#1 — 2007 Trentatre Rosso
#2 — 2007 Rabbit Ridge Allure de Robles
#3 — 2008 Sauvignon Republic Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc
#4 — 2008 VINTJS Syrah
#5 — 2007 Now & Zen Wasabi White
#6 — 2007 Perrin Cotes du Rhone Reserve
#7 — 2008 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere
#8 — 2006 Chiusa Grande Tommolo Montepulciano d Abruzzo
#9 — 2008 La Granja Tempranillo
#10 — 2007 Dr. Beckermann Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Spatlese
2008 Caretaker Pinot Noir
Price: $9.99 @ Trader Joe’s
What They Said:
Per the bottle “Ruby in color the 2008 Caretaker delicate and floral with rose petal, raspberry and strawberry aromas. The palate is exuberant with sweet red berries that continue into a soft, earthy plum finish.”
What I Think:
Nary a word about this one to be found on the internet but that’s okay I knew that before I brought it home. You see, this one is a product of the Central Coast Wine Warehouse which appears to be a shared production facility. This is the same place that delivered the The California Wine Party Franc Merlot and the Pancake Cellars Big Day White. I’m still pretty certain the Central Coast Wine Warehouse is an operation/business that uses this facility to create the wine. But that is becoming less clear by the bottle… Here nor there, based on my history with the Franc Merlot I bought two bottles of this one on site. Seeing the listing of the 
Pinot clones they used on the back label only reinforced my decision.
Shortly after bringing it in the house it is on the table. Opening it my first thought is really! A 2008 Pinot already? 7 months from the vine to my table. My initial inclinations proved right as this one came across disjointed and with little balance. I sensed the delicate, floral nature on the nose. But the palate couldn’t bring anything together. Not a bad wine, likely very young and needing some time. For now, no fruit and lots of acidity. No way I could recommend this over the Castle Rock Mendocino Pinot. I’ll let you know if the 2nd bottle changes my mind but thinking unlikely at this point…
Rating: Skip It
“Trader Joe’s is awash in quality Pinot right now!”
Do tell!
I’m planning on finishing the Caretaker tonight & will report back secondary impressions
-d
Polished off the ‘08 Caretaker & really think this is an underrated gem. After being open two days (vacu vin sealed, room temp) the nose shows just a hint of warm spice along with the raspberry & bright cherry notes. Beautiful silky mouthfeel. Palate is ripe cherry, red fruit & a touch of mature plum, finishing with a balanced acidity and a breath of the French oak. Very subtle & bugundian in nature. Here in Ohio it’s $14.99 but I’ll be grabbing as much as I can-can’t wait to see how this pans out
@Ralph The Bynum is likely long gone, not sure about the MacMurray. I also know they had a run of Lane Tanner Pinot’s ($20) that were suppose to be worth the money.
@dfarmer The Bynum, MacMurray and Lane Tanner mentioned above as well as the Sebastopol Hills which was also a limited supply. I also enjoyed the ‘07 Castle Rock Mendocino Pinot but have yet to try the ‘08. Pinot seems to be the category where they are bringing in the most small lot screaming deals…Hopefully there are more headed our way soon (and some make it to Ohio too)! Glad you enjoyed the Caretaker. I’ll have to see if I can’t rummage up another bottle.
I had the 2008 Caretaker Pinot yesterday with duck and a leek salad with walnuts and cheese. And the only reason I am writing here is because I thought it was excellent and was trying to figure out where the bottle came from (it literally showed up in my cellar, somebody must have brought it at a party). Perhaps this wine needed a bit more time in the bottle, but it was well-balanced, fruit and nose were very pleasant, and there is no hint of the acidity that was noted by Jason. I was rather impressed to learn here that it was a $10 bottle of wine. I am going to Trader Joe’s to try to find some more. Tasted 2/20/2010.
Good luck finding Caretaker Pinot. I was informed at two Trader Joe’s that they were not going to be carrying it anymore. Big disappointment.
Marcia
I was told it was a one-time buy and was not intended to be a regular item. That may be because of supply (or price).
@Marcia, Ralph: We get a LOT of “Hustle Buys” or “Opportunity Buys”, items with limited quantities that usually fly out the door very quickly. It also depends on what region you live in as many wines are only available in certain areas. I’ll be back at work tomorrow and look at the Status on the Caretaker and let you know. When the Wine Team tried it last year, it was WAY too young. Perhaps now it might be a little better.