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...

2008 Sebastopol Hills Pinot Noir

Price: $9.99 @ Trader Joe’s
What They Said:
Nada, the bottle said absolutely nothing. So the detective work began and I think I found my new best friend. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) COLA (Certificate of Label Approval) registry where a search returned these results. This led me to the Owl [...]

Top 10 Trader Joe’s Wines: The New Year’s Version

Apologies! I missed Thanksgiving and yet again Xmas. With that I promised facing an 0-2 count I would deliver for New Year’s. At least for those waiting until the last minute to do your shopping! Little was inspiring me to publish a new Top 10 list, so much so that I was [...]

2007 Rabbit Ridge Allure de Robles

Price: $4.99 @ Trader Joe’s
What They Said:
Per Trader Joe’s Holiday Guide “This is a Rhône style red wine that could only come from Paso Robles. Why? The nutrient-dense, limestone-rich soils produce grapes of great character. And the variety of climate conditions within the region create distinctive flavor profiles that are unquestionably Rhône-esque, but with [...]

2008 Sauvignon Republic Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc

Price: $6.99 @ Trader Joe’s imported by Sauvignon Republic
What They Said:
Per Sauvignon Republic “Ancient shale and granitic soils, ocean breezes, and a favorable exposure result in tropical juicy-fruit flavors with herbal nuances and minerality. Serve with spicy world foods including Southeast Asisan, Indian and New World Hispanic. Citrus notes refresh the palate [...]

2005 Davis Bynum Allen Vineyard Pinot Noir

Price: $14.99 @ Trader Joe’s
What They Said:
Per Davis Bynum “Davis Bynum Pinot Noir is driven by vineyard sites. From the legendary Allen vineyard between the river itself and Westside Road – adjacent to Rochioli – this Pinot Noir is redolent of dried cherry, herb and cola aromas, with a soft mouthfeel and bold flavors [...]

Top 10 Trader Joe’s Wines Update: The Summer Version

It’s been almost three months and I didn’t want to miss the change to introduce a new, summer inspired Top 10 Trader Joe’s Wine list. There have been many that have come and gone in this time including what I would refer to as TJ’s one and only cult wine; the Chariot Gypsy. [...]

2008 Honey Moon Viognier

Price: $4.99 @ Trader Joe’s
What They Said:
Per the bottle “Viognier is a rare and stylish grape with golden hues and amazing floral scents. Our Honey Moon Viognier is named after the June full moon, which signifies the moment when the sweet scent of the flowers turn into young grapes, creating this lush, full bodied [...]

Trader Joe’s Wines: Top 10 List…it’s back!

better late than never… just in time for Memorial Day… by popular demand… I know, I know. How hard can it be to write a post about ten wines. These things can snowball in your imagination when you start to think about the possibilities. I can do this, I can do [...]

2007 Overlake Cabernet Sauvignon

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 [...]

2006 Bogle Petite Sirah

Price: $8.99 @ Trader Joe’s
What They Said:
Per wine.com “First produced in 1978 by the Bogle family, Petite Sirah is considered Bogle’s “heritage” varietal. On the nose, luscious boysenberry teases you along with touches of black pepper and herbs. Trademark inky and jammy tones fill the mouth with ripe fruit and berries. The voluptuous [...]