jasons wine blog

Price: $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 [...]

Price: $9.99 @ Trader Joe’s
What They Said:
Per Wine Enthusiast “Black currant and cherry flavors, accented with a touch of smoky oak, mark this dry, smooth wine. It has the textural hallmarks of the best of Napa Valley Cabernet, but lacks the richness. Drink now.” — 86 points S.H. (6/1/2008)
What I Think:
This one is made [...]

Price: $14.99 @ Trader Joe’s
What They Said:
Per Trader Joe’s Ten For The Tasting (pdf) “Come on; get your nose in there. Way in there… the deep crimson hue, the aromas, the body… oh, yes! Handcrafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in Napa Valley’s renowned Howell Mountain appellation, this wine has body. Grown in [...]

Price: $5.99 @ Trader Joe’s
What They Said:
Nothing to be found. Looks like you are stuck with me on this one…
What I Think:
This one came recommended a month or so ago via a Trader Joe’s (often my beaten path in South San Francisco) cashier who saw me lugging out a case plus of wine and [...]

Price: $3.99 @ Trader Joe’s imported by L. Watson Inc.
What They Said:
Per Daniel Rogov “Dark ruby towards garnet, with soft tannins, hints of spices and a note of chocolate highlighting blackberry and black cherry fruits. Round and appealing, a very good entry-level wine. Drink now.” Score 86. K (Tasted 9 Oct 2008)

What I Think:
I’ve [...]

Price: $5.99 @ Trader Joe’s
What They Said:
Per the winery “This minimally oaked Cabernet Sauvignon presents fruit forward aromas and flavors of slight cherry and blueberry throughout the wine; it balances out with fruit, soft oak, and hints of coca on the lingering finish.”-Ray Einberger, Winemaker
What I Think:
If you check back to the 2004 version [...]

Price: $5.99 @ Trader Joe’s
What They Said:
Per the winery “This Cabernet Sauvignon was barrel-aged in French and American oak for approximately 16 months to achieve the perfect balance. A judicious amount of Petite Verdot and Petite Sirah was added to create this big, concentrated dark Cabernet Sauvignon boasting a great deal of complexity. The wine [...]

Price: $5.99 @ Trader Joe’s
What They Said:
Per wine.com “Aromas of truffle, blackberry liqueur and hints of tobacco precede a rich, silky, velvet-textured palate of ripe black fruits and chocolate with a touch of toasty oak on the long, pure finish.” – Juan Munoz Oca, Winemaker
What I Think:
Given my recent success with the Columbia Crest [...]

Price: $3.99 @ Trader Joe’s
What They Said:
Per uncork29.com “A couple weeks back while out doing some shopping, we happened upon a relatively new offering from the The Hess Group, which operates one of our favorite wineries here in the valley–The Hess Collection up on beautiful Mount Veeder. It seems as though the 2005 [...]

Price: $7.99 @ Trader Joe’s
What They Said:
Per wine.com “Spice, blackberries and cassis aromas fill the nose followed by a medium-bodied, concentrated and satin textured mid-palate; the long finish offers silky tannins and dark chocolate notes.” – Ray Einberger, Winemaker
What I Think:
After running through all the Two Vines offerings from Columbia Crest I decided to take [...]