Monthly Archives: November 2009

2008 Spiral Wines Cabernet Sauvignon

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2008 Spiral Wines Cabernet SauvignonPrice: $4.99 @ Trader Joe’s

What They Said:

Not a word, some mumbo jumbo that had nothing to do with the wine on the bottle. A google search turned up a phone number, a call to the number led to Fior di Sole which is a premium bulk wine supplier in Napa Valley who “separates itself from the competition by creating quality, not just quantity-based lots purposed for the bulk wine market.” To wrap up the story the custom/private label winemaking unit goes by the moniker Spiral Wines. Anyhow I sent them a message, I’ll let you know should I hear anything back on the wine itself…

What I Think:

A Napa Cab for five bones? First thought, must be a Bronco Wine Co. offering in the same vain as Napa Creek or Napa Landing. If DP hadn’t tipped me off to this one in his comment I might have glossed right past it. As you can tell from the research above my initial perception was not correct. Which leads me to my next thought…is the economy really at the point where we can get a bottle of Napa Valley Cab for $4.99? It seems so, next thought. Who sold this wine off in bulk? We will likely never know. But there is one questions we can answer: Is it any good?

The nose is muted but displays some faint cherry and oak aromas. In the mouth this medium bodied efforts starts juicy before a firm acidity quickly shows itself. Towards the mid-palate cherry and plum notes emerge. These give way to a dry, herbal finish that shows a hint of creaminess on a finish that lingers nicely. As I mentioned on twitter this one grew on me with each sip. Though it shows some good pieces; fruit, creaminess, herbs and acidity, they don’t quite all come together here. That said, I see a glimpse of potential here. It is worth another bottle to see if perhaps some more time to integrate these components will treat this bottle kindly. Stay tuned…

Rating: 12th Bottle (for now…)

Anyone else out there had this one? Love to hear your thoughts.

A case of the reviews…from Trader Joe’s

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I’ve been pondering updating the top 10 list but have realized there are few compelling options to highlight which hasn’t been exactly motivating me to tackle the task at hand. So here I am with empties stacking up around me and feeling the need to cover a month’s plus worth of sampling Trader Joe’s wine. Given that let me tell you a little tale about three reds, three whites, three Italians and three Spaniards. Are you up for a story? Where should I begin? Let’s start with the three reds…

Three Reds...from Trader Joe'sThree Reds…
The first up is the 2007 Perrin Cotes du Rhone ($6.99). This is one that I am a long time fan of, currently ranked #6 on the Trader Joe’s Top 10 Wine List and met with almost universal accolades. Even those of K&L Wines which rarely has an inventory that overlaps with Trader Joe’s. Here’s my latest review; the ’05. I’ll rectify that situation soon…

The second was the 2008 Caretaker Pinot Noir ($9.99) which I opened just tonight and was certainly a different wine than I experienced almost six months ago when my original review was posted. This wine now shows very nicely on the nose and starts with orange rind on the palate leading to cherries and spice culminating in a nice long finish. This one is worth a buy now if you can still get it.

The last of the reds is the 2008 Zarafa Pinotage ($3.99) which I reviewed almost a year ago. Don’t know what changed between now and then but I could hardly drink it this time around. This one has long been met with mixed reviews but it leaves me running for another Pinotage before my image of the varietal is permanently scared. Luckily I have one here from Obscurity Cellars made in the Sierra Foothills. Anyone have thoughts on what I should pair it with?

Three Whites...from Trader Joe'sThree Whites…
First on this track is another long time favorite the 2007 Dr. Beckermann Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Spatlese ($5.99). I just noticed they sneaked a $1 price increase in on the latest vintage but there is still no wine, at this price point, that I would rather be pairing with my Indian and Thai fare. Again here, my latest review is the ’05 but feel free to buy this one today as it has delivered vintage after vintage.

