Yeah, I’m all about the under $10 bottle of wine. Why? The economy, of course. Plus, I’m not that sold on more expensive bottles being THAT MUCH better. Hopefully, some day I’ll be able to prove myself wrong, lol. I apologize in advance for the lack of photos – they aren’t readily available on the internet, and my camera battery is dead. Sigh.
Today, I’ve got two Trader Joe’s wines – ever since we met up with that wonderful guy who works at Letitia, who let us in on a secret – wines with a lot number usually come from VERY reputable wineries in the Napa, Sonoma, and Paso Robles wine countries, we’ve been snatching up the bottles when we can.
Trader Joe’s Reserve GSM – Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County 2012 Lot #96; Alcohol 14.5% by Volume Vinted and bottled by Liberate Wine Co. Hopland, CA (Okay, not ALL the wines are from Napa, Sonoma, and Paso Robles.)
On the Label: “Bright strawberry, cherry, and raspberry notes with hints of spice and vanilla oak leading to an exceptionally well-balanced finish.”
My Take: If you don’t know what GSM means, let me clue you in to this fairly new nomenclature in wine terms: It means a Grenache, Syrah, and Morvedre blend. In this case, the wine is 52% Syrah, 38% Grenache, and 10% Morvedre. It is what is known as a Cotes du Rhone blend. And considering the times me and the hubs went to France and Belgium and bought Cotes du Rhone wines at the gas stations, and the wines were A-MAZ-ING, we gave it a try.
My Rating: ~ Drinkable ~ Sigh. As my husband says, if you can’t remember the wine a week later, it must not be too wonderful. BUT – the price is good, and it IS drinkable. Check it out – you may really like it.
Trader Joe’s Reserve Pinot Blanc Arroyo Grande Valley 2012 Lot #86 Alcohol by Volume: 13.1% Vinted & Bottled by Reluctant Wine Co.
On the Label: “This Pinot Blanc is rich and aromatic with a round mouth feel and displays flavors of fresh apples, mango, honey and citrus.”
My Take: I really liked this wine. It was fresh, lively, drinkable without food, better with food, an all-around favorite for any number of dishes. Not too sweet, but with a hint of sweetness.
My Rating: ~ Very Drinkable ~ get it while you can! These Lot # Wines tend to go fast and disappear.
)O(
Thanks for stopping by! What are you drinking these days? Alcoholic or not, I’d love to know.
The second TJ’s in UT will be located within a mile of my home… alas, no ‘smashed grapes’ to be sold in UT!
I’m totally on board with your philosophy of, “Is a more expensive wine really THAT much better?!” I too used to work in corporate America and I’ve tasted my share of utterly forgettable $20+ wines. But, I have to admit, the Stag’s Leap Artemis Cab we sprang for a week ago to celebrate our wedding anniversary was so…so…worth it. I like my cabs smooth and earthy to the point I have to spit out soil with every sip, and that bottle delivered! The label talks about cherries and berries and crap like that, but I’m telling you, it is pure, dark velvet on the tongue. I don’t know what year or how much hubs spent, (although I’m betting he got it at Costco, so probably not a super-extravagant amount), but if you’re looking to taste the extra dollars, I highly recommend it!
I’m an under $10 bottle kind of girl myself. I can’t see blowing a ton of money on wine. The most I’m willing to spend is MAYBE $15 if I’ve heard amazing things.
Truth be told, I’m more of a craft beer girl. 😀
Agree 100%. Now drinking lot#111. But you can’t spell it right! It’s MOURVEDRE. And only 5% in the current lot.
Dude. It’s not that I CAN’T spell it right. It’s that I DIDN’T spell it right.