Joe - JoeWineTraveler

Price: $13.59 at Costco
Region: Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, California
My Rating: 90 points

Andrew Murray’s Tous les Jours Syrah has long been a go-to value wine for Syrah lovers. Year after year, it earns its reputation as a consistent, crowd-pleasing red from California’s beautiful Santa Barbara wine country. The 2022 vintage continues that tradition, receiving impressive scores:

92 points – Jeb Dunnuck
92 points – Antonio Galloni
92 points – Wine Enthusiast

I tend to be a bit tougher on my ratings, but I’m happy to award it 90 points—a solid score for a Syrah in this price range.

I picked up a bottle of Tous les Jours at Costco for $13.59, which is an exceptional deal. Other retailers like K&L Wines ($14.95) and Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa ($15.49) carry it at slightly higher prices, but it’s still a fantastic value under $20.

About Andrew Murray Vineyards

The Andrew Murray Vineyards is one of our favorite wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley. A few years ago, we had the pleasure of meeting Andrew Murray himself, and he’s not only a talented winemaker but also a genuinely kind person. His commitment to sustainable farming and environmental stewardship is impressive, and his wines—especially the Rhône-style reds—reflect a dedication to quality and balance.

Tasting Notes

The 2022 Tous les Jours opens with a savory nose featuring hints of raw bacon, followed by a rich blend of dark and red fruits—plum, blackberry, and a touch of cherry. There’s also a subtle hint of spice that adds complexity.

On the palate, the wine is gentle and smooth, echoing the aromatic profile with ripe fruit flavors and a velvety texture. The finish is on the shorter side, but the wine remains tasty, easy to drink, and thoroughly enjoyable.

If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable California Syrah that showcases the best of Santa Barbara wine country, Andrew Murray’s Tous les Jours 2022 is a fantastic choice. I’ll be keeping this one stocked for casual dinners and gatherings—it’s a solid 90-point Syrah at a bargain price.

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.