Next on the list is a new favorite. The 2007 Now & Zen Wasabi White ($4.99). Yes I am a sucker for the Alsace but this wine delivers. A nice lemony, mineral structure makes this a nice balanced effort throughout turning pleasantly tart and crisp on the finish. Not sure if this one is still available but if it is I am stocking up…

And the last of the whites is the 2007 Gaetano D’Aquino Orvieto Classico ($4.99). One of a triumvirate of new Italian white varietals, along with the Vermentino and a Trebbiano which I’ve yet to review, that have found there way to Trader Joe’s in recent months. Joe Sears covered this one recently in a guest post and I echo his sentiments. This wine is light and fresh; perhaps best described as innocuous.

Three Italians...from Trader Joe'sThree Italians…
First up in this category is the 2006 Chiusa Grande Tommolo Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo ($4.99). This one is another long time favorite; ranked #8 on the latest Trader Joe’s Top 10 Wine List. This is a wine that has disappointed few and delivers vintage after vintage. I’ll be grabbing a few more bottles on my next visit.

Next up is the 2007 Epicuro Aglianico ($4.99). I recently finished my last bottle of the 2005 version of this bottling. I’ll remember it fondly as one of my first “finds” at Trader Joe’s. That said, it has become less memorable with every vintage and it’s current rating as #4 in the aforementioned Top 10 list is likely lofty given its current credentials.

Last on this list is the 2008 Il Valore Sangiovese ($2.99). This is a label I have long remembered based on a distant memory of their Primitivo. I believe this Primitivio is still available in many places around the country but haven’t seen it here in California for 5+ years. I wonder if that one is drinking well. That may lead you to ask, how is this one drinking? Pretty nicely for three bones. Dried cherry and herb notes. I’ll buy another bottle to confirm my initial thoughts.

Three Spaniards...from Trader Joe'sThree Spaniards…
First up here is the 2008 Abrazo Del Toro Carinena Tinto ($4.99). This is a wine I’ve tried over the vintages with mixed thoughts. I was a fan of the ’06 and found the ’07 (not reviewed) thin and a bit watery. This one likely lands in between. An easy drinker but nothing special.

On second base we have the 2008 Albero Monastrell ($5.99) which says “buy me” every time I peruse the Spanish wines at Trader Joe’s. I’m a big fan of the grape and this one isn’t too far off. That said it doesn’t deliver either and with others, like the Bodegas Luzon Jumilla, lurking at nearby price points you are better off looking elsewhere.

And for the finale we have the 2007 Condesa de Sarabella Garnacha ($4.99). This marks my third bottle without a review. I think this is indicative of two things. The first being this wine isn’t good. The second being that it isn’t bad. Either way it isn’t memorable…

And a finale…
Did anyone make it this far? For bonus points did you notice there were not three but four Spaniards? The fourth being the 2008 La Granja Tempranillo which is a recent favorite. As a full disclaimer it was also consumed while writing this post.

Now to wrap up that story I was telling. What did I learn? Not only did I cover off that on all those empties I also realized I covered four wines that I have enjoyed year after year. In the process I have decided to tap these wines as the subject of my next Top 10 list. The focus: “The Classics”. The wines that I’ve enjoyed vintage over vintage that are more likely to be readily available across the country. Stay tuned! And in the mean time let me know if you have any thoughts on these wines…

Trader Joe’s Thanksgiving Vine Report

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Trader Joe's Thanksgiving Vine ReportI got home today and low and behold who wanted to recommend my Thanksgiving Wines (and my meal too!) but Trader Joe’s. Their Food Pilgrimager was loaded with everything you needed to make a feast and the wines to go along with it. So what did they have in mind?

A series of reds from Fife Vineyards to start. Information on these seems sparse, unless the vintage on these is ’05 or ’06, which I am guessing it is not, it looks as if this winery has been laying low for a few years. The latest vintage shown on their trade site is 2005. Perhaps they are once again emerging. These are followed by two offerings from the Novella Synergy label which is made by Eos Estates. I’ve previously enjoyed the white but been a bit indifferent to the red. I do have a few friends that dig it though so perhaps I’ll give it another try. And last up, one more blend from Robert Hall, this one is the ’06 Rhone de Robles which retails on the winery site for $12. Early comments here on the site are positive. For 33% percent I’ll give this one a shot.

