With a typical Club membership at around $35-45 (it’s cheaper if you take out a Business Membership), I would argue you should save almost double the cost annually, if not more.

Is it Worth it?
Recently, I’ve been keeping track of what I specifically buy at Sam’s to gauge if the membership is worth it. Here is a glance at my grocery list:

Electronics: Televisions, Cameras, Photo prints

I never recommend buying electronics without pricing around. Always check local retail stores and sales flyers along with online retailers like Amazon.com to ensure you are getting the best price. But let’s say you don’t comparison shop. Sam’s, Costco and others have very reasonable pricing on all electronics. In fact, I get all of my photo enlargements done there – they are fantastic.

Food: Cereal, Meats, Seafood, Cheese, Party Platters, Chips, Bakery, Frozen Pizza, Frozen Anything

Buying in bulk traditionally saves. Make sure you have your cell phone calculator handy to find the unit prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Beverages: Water and Booze. Buy your booze here. Seriously. I repeat, Buy your booze here. You get the point.

Alcohol prices at Sam’s is crazy low. My favorite example is a 24 pack of Miller Lite glass bottles. Remember, a 24 pack of ML cans at most grocers are around $15, maybe $13.99 on sale. Sam’s sells their glass bottles, traditionally more expensive, for around $13.45. Darn good price.

As there are many wine lovers on Cash in the Couch, wine prices are stellar. My favorite, of which I’ll cover in a future Wine Finder Friday, is Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon. Traditionally $15 in most grocers, Sam’s sells it for $11 and change.

Nestle Water Bottle cases which typically run from $3.99-6.99, once again, Sam’s sells for less…$3.49

You’re Not Cool Unless You Join (and save)
Now I don’t go there for everything, but when I’m saving $3 per bottle of wine, saving a $2 per box of cereal, $2 per case of water, I hit that $35 market in a flash…and you just might too.

See you at Sam’s, fellow member!

Cash in the Couch