2020 Vaquerizas Garnacha – A Rich and Rewarding Spanish Find

Price: $8.90 at Lunardi Stores
Region: Cariñena Region of Aragon, Spain
My Rating: 89 points

If you’re looking for an expressive and affordable Spanish red, the 2020 Vaquerizas Garnacha from Tierra de Cubas is a gem worth seeking out. Made from 50-year-old Garnacha vines, this wine shows the depth and character that only mature vines can deliver.

• 92 points – James Suckling

Lunardi’s isn’t known for wine bargains, so I was surprised—and delighted—to spot this bottle for just $8.80. For under $10, this is hands-down the best wine value in the store. If your local Lunardi’s still has it, do yourself a favor and pick up a few bottles.

About Tierra de Cubas

Tierra de Cubas is part of the historic Bodegas San Valero group, one of the pioneering cooperatives in the Cariñena D.O.P. (Denominación de Origen Protegida). Located at an elevation of 662 meters, the winery enjoys a unique microclimate that contributes to the structure and freshness of its wines. The Cariñena region, in Spain’s northeastern Aragón province, is one of the oldest winegrowing areas in the country—often underrated, but increasingly recognized for producing outstanding value wines, especially from Garnacha.

Tasting Notes
This Garnacha is full-bodied and richly textured—far from the lighter styles sometimes associated with the region. On the nose and palate, it offers an elegant mix of ripe red and dark fruit, with subtle savory notes adding complexity. There’s a nice backbone of acidity that keeps the wine lively and food-friendly, though the finish is relatively short. What it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in balance and charm.

This is a versatile red for the table. Try it with grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a roast beef sandwich. It would also work beautifully with herb-crusted lamb.

I’m a big fan of the Garnacha grape. In France the grape is Grenache but it is entirely the same grape, just a different spelling and prononication. The Garnacha/Grenache grape is usually blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre. Related review: Gerard Bertrand Corbières 

Why we like the Los Altos Grill – Review

Location: 233 Third Street, Los Altos, CA
Meal Reviewed: Lunch
Date of Visit: June 2, 2025

The Los Altos Grill is a lively and inviting spot for meeting up with friends, especially if you’re coming from different parts of the Bay Area. For us, it served as an ideal halfway point between our Peninsula home and friends that live in San Jose and Morgan Hill — a convenient and relaxed setting to enjoy lunch and good conversation.

The menu might strike some as limited at first glance, but give it a chance. There are a few standout dishes that will keep you coming back. I’m partial to the Macho Salad, a satisfying and flavorful choice. And when I feel like indulging, the cheeseburger is my go-to. It’s enormous — easily two meals in one — so I often eat half and save the rest for dinner or the next day.

The wine list is another highlight, particularly the selections by the glass. My favorite is the Three Valleys red blendfrom Ridge Vineyards. It’s a robust wine led by Zinfandel (71%), rounded out with a unique mix of complementary varietals — perfect for pairing with the burger or richer menu items.

The bar is the social hub of the restaurant, taking center stage and drawing a crowd, especially in the evenings. It’s also a great spot for solo diners. While the lunch crowd is quieter, the evening scene is energetic and full of buzz.

After lunch, take a stroll through downtown Los Altos. The charming shops and boutiques make for a pleasant afternoon of exploring.

Check total for three: $140

• 2 Cheeseburgers
• 1 Macho Salad
• 2 Glasses of wine
• 1 Sparkling water

• Price: $10.99 at Costco
• Region: Corbières AOC, Languedoc, France
• Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (GSM blend)
• My Rating: 90 points

Gerard Bertrand 2020 Corbières An 806 – A French GSM Gem at a Costco Price

I recently came across a compelling wine find at my local Costco: the 2020 Gerard Bertrand Corbières An 806, priced at just $10.99. This red blend from the Languedoc region of southern France immediately caught my attention for both its provenance and price point.

This wine is a classic GSM blend—Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre—crafted in the Corbières AOC, one of the largest and most rugged appellations in the Languedoc-Roussillon. The area is known for its Mediterranean climate, limestone-rich soils, and hillside vineyards. These natural conditions make it ideal for producing bold, structured wines with depth and character.

Gerard Bertrand is a prominent négociant and winemaker who has built a reputation for offering high-quality wines that overdeliver for their price. A former professional rugby player, Bertrand now oversees a portfolio of biodynamic and sustainably farmed estates throughout the Languedoc. His winery group includes several prestigious properties, and the An 806 bottling takes its name from the year winemaking is believed to have begun in this region—over 1,200 years ago.The grapes for this wine are likely sourced from Bertrand’s organically farmed vineyards in the hills of Corbières, where hot days and cool nights enhance flavor development while maintaining freshness

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the 2020 An 806 offers vibrant aromas of ripe plum, blueberry, and a touch of garrigue—that wild herb scent so typical of southern France. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with balanced acidity and silky tannins, showcasing flavors of red and black fruits, spice, and a whisper of earth. The finish is moderate but smooth, leaving behind a satisfying echo of dark berries and warmth.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly introduction to southern French reds or simply a delicious everyday wine, the Gerard Bertrand Corbières An 806 is well worth trying. I gave it a solid 90 points and plan to stock up—if it’s still available on my next trip to Costco.