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 heading towards writing the classics list just to highlight those wines that had delivered vintage after vintage. Sometime over the last few weeks I realized I had more than enough new offerings to publish a Top 10 list of interest and without further adieu I present the latest:

Trader Joe’s Top 10 Wine List

Enjoy! And let me know your thoughts. Stay tuned for the aforementioned classics list as well as my report on my top wines of 2009.

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. The list has undergone quite a shuffle with only six of the previous ten remaining. That said two old favorites have clawed their way back up the rankings. So before we get to it once again here is the only ground rule. All wines listed have to have been either purchased or available in the last month. Keep in mind I am located in the San Francisco Bay area so availability (and prices) may be different than your local Trader Joe’s. Without further adieu I present the latest:

Trader Joe’s Top 10 Wine List

Enjoy!

BTW, for those fellow wine bloggers that may be reading there has been many here asking for similar list from Costco and Cost Plus among others. Let me know if anyone has interest and I’ll be happy to share.

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 that and soon you can’t do anything because there is so much to do. Wow, I just reread that. Pretty crappy way to apologize to all of you. Let’s try to make it more straightforward, sorry this has taken so long!

So, what caused this snowball effect. I wanted to make the Top 10 list a readily available on the home page. I wanted to make it available easily from the iPhone. I wanted to have pictures of all the wines and include your rankings. comments on each. Baby steps it will be. I have slightly integrated it to the home page via the clickable image on the top left, not to intuitive yet so look for improvements shortly. In addition I have made the list a standalone page which is good news. No more confusion over is this the latest or is that the latest. Bookmark it once and you can be sure you are getting the most up to date information for life. Again, baby steps. Look for further improvements shortly. Now, before we get to the main event here once again are the ground rules, all one of them. All wines listed have to have been either purchased or available in the last month. Keep in mind I am located in the San Francisco Bay area so availability (and prices) may be different than your local Trader Joe’s. Without further adieu I present the latest…the greatest…

Trader Joe’s Top 10 Wine List

Enjoy!

As an added bonus, should you not be inclined to Trader Joe’s wine or just prefer fishing in more than one pond after months of negotiations I’ve convinced RJ’s of RJ’s Wine Blog to start publishing the Whole Foods Top 10 Wine List. Next up is someone to take on Costco, think Bob of the The Wellesley Wine Press and I will be talking shortly…

Many months have come and gone and with the holiday season upon us now seems an optimal time to revisit my Top 10 Trader Joe’s Wines. Perhaps you can use it to pick out some economically sensible gifts for the winos on your shopping list. Let’s get to it…the ground rules; wines listed all have to have been either purchased or available during the month to which the post refers. The rankings from the previous Top 10 will be provided in parenthesis and those that have fallen out of the rankings will also be noted. Now for the main event!

1. 2006 Dynamic Red Table Wine – $9 (Previous Rank: 4) – Wow this is good, somehow missed the depth here initially. Fantastic bottle for the price. Grabbed a case, you should too while you can, that is if you can make your mortgage payment…

2. 2006 The California Wine Party Franc Merlot – $5 (Previous Rank: 1) – Debate season is over but I am still enjoying this one like it is October… My most purchased Christmas gift…

3. 2003 Alderbrook Old Vine Zinfandel – $8 (Previous Rank: NR) – This one had fallen out of the ranking as it was unavailable. I lamented I should have grabbed more. Well it reappeared and I grabbed a case! (review not yet posted, stay tuned…)

4. 2006 Chiusa Grande Tommolo Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo – Thanks to @oenanist for putting this one of my radar. I have been enjoying it regularly and it is my new favorite in the Italian section.

5. 2007 King Shag Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – $7 (Previous Rank: 5) It’s winter, but this is still good with salmon…

6. 2004 Santino Sierra Foothills Zinfandel – A nice, easy drinking Zin. For $4, sign me up! Better yet this one is from the Sierra Foothills which @Megan recommends and I need to explore more.

7. 2007 Novella Synergy Blanc – $6 (Previous Rank: 7) –This has a little more pairing versatility than Sauvignon Blanc and is still the “other” white wine of choice.

