#2 — 2007 Rabbit Ridge Allure de Robles
#3 — 2008 Sauvignon Republic Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc
#4 — 2008 VINTJS Syrah
#5 — 2007 Now & Zen Wasabi White
#6 — 2007 Perrin Cotes du Rhone Reserve
#7 — 2008 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere
#8 — 2006 Chiusa Grande Tommolo Montepulciano d Abruzzo
#9 — 2008 La Granja Tempranillo
#10 — 2007 Dr. Beckermann Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Spatlese
Trader Joe’s Wines – Top 10 Wine List
1. 2007 Trentatre Rosso ($6) – A wine that has grown on me with every bottle. I am now smitten with this well balanced effort that offers a very nice finish to boot. Supplies are waning and I’ve been grabbing every bottle I can find…
2. 2007 Rabbit Ridge Allure de Robles ($5) – If my readers haven’t emptied stores of this one by now you may still have a chance to get some. The only reason this didn’t make the top spot is the high ABV%. That said, I just grabbed another case of this a few days back. Fantastic stuff!
3. 2008 Sauvignon Republic Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc ($7) – I’ve yet to try the Marlborough (91 points from the Wine Spectator) or the Russian River but already stocked up on all three. Pretty soon I intend to do a blind tasting of the lot. Can I pick out the differences in terroir? Stay tuned!
4. 2008 VINTJS Syrah ($7) – As I’ve previously mentioned this wine was made by Bob Lindquist of Qupe. Given how much I’ve enjoyed those wines I was tickled to find this one. I put a case in the cellar which I plan on checking in on in 3 years or so…
5. 2007 Now & Zen Wasabi White ($5) – Another one I’ve enjoyed more with each bottle, this is a perfect pairing for a spicy Thai or Indian dish. I’ve got a few more bottles waiting in the rack for this situtation.
6. 2007 Perrin Cotes du Rhone Reserve ($7) – Another I’ve been enjoying vintage after vintage. I’m a big fan of the GSM comnination. My latest post was the ‘05. The ‘07 shows nice fruit and pepper/herbal aromas. Still haven’t had better for the money!
7. 2008 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere ($8) – I’m sipping this one as I type and think it deserves an even higher rating. A wine I’ve often called “old dependable” as I have been enjoying this for more vintages than I can remember dating back to my pre-blogging days. The first recorded instance is the ‘05 vintage. The ‘08 shows smoky meat and herbal notes (eucalyptus?) that merge with a dried cherry finish. A nice structure throughout. Never hesitate to grab this one…
8. 2006 Chiusa Grande Tommolo Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo ($5) – A wine that has disappointed few and delivers vintage after vintage. Tart cherries on the nose that make it to the palate with a light tannic, tingly finish. A perfect match for spaghetti and meatballs.
9. 2008 La Granja Tempranillo ($4) – Another I have been drinking with regularity. Apparently this one is a take on “when pigs can fly”. Showing soft rounded fruit up front that leads to a dry, herbal mid-palate and a tongue smacking finish. I’ve already had nearly a case of this one and still have the racks loaded.
10. 2007 Dr. Beckermann Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Spatlese ($5) – Yet another long time fave, I’ve been enjoying this one since the ‘05 vintage. This one now as some competition on the scene with the Now & Zen but is providing a slightly sweeter alternative that is still appealing in this household.
Others of Interest– these crossed my mind as I was writing the latest Top 10… Epicuro Aglianico ($5), Down Under Chardonnay ($3), VINTJS Chardonnay ($7), King Shag Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($7), Bogle Petite Sirah ($9), Archero Nero d’ Avola Ruggero di Tasso ($4), Geyser Peak California Sauvignon Blanc ($8), 2008 Honey Moon Viognier ($5), Callabriga Dao Red ($9)
Special Selections– for those looking for bubbly or dessert…
Bubbly: NV Zonin Prosecco Brut ($6) or NV RSVP Brut Sparkling ($6).
Dessert: NV Porto Morgado Ruby Port ($7)
Let me know if you have any thoughts on these or any that I may be missing via the comments below…
This list was last updated on December 27, 2009. To check out the Trader Joe’s Top 10 archives click here.
@Mary: Which Lane Tanner did you have?
