trader joe's top 10



about jason

focused on finding those wines that deliver great value to the wallet and the palate

the rating system

two tiered — one on the value end and another for those that I am expecting quite a bit more from...

2003 Rosemount Shiraz Hill of Gold

Price: $9.02 @ BevMo imported by PWG Vinters USA (retails at $17.99 a bottle)
What They Said:
Per the winery “To the eye, vibrant crimson with ruby hues. To the nose, aromas of liquorice, thyme and herbs lead to a sweet lift of vanilla oak, mocha and plums. On the palate, mocha and plum aromas follow from [...]

2004 Grant Burge Barossa Vines Shiraz

Price: $7.52 @ BevMo imported by Wilson Daniels (retails at $14.99 a bottle)
What They Said:
Per Wine Spectator “Ripe in flavor, but not too hearty, achieving a nice balance of focused plum and berry fruit against fine tannins and not too much alcohol. Drink now through 2009. 7,500 cases imported.” – Harvey Steiman, May 01, 2006 [...]

2003 Echelon Central Coast Shiraz

Price: $6.52 @ BevMo (retails at $12.99 a bottle)
What They Said:
Per the winery “The grapes for our Echelon 2003 Shiraz were carefully harvested at night to preserve the freshness of the fruit. After destemming, the fruit was fermented for 9 days in stainless steel, followed by 12 days of skin contact. The wine was racked three [...]

2005 Zynthesis Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel

Price: $7.52 @ BevMo  (retails at $14.99 a bottle)
What They Said:
Per BevMo “Close to saturation, the generous ‘05 Zynthesis Old Vine Zinfandel delivers fully ripened flavors that approach the nuances of sun-dried raisins; excellent with savory stews.”
What I Think:
This is the second half of a nickel sale pair that we opened on short notice as the [...]

2005 Valentin “V” Malbec

Price: $5.02 @ BevMo imported by Quintessential LLC (retails at $9.99 a bottle)
What They Said:
Per BevMo “Explosive and impressive, the bold, black-fruited ‘04 Valentin “V” Malbec is a first-class red wine; packed and long on the palate, this one deserves a big, spicy beef dish.”
What I Think:
Of all the pairs of wine I bought as [...]

2003 Eos Zinfandel

Price: $7.02 @ BevMo (retails at $13.99 a bottle)
What They Said:
Per the winery “Aromas of earth, cedar and black cherries backed up by soft, smoky notes of leather lead to rich smoke on the pallet with bright fruit flavors of black cherries and plumbs, and hints of raspberries. The wine finishes with lingering tannin, earthiness and [...]

2005 Pepperwood Grove Syrah

Price: $4.52 @ BevMo (retails at $8.99 a bottle)
What They Said:
Per BevMo “A soft-spoken Syrah, the ‘05 Pepperwood Grove is fine example of this varietal; grapey and easy on the palate; perky yet smooth in the aftertaste; a fine choice with hamburgers.”
What I Think:
This is the second bottle of this wine from the 5c sale. [...]

2003 Echelon Central Coast Shiraz

Price: $6.52 @ BevMo (retails at $12.99 a bottle)
What They Said:
Per the winery “The grapes for our Echelon 2003 Shiraz were carefully harvested at night to preserve the freshness of the fruit. After destemming, the fruit was fermented for 9 days in stainless steel, followed by 12 days of skin contact. The wine was racked three [...]

2003 Rosemount Shiraz Hill of Gold

Price: $9.02 @ BevMo imported by PWG Vinters USA (retails at $17.99 a bottle)
What They Said:
Per the winery “To the eye, vibrant crimson with ruby hues. To the nose, aromas of liquorice, thyme and herbs lead to a sweet lift of vanilla oak, mocha and plums. On the palate, mocha and plum aromas follow from [...]

2004 Grant Burge Barossa Vines Shiraz

Price: $7.52 @ BevMo imported by Wilson Daniels (retails at $14.99 a bottle)
What They Said:
Per Wine Spectator “Ripe in flavor, but not too hearty, achieving a nice balance of focused plum and berry fruit against fine tannins and not too much alcohol. Drink now through 2009. 7,500 cases imported.” – Harvey Steiman, May 01, 2006 [...]