Another purchase from Costco Michele Chiarlo 2010 Anniversario Gavi was an interesting Italian white wine. Fragrances of apricot and fresh pear were present. The finish had a slight chestnut flavor; yet the entire body of the wine was fairly dry and crisp.
Overall the 2010 Gavi is easy to drink. I am not that familiar with Italian wines; however Gavi is a white grape I believe from the Piemonte region (Upper NW corner of Italy). I am going to give this one 3 Stars and given the price of Y875 I would recommend this for a good, everyday table wine.
Summary: Crisp white wine with a good balance. Apricot/pears; very fragrant.
Rating: 3 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y875 (Costco)
Other Japanese Retailers: I could not find this particular wine at any other Japanese retailer
USA Retail Price: $12.95
Food: NA
Tucked away in southern Burgundy, I believe this vineyard uses a Chardonnay grape. Overall very pleased with the acidity and flavor (This wine had some similarities to a Sauvignon Blanc). It is dry; however has a hint of cantaloupe or honey dew flavor. After letting the wine open for about 30 minutes the flavor of the wine improved.
Priced at Y980 at Costco, I am going to rate this one with 3 stars. A good value and everyday table wine.
Summary: Good acidity and nice balance. The wine is dry; with some citrus flavors. A hint of cantaloupe aroma.
Rating: 3 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y980 (Costco)
Other Japanese Retailers: Could not find another retailer
USA Retail Price: $16.99
Food: Japanese vegetable Nabe (hot pot)
From the Rhone region, the 2009 Clefs des Murailles was quite pleasant. Although it was difficult to pinpoint distinct characteristics of the wine, everyone seemed to have enjoyed the balance and texture (brought to a dinner with my in-laws). Personally, I smelled some oak; however others could not. Apparently the wine is 70% Grenache, which surprised me because it did not have that typical berry/cherry taste. My in-laws joked as they recently read my posting about wine glasses and mentioned that perhaps it was the wine glass and nothing else.
For the price and overall balance of the wine, I am going to give this 3 stars. I want to try this one again, as I think I might be underrating this wine. Purchased at Costco for Y980 I think it was well worth the price.
Summary: Good balance and texture; however distinct characteristics were difficult to identify
Rating: 3 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y980 (Costco)
Other Japanese Retailers: Could not find another retailer with the same vintage
USA Retail Price: $17.99
Food: Rolled cabbage, vegetable tempura, fruit salad, and Japanese rice (lovely food!) Thank you!
From the Rhone region, the 2009 Clefs des Murailles was quite pleasant. Although it was difficult to pinpoint distinct characteristics of the wine, everyone seemed to have enjoyed the balance and texture (brought to a dinner with my in-laws). Personally, I smelled some oak; however others could not. Apparently the wine is 70% Grenache, which surprised me because it did not have that typical berry/cherry taste. My in-laws joked as they recently read my posting about wine glasses and mentioned that perhaps it was the wine glass and nothing else. 
