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1. 2009 Trentatre Rosso ($6) – A long-time favorite the 2007 version of this wine has previously graced the #1 spot in my Top 10 list. I was nearly flabbergasted when it did so again with its easy drinking, rustic, food friendly style.
2. 2009 C. Donatiello Pinot Noir ($10) – At $38 retail this one is a steal (as is the Chardonnay) if you can find it. Sadly it has just about disappeared. If you strike out here I’m hearing that the Sebastopol Hills (via Alan how also tipped me off to the fact it now hails from Santa Barbara) and the Carneros Creek Reserve Pinot (from joshiemac) are worth a try….
3. 2009 Perrin Cotes du Rhone Reserve ($7) – Another long-time friend this one is from the stellar 2009 vintage in the Rhone. Bright, fruity, spicy and delicious. Should only get better with age to boot. I’ve already grabbed another six bottles…
4. 2009 Tribunal Cellars Red ($17 for 1.5L) – The downside? It only comes in 1.5L bottles which means you have to pay to play. The upside is that it delivers. Big, juicy and balanced. Perfect for a winter stew or cold evening by the fire.
5. 2011 Ferngreen Sauvignon Blanc ($6) – Another QPR winner from New Zealand that again fuels my belief that Suavignon Blanc (and Malbec for a red) is the most consistent wine available for <$10. This one is big and bright with loads of gooseberry and a dry, lip smacking finish. Sadly Angela informs us this one is also in short supply. My top thought on a replacement is the old, dependable Geyser Peak.
6. 2010 Dr. Beckermann Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Spatlese ($5) – Another long-time favorite this is the go to wine in my house with Asian food. Light (9%abv), easy, and off dry. Just a touch sweet, with a slight mineral acidity to keep the finish fresh and pleasing. Could work well as an aperitif too…
7. 2010 Rabbit Ridge Allure de Robles ($5) – I think Erich Russell, the founder at Rabbit Ridge, makes the most honest $5 bottle of wine you are likely to find. Juicy with lush, peppery cherry fruit this one is big and spicy. If you are an Allures de Robles fan get it while you can as the 2010 production was reduced by 60% and the 2011 vintage was nearly wiped out by hail.
8. 2010 Honey Bunch Cellars Chardonnay ($6) – Of course I have to add my token Chardonnay. This one is subdued by normal standards with warm spicy, floral notes, baked apples, and a crisp citrus finish. Simple and pleasant. While not quite as good the red from this label is worth a try in a pinch…
9. 2010 Quinson Fils Rose ($5) – Rose under $8 is usually a difficult water to navigate. This one hails from Provence (perhaps the motherland of Rose). Pleasant Grenache like strawberry and watermelon fruit along with a spiced minerality. Dry, crisp and pleasing. So if that sounds good ignore the weird bottle shape and give this one a try.
10. 2010 Chariot Gypsy ($5) – Perhaps a nostalgic pick but there is a glass half full story to tell here. Sweet with juicy cherries, soft acidity and a short, spiced, creamy finish. This is an easy, simple, pleasing wine without any of the flaws you typically see at this price point. If not for nostalgia perhaps I would have selected the 2010 Spiral Wines Cabernet Sauvignon instead (which I recommend for those that don’t like their reds a touch sweet)
One for cooking for those looking to sip while stirring the sauce…
2010 Roccalta Sangiovese ($4) – Soft and smooth with clean cherry flavors, dried herbs and spice along with a nice acidity. Simple and pleasing. A perfect candidate to be the base for sauces while providing something enjoyable to sip on the side.
Plus a wild card which I was keen on…
2010 Found Object Gewurztraminer ($5) – When I first tried this I was a fan. Since differing opinions from two palates I trust (Danny and Angela) have left me reticent to add this to my list without first trying it again…
And a few special selections for those looking for bubbly or dessert…
Bubbly: NV Zonin Prosecco Brut ($6)
Dessert: NV Porto Morgado Ruby Port ($7)
I do realize selection is varied from store to store and being in Northern California I see a fair share of wines that don’t make it much further. If you aren’t finding these take a look at my list of the Top 10 “Classic” wines which should (hopefully) be available at your local Trader Joe’s. Otherwise I look forward to hearing your thoughts on these or any that I may be missing via the comments below…
This list was last updated on December 1, 2011. To check out the Trader Joe’s Top 10 archives click here.