8. 2006 Geyser Peak California Sauvignon Blanc – $8 (Previous Rank: 3) – This one is suffering a bit as it is best had on its own, in shorts, watching the sunset. Did I mention it snowed in San Francisco this morning? (link is for 2006)

9. 2006 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere – $8 (Previous Rank: 8) – The weather is getting colder and this is getting better. At least from a pairing perspective. Goes great with chili!

10. 2005 Epicuro Aglianico – $5 (Previous Rank: 6) All the Epicuro offerings are well worth the money. You won’t be disappointed if you chose this, the Salice Salentino or the Nero d’ Avola. Get’em all!

Falling – these have seen their stock fall over the last month…

• 2005 Santa Ynez Valley Winery Cabernet Franc – $9 (Previous Rank: 9) – My latest bottle was nice, but hey this is Trader Joe’s wine we are talking about. For $9, nice doesn’t cut it. (link is for 2005)

• 2007 Chateau des Cleons Muscadet Sevre et Maine “Sur Lie” – $6 (Previous Rank: 10) – A nice, light refreshing wine has a hard time getting opened during the winter. This one needs frequent flyer tickets to the southern hemisphere.

Gone – sadly these appear to no longer be available…
• 2005 Chariot Gypsy – $5 (Previous Rank: 2) – Rumors of the ’06 abound with sighting in SoCal and Fresno, nothing in the Bay Area yet…

Let me know what you think. Did I miss any? Feel something is overrated? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Cheers,
Jason

If you arrived here and are interested in the latest top 10 list, click here. Otherwise please read on.

Another month has come and gone making it time to revisit my Top 10 Trader Joe’s Wines. With the seasons changing I thought whites might become scarcer but the weather in my neck of the woods is still doing plenty to encourage early evening quaffing with the sun setting in the background. Without further adieu…the ground rules; wines listed all have to have been either purchased or available during the month to which the post refers. The rankings from the previous month will be provided in parenthesis and I will provide some details on those that have fallen out of the rankings. With two new entrants in the top two spots this month let’s get to it.

1. 2006 The California Wine Party Franc Merlot – $5 (Previous Rank: 2) – Perfect for the debate season, get some before tomorrow night!

2. 2005 Chariot Gypsy – $5 (Previous Rank: NR) – Reminds me of my favorite wine ever, at a fraction of the price.

3. 2006 Geyser Peak California Sauvignon Blanc – $8 (Previous Rank: 1) – Seasons are changing but this one is standing the test of time. (link is for 2006)

4. 2006 Dynamic Red Table Wine- $9 (Previous Rank: 6) – Perhaps you could say this is a much more elegant version of the Franc Merlot. Certainly worth every penny but a bit pricey. (review not yet posted)

5. 2007 King Shag Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – $7 (Previous Rank: 10) Enjoy this one more and more each time I drink it.

6. 2005 Epicuro Aglianico – $5 (Previous Rank: 9) This one has made it back into my rotation and reminded me why it was ranked number one for so many months in a row.

7. 2007 Novella Synergy Blanc – $6 (Previous Rank: 7) –Mistakenly referred to as Chardonnay last month, while the name has changed the enjoyment factor has not. A great white blend that will surely please all.

8. 2006 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere – $8 (Previous Rank: 8) – Still dependable but with the Franc Merlot and Chariot Gypsy in the picture getting relegated to the back burner. (link is for 2006)

9. 2005 Santa Ynez Valley Winery Cabernet Franc – $9 (Previous Rank: 4) – Like the Carmenere this has been a bit overshadowed by the excellent Cabernet Franc blends available right now. Still, looking forward to the next bottle soon. (link is for 2005)

10. 2007 Chateau des Cleons Muscadet Sevre et Maine “Sur Lie” – $6 (Previous Rank: NR) – A nice, light refreshing wine made to be consumed on the patio with friends on a warm summer evening.

Falling – these have seen their stock fall over the last month…

• 2005 Kono Sauvignon Blanc – $8 (Previous Rank: 5) – It may be the hideous new label throwing me off here, or the $2 extra per bottle versus the King Shag either way it has at least temporarily lost its luster.

