Comments for Jason's Wine Blog

Comment on 2006 Chiusa Grande Tommolo Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo by Danny

Danny — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:47:12 +0000

The ‘06 Chiusa Tommolo is a winner. Thank you Jason and oenanist for recommending it. I expected a dry wine. Instead, I found it pleasantly fruit forward, w/ dark cherry, blackberry, star anise and smokey , black licorice flavors.
Pretty outstanding for a $5.00 wine. Plus, it holds up very well to the acid in tomato sauces at 1/4 to 1/10 of the price of a decent chianti/sangiovese.

BTW, When I picked up the Tommolo, I think I must have counted at least 16 cases of the 2006 Chariot Gypsy in open display and many more closed at TJ’s. They were really pushing it. Also, I’ve noticed several people have picked up the 06 Chariot Gypsy to taste, but I haven’t seen any comments/review/pics or pans. Does anyone have input on this one? Thanks

Comment on 2007 King Shag Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc by Angela Carlson

Angela Carlson — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:00:46 +0000

Our Wine Team had a tasting of “Thanksgiving wines” last night which included a Sauvignon Blanc (St. Michelle, tasty, $6) as well as some Pinot Noir and a Zinfandel. So, you could use it as a starter and/or during the meal or even bring it along to your next wine & cheese event. IMO, milder flavors and lighter foods seem to work best with this wine. Cheers!

Comment on 2007 King Shag Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc by Alexander

Alexander — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:58:28 +0000

I have not tried the King Shag yet, though I did buy a bottle tonight at the Trader Joe’s in Glen Ellyn, IL (they have several cases). Any good recommendations for food pairings? The Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc 2007 is great!

Comment on Trader Joe’s Wine Shopping by Angela Carlson

Angela Carlson — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:30:33 +0000

Hi everyone,

Tried the Clay Station Zin a few days ago. It started out nice, but the end was not so good. Their Viognier is much, much better.
Try the Rendition Zin & Peitie Syrah ($9) a little more $$, but definitely worth it. Haven’t had the Brancott yet.

Comment on Trader Joe’s Wine Shopping by Dip

Dip — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 06:03:43 +0000

My T.J. in Southern California just rec’d many cases of Chariot Gypsy 2006 this week. Upon Jason’s glowing reviews of the 2005, I was lucky enough to grab a case of the 2005 a few weeks ago. Delicious! Bought one bottle of the 06 last nite, but have not tried it yet.

Jason, thank you for this blog and your reviews. I, like you, love the California Wine Party Franc.

I noticed 2 new offerings and wanted to know if you had tried them yet and had any opinion.. Clay Station 2006 Zinfandel at $4 and Brancott 2007 SB from New Zealand at $9? My favorite SB is still Kim Crawford, but it’s expensive for my taste ($15 at TJ, $13 at Costco)

Comment on Trader Joe’s Wine Shopping by Danny

Danny — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:45:37 +0000

Jason,

I can’t beleive you don’t like or haven’t recommended from Wa state the 2007 .St. Michelle riesling @ $5.99 for your top ten. Very drinkable and top 5 contender, in my opinion. In any case, it’s very available at the three TJ’s here in Irvine (Culver, Sand Canyon and UC Irvine) in Southern Calif

Comment on Trader Joe’s Wine Shopping by jason

jason — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:01:55 +0000

@Carrie Link, @buonaserah and @TavoLini thanks for the compliments, look forward to hearing your thoughts on these wines as you try them. Carrie, I am no expert but always feel free to ask any questions you might have. Chances are I’ll have an opinion and be able to point you to an answer…

@Mike Haven’t tried the aerator, you? What do you think? Seems like a much better deal than the Wine Wand.

@Kelly lucky! Wish you could have grabbed an extra case for me! I’ll be on the lookout for the screwtop…

@Milby love the NB store cuz parking is always easy. I am usually on 9th and Brannon but pace the city for the right wine. I think that is the best place to find the newest offerings in Trader Joe’s Wines. As for where to get them after everyone else is out, well don’t really want to share that secret ;) just kidding, on Camino Alto in South San Francisco.

Comment on 2007 King Shag Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc by David Roussel

David Roussel — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:24:09 +0000

I agree, King Shag is a great wine for the price. Problem: It hasn’t been available on my last two trips to Trader Joe’s. Does anyone know if it’s coming back?

Comment on Trader Joe’s Wine Shopping by Milby

Milby — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:57:26 +0000

Jason,
As a fellow San Franciscan and self-proclaimed wine novice, this blog is a great treat. Which TJ’s do you typically go to, or which do you think is best for wine purchasing? I normally find myself at the North Beach TJ’s…

Thanks!
Milby

Comment on Trader Joe’s Wine Shopping by Kelly

Kelly — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:43:28 +0000

Guess what? Trader Joe’s in Federal Way, WA got in more Chariot Gypsy!!! I had a bottle loved it, went back, gone?!?!?!? Eeek.. They said no more…. I went back a week later? They had gotten in a new shipment!!! I bought 2 cases, one for me and one for a friend. Though instead of being corked, it was screw top. Same label, same berry tastes.. Go figure?!