@Mike The challenge is that you are in different “region” than Jason & I and perhaps not all items we can get here are available to y’all there. Jason, perhaps once you’ve updated your list, a call to Mike’s local store to check on Pacific Northwest availablity might be helpful?
Mike, which Seattle store is closest to you?
@Mike and all interested in the NW selection – many of these are indeed in stock and available in the NW TJ’s stores. And some come and go (just this past week Gypsy showed up on the Order Guide again, so I’m trying to bring some in to the store). Sorry that you weren’t able to find any on your visit.
In other news, I personally enjoyed the Jebediah Drinkwell’s Meritage, so I’m interested in your thoughts, Jason! The Epicuro reds (all 3) and the Tommolo are my favorite Italians, with a nod to the Tuscan Moon Sangiovese for a cheap Californian offer (a little more ripe than the under 8$ chiantis, and that suits my palate).
peace!
Dan (one of the wine/beer guys from Lynnwood, WA TJ’s)
Hey, Jason… a couple more TJ Top Tens (TJTT’s): Epicuro Vermentino & D’Aguino Orvietto Classico, for those Italian cheap thrills. There are a couple of absolute killer closeout deals right now (Lyrique & Lorca bottlings), but they won’t be in constant stock as are the above.
Just updated the Top 10 list for those interested, I’m working on a post to announce the update now…
Jason (or Angela):
Have either of you tried the Bonacchi Brunello di Montalcino? My local TJ’s was selling it for $20, which for a brunello makes me skeptical. But I decided to go ahead and buy it and give it a try. Would love to know if anyone has had it….
-Carmen
I have not had that one. That said I’ve noticed both a Gigondas and a Vacqueyras in the $12-$14 range on the TJ’s shelves that have been tempting… Please let me know what you think about the Brunello di Montalcino, I could be convinced to grab a bottle :)
I have to give a vote for the Picton Bay Sauvignon Blanc. If you can still find it at TJ’s, that is. I liked it better than Kim Crawford, which many people think is the ultimate NZ SB.
I saw that the Howell Mountain Cab made your “other” list. It would come pretty near the top of my list of the wines I’ve had from TJ’s this summer. Another that would make my list would be the Shannon Ridge Syrah. I noticed my local TJs just restocked with a bunch of the California Wine Party CabFranc/Merlot. I still have a few in my cellar but perhaps I should stock up!
I was impressed with the Jebediah–bought it for a camping trip/BBQ–just couldn’t resist the label! and then couldn’t resist the wine! lots going on there for under $10! we had it with a rack of lamb–yummy!
I’ve heard good words about the Chariot Gypsy but it hasn’t been in my local TJ’s, but have to say not that thrilled with the Honey Moon viognier.
I keep seeing that Castle Rock Pinot up at the top of your lists, so darn if I’m not making as many mental notes as I can to pick up a bottle.
That King Shag Sauvignon Blanc is one of my reigning Summer favorites and everyone I send in that direction seems to think the same.
The Gypsy didn’t do much for me, and as for the rest of the list, I’ve tried only the California Wine Party Franc/Merlot – which seems to land a spot in the cart on just about every visit to TJ’s.
Thanks for your listing. Even though I’ve tasted castle rock three times, it was not impressive. I will try Castle Rock Mendocino County Pinot Noir as you recommend. Did you try Coulumbia valley Castle rock?
I heard that the wine is really good and shows high cost performance, but i have no idea where I can buy the wine.
Totally agree with the Castle Rock Pinot Noir; “delicate” and “silky” are good words for it! But I noticed that you didn’t include any Chardonnay on your list…? If I could make a suggestion; either the Château St. Michelle Chardonnay or the Cambria Katherines Vineyard Chardonnay are really good! The Ch.St.Michelle is a perfect summer / picnic wine ($8) and the Cambria (around $12 I think?) is great for picnicking, entertaining or a nice dinner in.
I just read this article on The Daily Beast…. Comments? Feedback? I am leary about wine consumption now. Any European wines that you can recommend through Trader Joe? Here is the article: http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-08-18/the-great-wine-cover-up/?cid=topic:mainpromo1
I was able to find the Castle Rock Pinot at Costco (San Diego, CA) for $8.