Gone – these appear to no longer be available…let me know if you have seen them!

• 2003 Alderbrook Old Vine Zinfandel – $8 (Previous Rank: 3) – Should have gotten more of this one while I had the chance…

If you arrived here and are interested in the latest top 10 list, follow this link now!

Hard to believe it has been so long since we have last done this. With my laundry list of quick Trader Joe’s Wine reviews published I am finally ready to tackle this after a long absence. Many of those posted below have yet to be reviewed individually, look for these soon. As always, the rankings from the last post are provided in parenthesis and I will provide some details on those that have fallen out of the rankings. Let’s get to it…

1. 2007 Geyser Peak California Sauvignon Blanc – $8 (Previous Rank: 1) – link is for 2006 but the ’07 is not missing a beat. The best white at TJ’s, hands down!

2. 2006 The California Wine Party Franc Merlot – $5 (Previous Rank: NR) – A perfect wine for the election season. A blend of Cab Franc and Merlot, grab it fast it seems to be disappearing already. I’ll grab a case if I can find it.

3. 2003 Alderbrook Old Vine Zinfandel – $8 (Previous Rank: NR) – $20 on wine.com and you can taste complexity. I’m looking for more

4. 2006 Santa Ynez Valley Winery Cabernet Franc – $9 (Previous Rank: NR) – link is for 2005 (which was #2 on my Top 10 list for 2007) but not sensing much fall off with the ’06. High quality as well.

5. 2007 Kono Sauvignon Blanc – $8 (Previous Rank: 5) – If my notes serve me correctly we just went from the ’05 to the 2007. This isn’t the Geyser Peak but it is sure a nice change of pace. Especially if you prefer Citrus on the palate.

6. 2006 Dynamic Red Table Wine- $9 (Previous Rank: NR) – An excellent wine, a Cab Franc, Cabernet, Merlot blend and from Mendocino to boot. Just not sure I can justify an additional four dollars beyond the “Franc Merlot”

7. NV Novella Chardonnay- $6 (Previous Rank: NR) –This one replaced the Callaway as the house Chardonnay.

8. 2007 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere – $8 (Previous Rank: 6) – Now the ’07 which also added a $1 to the price tag. That said, it seems as dependable as always.

9. 2005 Epicuro Aglianico – $5 (Previous Rank: 2) Still drinking nice with easy fruit up front. Time to get another case as the first two have more or less disappeared…

10. 2007 King Shag Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc- $7 (Previous Rank: NR) A buck cheaper than the Kono and just as good. A little more zing and a little less citrus.

Out…
2006 Michel Leon Gewurztraminer – $7 (Previous Rank: 9) – Still good, just haven’t been preferring the sweeter wines lately.

2006 Callaway California Chardonnay – $5 (Previous Rank: 10) – Taken out of the equation by the Novella Synergy

2005 Columbia Crest Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon – $6 (Previous Rank: 7) – now the ’05 rather than the 2004. Vintage shift also saw appellation switch to Washington from Columbia Valley. Seems a bit greener but settled it with time. Worth revisiting in a few months.

2005 Gravity Hills Base Camp Syrah – $5 (Previous Rank: 8) – Still better than most, just a plethora of options.

Gone
2005 XS Red California Cabernet Sauvignon – $4 (Previous Rank: 3) – Disappeared all too fast. Had a case, would like a few more…

2003 Red Flyer California Red – $3 (Previous Rank: 4) – A nice blend of many grapes. Many imitators at Trader Joe’s today. Just few that can do it this well.

Let me know if you have any others that I may be missing. or if you have any thoughts let me know as well.

Cheers,

Jason

If you arrived here and are interested in the latest top 10 list, follow this link now!