Have any of you had these wines? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Now let’s get to what Trader Joe’s had to say about these wines…

Fife Wines

Let liquid inventory leftover from a winery sale linger? We think not. Tap those barrels and tanks! And that’s what we did when we collaborated with the Fife team, including consulting winemaker Alison Crowe, to create bottles of unique Fife Wine blends. Leveraging the wealth of pedigree varietals and the skill of blending visionaries, we developed a line of reds, each with a distinct character and layers of subtle complexities. They are all exceptional and the essence of great value – $6.99 for each 750 ml bottle.

Fife Cabernet: Alluring and rich. Ripe blackberry flavors with hints of cassis and subtle rose petal aromas. Classically big with well-integrated tannins. Ovation worthy (standing) finish.

Fife Petite Sirah: Petite? Only in name. This PS boasts generous fruit – cherry, plum & dark berries burst in the mouth. Smooth and sprightly – a well-structured blend with medium tannins and a long, balanced finish.

Fife Zinfandel: Inviting – like a warm hug with the right amount of squeeze. Juicy cherries and warm, sweet cloves harmonize with soft French oak. The finish holds on just long enough.

Fife Max Cuvée: Layered. Lovely. Dynamic. This quintessential cuvée fills the mouth with jammy red raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors that unveil splendid earthly accents – chocolate, pepper, tea…? What do you taste? Pure poetry.

Cuvée Classics

The winemaker’s chef-d’oeuvre, cuvées combine the flavor and structural properties of various varietals to create a deliberate profile that supercedes the sum of its parts. That’s why we think a great cuvée captures (in a glass) the spirit of this American holiday. Crafted from fruit grown in the distinguished Paso Robles region, these wine blends reverberate with energy.

Novella Synergy Red 2007: Jazz in a bottle ala Armstrong, “play the good kind.” Oak-aged 37% Petite Sirah, 25% Zinfandel, 20% Merlot, 18% Sangiovese harmonize into a smooth, juicy voice. Spicy blackberry aromas lead to cherry & raspberry flavors with subtle earthy hints (chocolate?). Finishes long, leaving notes of berry and spice lingering. Playful, complementary, razzmatazz-lu-lu-bazz in a $6.99 bottle.

Novella Synergy Blanc 2008: 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Pinot Grigio, 8% Muscat Canelli &7% Chardonnay, it exudes “excited conversation” character. Aromas of fresh grass and flavors of green apple lead to a light sweetness and a clean, citrus-y finish. Pleasantly persistent effervescence permeates, perpetuating the charisma. As does the price of $4.99 for a bottle.

Robert Hall 2006 Rhone de Robles: Pours from the bottle or the decanter gracefully; plays well with eclectic palates; wears a big bow beautifully – a sociable red. Hand-harvested, oak aged grapes – 46% Grenache, 45% Syrah, 6% Cinsaut and 3% Counoise – fragrant with fresh berries & clove, it fills the mouth with cherry and cranberry flavors, delicately offset by silky tannins and hints of black pepper and spice. A bottle is $11.99 – begging for a party.

2008 VINTJS Syrah

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2008 VINTJS SyrahPrice: $6.99 @ Trader Joe’s

What They Said:

Per Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer “VINTJS Central Coast Syrah is a blend of Paso Robles (warm climate) and Santa Barbara (cool climate) grapes, aged for nine months in neutral French barrels. From the cool climate we get spice, acidity and balance, while the warm climate contributes soft, round, lush fruit. Together, they create a stellar Syrah in the classic Rhône style, redolent of black cherry and pepper.”