Jason,
I tried your #3, 4, and 5 listed (only ones I could find at VA Trader Joes) the 2007 King Shag Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc was delicious; the 2007 Epicuro Aglianico was very rich and wonderful; the 2008 Honey Moon Viognier was wonderful…my wife liked this very much. Thanks for posting.
Just got the last 5 bottles of the Gypsy in Chicago! The two guys I talked to at the two TJ’s that were out of it said they had been putting in orders for it but it hadn’t been shipping. When I found out there were some left on the shelf at the downtown location, I booked it down there and took what was left.
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Jason,
First off, great website. I order the wine for a SoCal store and check it out to see how people are responding.
Have you tried the 2005 Domaine Alfred Chamisal Vineyard Syrah yet? At $14.99 it is a huge discount from anything I could find on the internet. Great nose, incredible depth and structure. Although not a huge Syrah fan, we’ve been getting some great stuff lately. The VINTJS Mt. Veeder Syrah @ $8.99 is a powerful red well worth the price. The Koehler Syrah for $12.99 is also fabulous with some big ripe plum and cherry up front, splitting pretty evenly with the crew over the Domaine Alfred. The TJ’s Grand Reserve Yountville Cab is also a good deal at $12.99, but it could benefit from a little more aging. With the economy still lagging there are some great deals coming down the pipeline, both inexpensive and more upper echelon stuff. In a little over a week there should be some Viognier (Paso Robles I believe) and Albarino (San Luis Opisbo) both for $5.99, but in limited quantities.
Tried the 2006 Amarone ($16.99) today, and was very impressed. Much better than the past few vintages, not as dry as I would expect, with nice fig and raisin tones. Everyone that tried it like it, which is rare.
DP
Hey DP,
I think the available order date for the TJ’s Petit Reserve Monterey Albarino and Paso Robles Viognier is next Monday if its released on time. I’m planning on poking the Domestic Order Writer to pick them up ASAP so I can let our Crew try some and buy a few for myself if they’re good.
The Domaine Alfred Syrah was yummy. The reason it was priced so nicely, from what I heard is because the winery was sold recently to a larger Napa firm who didn’t like the packaging.
BTW, have you heard anything about the reason why so many titles are on their way off the shelves? Any thoughts?
Thanks for the heads-up about the Amarone. Have you tried any of the Mount Linden ($4), the new “_______Luna” Pinot Grigio ($6) or any of the La Finca that came in last week?
Nice to have another Crew Member on board, especially from a different region who can give us heads-up on incoming items. We’re having an All Store Meeting on Wednesday where we’ll be doing a large tasting, so I’ll try to update everyone later this week. Aloha from #109.
Thanks all for the recent comments, I want to address them all soon but I am absolutely slammed busy right now. Just wanted to get back to Angela and DP quickly:
@DP Thanks for the compliment! Syrah hasn’t been matching my palate lately so I decided to pass on that whole set. The Viognier and Albarino sound straight up my alley though. They’ve been added to the shopping list. As has the Amarone.
@Angela I’ve had both the La Finca Cab and Malbec, Argentina again disappoints. Neither are worth drinking. Also on the Mt. Linden I haven’t yet been able to get to the rest of the lineup
Promise to respond to the rest of these comments soon, thanks for your patience!
Jason
Thank you for your website. Your list was just what I needed with company coming. Perfect really! I think a top ten review of Costco wines would be great. Thank you, thank you
Kathy
I am glad I found this site. I have done wine at various TJs since 03 and am now doing it in Seattle and am glad to hear the feed back from others and what other regions are receiving.
The La Finca was a let down but the malbec gets better after a lot of breathing time, you should give it a try the next day like the La Granja. I agree 100% with your review of the Picton Bay Pinot, I was excited when we got that in.
If you can still get it in your region I HIGHLY recomment the TJ reserve Petite Verdot. It was a huge hit at our store due to the nice body with soft tannins. This is gone in the NW but other regions might still be able to get it.
@DP I also had the Amarone and agree, it was awsome, well worth the $16.99. Unfortunately the warehouse only has ~275 cases for the entire NW.
Thanks for the great blog.
Can someone recommend a good wine from TJ’s that is not too dry and not too sweet. I have this list here, LÁuthentic Table Red, DRY Ruggero di Tasso Nero d’Avola, Villa Cerrina Montepulciano, recommended from staff there, but read mixed reviews. Anyone? I want a not too dry, not too sweet red wine for a guest flying in to see me… this weekend: )