Is it already June! Time for another list…The ground rules; wines listed all have to have been either purchased or available during the month to which the post refers. The rankings from the previous month will be provided in parenthesis and I will provide some details on those that have fallen out of the rankings. With a new #1 this month let’s get to it. Without further adieu…

1. 2006 Geyser Peak California Sauvignon Blanc – $8 (Apr Rank: 5) – This is the best Sauvignon Blanc I have ever had including that stuff from the Kiwi’s…

2. 2005 Epicuro Aglianico – $5 (Apr Rank: 1) Off the pedestal, half itching to make a change, half getting used to it. It didn’t stop me from buying another case this month…

3. 2005 XS Red California Cabernet Sauvignon – $4 – From the Hess Family at this price hard to go wrong. Varietal characteristics included. A perfect quaffer. Just don’t buy it at Cost Plus where it cost 50% more.

4. 2003 Red Flyer California Red – $3 – Another low budget winner from Trader Joe’s. With the unique blend here thought about rating this higher than the XS based on uniqueness alone. Do yourself a favor and grab three bottles of each for a case ($60), sit back and enjoy!

5. 2005 Kono Sauvignon Blanc – $8 (Apr Rank: 7) – With the move to a warmer client look for the whites to climb the ranking. This isn’t the Geyser Peak but it is sure a nice change of pace.

6. 2006 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere – $7 (Apr Rank: 3) – I feel guilty seeing this one all the way down here. Still loving it and sure it will climb back up soon enough.

7. 2004 Columbia Crest Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon – $6 (Apr Rank: 6) – I had the Grand Estates and still prefer this one.

8. 2005 Gravity Hills Base Camp Syrah – $5 – A winner amongst the Syrah. Most of the offerings here leave me wanting for more. This one has me buying more.

9. 2006 Michel Leon Gewurztraminer – $7 (Apr Rank: 2) – Sweet wines don’t work well with warm weather. That said this is again widely available and great with spicy food.

10. 2006 Callaway California Chardonnay – $5 (Apr Rank: 9) – Still the only California Chard I have enjoyed from Trader Joe’s

Falling – these have seen their stock fall over the last month…

2004 Evans & Tate Cabernet Sauvignon Underground Series – $4 (Apr Rank: 10) – With the XS in town this one has fallen to the wayside. Though will likely give it a try again someday.

2005 Les Moirets Cotes du Rhone – 6 (Apr Rank: 8T)/ 2005 Perrin Cotes du Rhone Reserve – $7 (Apr Rank: 8T) – These two were tied for 8th in April and I have a bottle of each awaiting the tiebreaker. They have been waiting all month thus the fall from glory. One will likely rejoin in June. Stay tuned…

2003 Columbia Crest Two Vines Merlot – $6 – This one wasn’t ranked in April but since I am still buying more it is on the fringe and worthy of note.

Gone – these appear to no longer be available…let me know if you have seen them!

2006 Castle Rock Monterrey County Pinot Noir – $10 (Apr Rank: 4) – Looks like the Mendocino and the California labels are the only ones remaining.

And that’s 10 for May…Let me know what you think via the comments and ratings. Appreciate all those to date and do realize I owe some responses.  I will catch up soon! Look for a lot of new white reviews in June and perhaps even some bubbly….

Cheers,

Jason

If you arrived here and are interested in the latest top 10 list, follow this link now!

Another month, another list! Quick refresher on the ground rules; wines listed all have to have been either purchased or available during the month to which the post refers. The rankings from the previous month will be provided in parenthesis and I will provide some details on those that have fallen out of the rankings. Now on to the good stuff…

1. 2005 Epicuro Aglianico – $5 (Mar Rank: 1) – Four months running…I wanted to move it down, but it is too unique and enjoyable at this price to do so without a worthy replacement.

2. 2006 Michel Leon Gewurztraminer – $7 (Mar Rank: 5) – Leaving me before I even knew you. I grabbed another bottle of this earlier in the month but haven’t seen it since.

3. 2006 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere – $7 (Mar Rank: 2) – Still delivering. When it just “needs” to be good I grab this one every time.

4. 2006 Castle Rock Monterrey County Pinot Noir – $10 (Mar Rank: 6) – Getting back on a Pinot kick and this one is delivering.

5. 2006 Geyser Peak California Sauvignon Blanc – $8 (Mar Rank: 4) – I love the Groth but this is just as good at half the cost.