What I Think:

This is the 2nd wine I’ve reviewed in the latest from the VINTJS series. As mentioned when discussing the Chardonnay I learned while reading the Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer that these wines were made by Bob Lindquist of Qupe. I’ve had their Qupe Syrah offering and was a fan so I was anxiously awaiting giving this one a try.

With steak on the table this was an easy choice and it delivered. The nose displayed herb notes and dried cherries. The palate showed terrific balance and nice acidity. Fruit is present but stays in the background; this one is not a fruit bomb by any means. The end is loaded with white pepper and under ripe berry flavors that lead to a slight pucker on the finish. It shows a bit of elegance that leads me to believe this one has some room to grow with aging. So that leaves one question, is this a side project with its own juice? Or did they decide to bottle a little bit less of the ’08 Syrah and throw the VINTJS label on the remainder. Perhaps I’ll email Bob and see what he has to say. Or maybe I’ll do a bottle comparison. This one was marked “8265 A 35” on the bottom. Be interesting to see if the same can be found on the Qupe. Regardless, this one is worth seeking out. I’ll be grabbing more…

Rating: Buy It

2008 VINTJS Chardonnay

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Price: $6.99 @ Trader Joe’s

What They Said:

2008 VINTJS ChardonnayPer Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer “VINTJS Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay is a bright, crisp Chardonnay fermented in French oak casks. A touch of rich, vivid tropical fruit makes this wine a good partner to pasta with cream sauce or young cheeses like our Baby Swiss.”

What I Think:

I mentioned in my post about the Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer that the new VINTJS offerings weren’t on my shopping list until I realized they were made by Bob Lindquist of Au Bon Climat and Qupe. So that solved the first problem. The second? Drumroll… It’s the grape. Many times over I have precluded my Chardonnay posts by reminding everyone that I am not a fan of the varietal. Once again I feel compelled to do so but won’t go deeper, if interested in more you can find the latest on my story here. When I open this one I immediately think that is the typical $20 California Chardonnay that everyone knows and loves, except for me apparently. Big oak jumps out on the nose. Once it blows off some nice apple and nectarine notes intermingle themselves. On the palate you are greeted with forward fruit, “bright” from the description above rings true. The mid-palate becomes creamy and this lasts through the end where it is met with a touch of acidity that adds crispness and creates a lasting finish that lingers on and on. Many people pay big $$ for this flavor profile. Gary Vee calls it “buttered popcorn Chard”. If that sounds like it is up your alley grab a bottle or two, guessing this could be a winner for you. As for me, my hunt for a Chard I agree with continues. That said, I’m looking forward to trying the Syrah.

Rating: 12th Bottle

2006 BV Coastal Estates Cabernet Sauvignon

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This is the second guest post from my friend Paul covering another wine from Costco.

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2006 BV Coastal Estates Cabernet SauvignonPrice: $5.99 @ Costco

What They Said:

Per Beaulieu Vineyard (pdf) “Approachable and fruit-forward, there is nothing stuffy about our 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. Fresh-picked blackberries and spring cherries open the aromas, hemmed by vanilla and toast. This juicy cherry-berry core develops through the mouth, picking up cocoa and subtle spices, gently cupped by soft tannins that hold through the lingering finish.”

What Paul Thinks:

The nose is powerful! This jumps out of the glass from 5 inches away and pulls you right in. Strong aroma of hay and barnyard…not my favorite scents, but definitely give the nose lots of character. Unfortunately the fun ends with the nose. A dastardly combination of tannins and tartness greet the palate…effectively a “piss-off, I’m grumpy” welcome to your glass. The mid-ranges are a slight improvement with some jammy notes, but never release to the full-bodied fruits one would expect from a California Cab.

Rating: Skip It
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If anyone is interested in giving this one a try I’m pretty sure you can pick it up at Trader Joe’s as well. Thanks again to Paul for the guest post. Should we pass a motion to make him our official Costco correspondent? If anyone else wants to submit a review for a guest post let me know.