There are 3 different “blocks” (vineyards) that have little fun notes on them. I’d like to do a side-by-side against the Cambria and see who wins. Updates at the end of the month after Inventory. ; )
OK – Time to know that there are a few bottles left of ROBERT STEMMLER Pinot Noir; (Nugent Vinyard) $40 at winery $20 at Trader Joe’s and one of the very best Pinot’s – PERIOD!
great list! here are my TJ’s picks :)
http://breatheairanddrinkwine.blogspot.com/search/label/trader%20joe%27s
Bit behind on replying but here to catch up now! Apologies all…
@RJ sounds like the Trentatre was a mixed bag for you. Here you on Montepulciano. Big fan of Tommolo…
@Carmen I haven’t had the Salice Salentino in a while. Just added it to my shopping list to check in on the latest vintage!
@Lara Glad to help!
@Angela Didn’t notice that on the Sekt, I’ll have to pay attention to my next bottle, hopefully the New Year is off to a great start and you are getting the opportunity to try more wines… Let me know if you have any new faves to share!
@Mary Guessing I missed the boat on the Lane Tanner but will keep my eye out when I visit this week. I’ve heard from many that enjoy. Many, including Jerry here, are also fans of the Robert Stemmler, have you had that one?
@Natalia Though there is a lightening rods worth of opinions on the Honeymoon I am still a fan! Thanks for the comment.
@Jerry Thanks for the tip! On my shopping list and hoping to find it…
@Sarah Looks like we have tried some of the same wines. I made note of the Domaine Ste. Michelle: Brut which I added to my shopping list. Thanks for the comment!
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You’ve really missed one that is one of my just under $10 finds – The 2006 Trader Joe’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon for $9.99 – is amazing!
I serve this when having a small dinner party – a jammy cab that has a finish of fresh coconut – an amazing experience needless to say. Served with earthy dishes like my mushroom & caramelized onion crostini, and a Belletolle Triple Cream Brie – heaven in a bottle :)
I second Cliff’s recommendation. If anything the reserve zinfandel is even better than the cab- much more jammy and massive with well over 15% ABV, but the alcohol is amazingly well integrated. Then there’s the reserve syrah, which unlike the other two is organically grown. While very pleasant, I didn’t taste anything to quite justify the $9.99 price.
If u can find the “Reserve Cab” 07 Dry Creek Valley” Get it! Now out of stock and will no longer be available. 2005 VINTJS Napa Cabernet still available and very excellent at $9.99.
OK HERE we GO! :-) The CHARIOT will be back before the end of February!
Another Great Wine for $3 is the 100% Sangiovese – Il Volore Yikes amazing for $3!!
@Cliff Thanks for the tip, does it have a designation for Napa or something of the sort? I know there are a few of these out there and want to make sure I grab the right one.
@Don Thanks for seconding Cliff’s recommendation. Do you know if it has a AVA designated? How about the Zin? Is it made by Atlas Peak?
@Jerry Lot’s of love here for the Trader Joe’s Reserve Cab and Zin! Thanks for recommending. As for the ‘08 Gypsy, my sources say it will appear in the TJ’s Fearless Flyer on Feb. 16th so stay tuned. And lastly, I’m a big fan of the Il Valore Sangiovese as well, perfect for cooking and sipping at the same time!
Come to think of it I can’t even be sure Cliff and I were talking about the same reserve cab, so to say there are a few of these out there is an understatement! I will have to get back to you with more information on that one.
The reserve zin I’m referring to is 2007 and says Sonoma County on the front. CellarTracker has a picture: http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=722996
There is also a 2008 reserve zin that instead specifies Dry Creek Valley in the same spot on the front, pictured here: http://tj25wine.blogspot.com/2009/12/tjs-reserve-dry-creek-zinfandel.html
My store does not yet carry this 2008.
@Don Thanks for the update. Now I have a few concrete things to look for on my next visit!
No problem. The 2006 reserve cab has a label with a completely different design, as can be seen here http://traderjoeswine.blogspot.com/2009/08/2006-trader-joes-reserve-cabernet.html
The front just says CA. The back specifies Rutherford, Napa and that it was produced by Stonehedge.
Then there is the Dry Creek reserve cab mentioned by Jerry. That’s another one I haven’t seen in person, but its label is apparently in the same style as the reserve zins I linked to in my previous post.
At least with their “Grand Reserve” line, which is $12.99 here, TJs seems to stick with a single design: http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=746299