6. 2004 Columbia Crest Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon – $6 (Mar Rank: 3) – I enjoyed this one enough to spend the extra $2 on the Grand Estates. Stay tuned to see what a difference it makes.

7. 2005 Kono Sauvignon Blanc – $8 (Mar Rank: 8) – Warmer weather on the horizon means time to stock up.

8 (tie). 2005 Les Moirets Cotes du Rhone – 6 (Mar Rank: NR)/ 2005 Perrin Cotes du Rhone Reserve – $7 (Mar Rank: NR) – It was hard to make a call on these first time around. They are due for a face to face taste off. The comments on quaffability leave me nervous about the Les Moirets.

9. 2006 Callaway California Chardonnay – $5 (Mar Rank: 7) – Chardonnay where you can taste the fruit. What a pleasant surprise!

10. 2004 Evans & Tate Cabernet Sauvignon Underground Series – $4 (Mar Rank: 9) – Good news it was only $4, looking forward to the next bottle.

Falling – these have seen their stock fall over the last month…

2003 Columbia Crest Two Vines Merlot – $6 (Mar Rank: 10) – I bought another bottle just days ago so it hasn’t fallen all that far but something had to go…

Gone – these appear to no longer be available…let me know if you have seen them!

I think both the Michel Leon Gewurztraminer and the Castle Rock Monterry Pinot are in slim supply if not gone so if of interest grab them sooner rather than later!

And that’s 10 for April…Look for a big mix up in May as I have a bunch of new wines on hands and the first few look promising. I’ll get those posted soon!

Cheers,

Jason

If you arrived here and are interested in the latest top 10 list, click here. Otherwise please read on.

And I’m back for more with lots of new discoveries this month. To repeat the ground rules, the only one is that the wines listed all have to have been either purchased or available during the month to which the post refers. Again I will place the rankings from the previous month in parenthesis and provide some details on those that have fallen out of the rankings. Without further adieu here are the rankings:

1. 2005 Epicuro Aglianico – $5 (Feb Rank: 1) – Third month in a row and still enjoying each and every bottle.

2. 2006 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere – $7 (Feb Rank: 2) – Old reliable. When it just “needs” to be good I grab this one every time.

3. 2004 Columbia Crest Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon – $6 (Feb Rank: NR) – I’ve been doing a varietal tour of the Columbia Crest Two Vines and this one was a revelation. If you are new to wine start here!

4. 2006 Geyser Peak California Sauvignon Blanc – $8 (Feb Rank: 4) – Now that the weather is getting better I expect to be enjoying this one more and more often.

5. 2006 Michel Leon Gewurztraminer – $7 (Feb Rank: NR) – A worthy Alsacian replacement for the Marcel Hugg.

6. 2006 Castle Rock Monterrey County Pinot Noir – $10 (Feb Rank: 9) – I had another bottle this month and was pleased. Still seems pricey but if you just have to have a Pinot this is the one.

7. 2006 Callaway California Chardonnay – $5 (Feb Rank: NR) – Those regular readers out there may be picking themselves off the floor finding a Chard here but it is true. Give it a try and you’ll see why!

8. 2005 Kono Sauvignon Blanc – $8 (Feb Rank: 6) – Still in stock and with warmer weather looming looking forward to drinking some more white.

9. 2004 Evans & Tate Cabernet Sauvignon Underground Series – $5 (Feb Rank: NR) – Can’t quite remember if this cost $4 or $5 but either way this screwcap is a great offering for the price.

10. 2003 Columbia Crest Two Vines Merlot – $6 (Feb Rank: 5) – This one falls though not sure if it isn’t being treated unfairly based on a sibling being rated #3. I still have another bottle here so I haven’t stopped buying it yet.

Falling – these have seen their stock fall over the last month…

2006 Aquila d’Oro Toscana – $4 (Feb Rank: 8) – Still nice but with the Aglianico ranking #1 my focus has shifted outside of Italy for the time being.

