Trader Joe’s Wines – Top 10 Wine List
Just joining in? Thanks for stopping by. Please consider adding me to your RSS feed, following along via Facebook or twitter to stay up to date. In the mean time I hope you find something you enjoy…1. 2007 Picket Fence Pinot Noir ($10) – With Thankgiving days away and the knowledge that this one is (or was) available from coast to coast it was a natural fit for my top choice. A very nice example of what much more expensive Pinot’s deliver. This one usually retails for $30. If you can’t find this one grab the Sebastopol Hills (my take on the ‘08) instead.
2. 2008 Steelhead Sauvignon Blanc ($6) – A very nice California styled Sauvignon Blanc this one would again make a fine fit on your holiday tables. Plush, full and balanced with cantaloupe and citrus on top of a firm mineral backbone which keeps the palate crisp and refreshing. If you can’t find this try the Overlake Sauvignon Blanc.
3. 2007 Roustabout Meritage ($6) – Did I really find my replacement to the Franc Merlot? Just about. This starts interesting with brown sugar, blackberry fruit and spice on the nose and is smooth and juicy on the palate with tangy tannins. I’m so close to loving this one… Just a bit more acidity and I’m buying by the case. Still buying more as this one is plenty enjoyable…
4. 2008 Trader Joe’s Pinot Noir Reserve Carneros ($10) – Yet to review this one but we have another winner here. Lighter bodied (and possibly more elegant) than the Picket Fence this one is smooth and juicy with nice fruit and acidity on a dry, orange rind finish. Trader Joe’s is swimming in great Pinot offerings for less than $10. Another alternative is the Caretaker Pinot Noir.
5. 2008 Now & Zen Alsace White ($5) – This one is a nice follow up to the ’07 . If I am not pairing this one with my spicy Thai or Indian meals you can almost be certain the Dr. Beckermann Riesling is taking its place…
6. 2009 King Shag Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($7) – Another lacking a review (my thoughts on the’07) but it wasn’t lacking from my summer rotation as this o was once again a go to offering. Being much grassier, this is for those that are a fan of the Kiwi style (like me!). If you prefer to stay domestic the Geyser Peak is quite refreshing as well.
7. 2009 Overlake Chardonnay ($6) – Most of you know that I am not a huge of this varietal. Given that this seems to deliver the majority of things people love about California Chardonnay at a fraction of the cost. I’ve already served this one at numerous parties and received nothing but compliments. Feel free to do the same…
8. 2009 Emergence White ($7) – If you are interested in learning about new grapes you can experience Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Viognier and Roussanne in this bottling. Full bodied and viscous on the palate with peaches and cantaloupe flavors before a mineral acidity kicks into balance this one out. For those looking for something off the beaten path try this with one of your holiday meals.
9. I’m going to do a little cheating here and give a nod to a few of my long time favorites; the Perrin Reserve ($7) and J. Vidal-Fleury ($7) from the Cotes du Rhone and the Casillero del Diablo Carmenere($8). Classics as I call them. I’ve enjoyed these vintage after vintage and always look forward to my next bottle.
10. And I’ll finish with a bit more cheating to highlight some favorite value plays; Epicuro Aglianico ($5),Archeo Nero d’ Avola ($4) and the 2008 La Granja Tempranillo ($4). I haven’t tried any of these of late but have my fingers crossed that these are still delivering a lot of bang for the buck…
Special Selections– for those looking for bubbly or dessert…
Bubbly: NV Zonin Prosecco Brut ($6)
Dessert: NV Porto Morgado Ruby Port ($7)
Bubbly: NV Zonin Prosecco Brut ($6)
Dessert: NV Porto Morgado Ruby Port ($7)
Others of Interest– these crossed my mind as I was writing the latest Top 10… Laurent Reverdy Sancerre($10), Honey Moon Viognier ($5), Trentatre Rosso ($6), Novella Synergy ($7), Hogue Genesis Cabernet Sauvignon ($7), TJ’s Petit Verdot Reserve ($10), Dos Brotos Ranch Red ($7)
