I was shopping at Cost Plus Imports, specifically in search of some Pinot Grigio bottles to have on the rack. There seemed to be very few, so I asked the employee in the department to help me find some. Some were found, but he directed me to this $8 (first strike) comical blue bottle (second strike) that was more than half Chardonnay (third strike). He informed me that people kept coming in raving about this bottle. Three strikes against it, but I figured "For $8, why not?"

I am almost embarassed to admit liking this wine, mostly due to the bottle's appearance, but it was far, far better than I expected it to be. The texture showed a pleasant moderate heaviness and was quite smooth. Pinot Grigio, without oak notes, dominated the palate, while the Chardonnay took over in the finish and tapered off into a clean, fresh conclusion. I will probably buy a couple more bottles to have around. It is sturdy enough to go with meals, and is quite pleasant to drink. [May 2000]