2005 Archero Nero d’ Avola Ruggero di Tasso – $4 (Feb Rank: 10) – Ditto above!

Gone – these appear to no longer be available…let me know if you have seen them!

2005 Rocking Horse Napa Valley Zinfandel – $8 (Feb Rank: 3) – Think this may still be around but haven’t seen it lately…

2004 Chasing Clouds Central Ranges Shiraz – $3 (Feb Rank: 7) – Again ditto above!

That’s a wrap! If you are enjoying these Top 10 list please leave me a comment to let me know. Been a little less motivated to post lately so I could use the feedback!

If you arrived here and are interested in the latest top 10 list, click here. Otherwise please read on.

The calendar has turned meaning it is time to review the Top 10 Trader Joe’s Wines for February. To repeat the ground rules, the only one is that the wines listed all have to have been either purchased or available during the month to which the post refers. As a new addition to this post I will place the rankings from the previous month in parenthesis and provide some details on those that have fallen out of the rankings. Without further adieu here they are with some quick notes for a recap:

1. 2005 Epicuro Aglianico – $5 (Jan Rank: 1) – My relentlessness paid off here when I was able to grab a case. Just saw it again in Daly City yesterday. If I drink it fast enough maybe I can get another…

2. 2006 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere – $7 (Jan Rank: 2) – This wine is as dependable as it gets. You can always find it and it is always good. Given the lack of good, affordable Zinfandel I have been heavily reliant on this one over the last three months or so.

3. 2005 Rocking Horse Napa Valley Zinfandel – $8 (Jan Rank: NR) – As the post clearly shows I put this one through the ringer and it delivered with the pressure on. Not the big fruit variety but a nice balanced effort that hasn’t been seen at Trader Joe’s for quite some time.

4. 2006 Geyser Peak California Sauvignon Blanc – $8 (Jan Rank: 3) – This one still amazes me and I’m not the only one who thinks so!

5. 2003 Columbia Crest Two Vines Merlot – $6 (Jan Rank: NR) – A Merlot here? I can barely believe it myself. But with three more bottles in the rack it must be real.

6. 2005 Kono Sauvignon Blanc – $8 (Jan Rank: 7) – Oh so refreshing! Love the zingy, lemony, lip smacking finish.

7. 2004 Chasing Clouds Central Ranges Shiraz – $3 (Jan Rank: 10) – Moved up the ranks by beating the Block 50 Shiraz which is twice the cost of this one.

8. 2006 Aquila d’Oro Toscana – $4 (Jan Rank: NR) – Another surprise as this hails from Northern Italy. A light, fruity quaffer that is high in acid making it a perfect compliment for your pasta tonight. I picked up the Chianti the other day we’ll see if that one can make the cut as well.

9. 2006 Castle Rock Monterrey County Pinot Noir – $10 (Jan Rank: NR) – At this price I hate to put it in here but a great drinking Pinot for $10 deserves the acclaim. Be sure to note this is the Monterrey bottling, my experience with the Willamette was not quite as good

10. 2005 Archero Nero d’ Avola Ruggero di Tasso – $4 (Jan Rank: 9) – Was thinking when I had the above that only one of these would make the cut. After further review they are different enough that I made room for both. This one has much heavier fruit with earthy undertones that make it a much more rustic effort.

Falling – these have seen their stock fall over the last month…

2006 Abrazo Del Toro Carinena Tinto – $5 (Jan Rank: 4) – May have jumped the gun on this one. I’ve had a few more bottles and while still good I remembered it having a little more fruit to balance out the acid.

2003 Epicuro Salice Salentino Riserva – $5 (Jan Rank: 5) – I’ve had another three bottles of this and still find it interesting the problem is at the end of the night I find myself straddling the fence. Those ranked this month don’t leave me is this dilemma…

Gone – these appear to no longer be available…let me know if you have seen them!

2005 Marcel Hugg Gewurztraminer – $8 (Jan Rank: 6th) – Hope this one reappears at some point. The Alsace at these prices is unheard of…

2005 Chalk Creek Mendocino County Petite Sirah -$5 (Jan Rank: 8th) – Would have really liked to try another bottle of this one…