Red Alert – Exciting New Platinum Reserve Wine at TJs

Store display of the 2021 Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Saint-Emillion Grand Cru

Fast facts: 2021 Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Saint-Emillion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France ($16.99 @Trader Joe’s, California)   When I meet new people and they learn that I spent three decades – and counting! – in the wine business, they often ask me what my favorite wine is. I quickly qualify the question with: “white wine … Read moreRed Alert – Exciting New Platinum Reserve Wine at TJs

Our Lucky 13 Most Recent Reviews of Wines from Trader Joe’s – Updated!

Front of a Trader Joe's store.

  Going shopping for wine at your local Trader Joe’s?  Well take along this list of the 13 most recent posts that included wines from TJ’s. In this “case” think of it as your lucky 13! All prices shown are based on those in California.  Click on any of the links below for tasting notes … Read moreOur Lucky 13 Most Recent Reviews of Wines from Trader Joe’s – Updated!

One Last TJs Wine Pick for your Thanksgiving Table

Front label of the 2021 Upper Eden Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Fast facts: 2021 Upper Eden Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, California  ($12.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since we recommended the 2018 vintage of this wine for your Thanksgiving table.  When we spied it again this year at Trader Joe’s in the run-up to Turkey Day, we … Read moreOne Last TJs Wine Pick for your Thanksgiving Table

Our WoW! A Trader Joe’s Triple Threat Delivers the Goods

Store display of 2021 Merlot, Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Lot #123

Fast Facts: 2021 Merlot, Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Lot #123, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, California  ($12.99 @Trader Joe’s in California)   I was really excited to get this wine home and try it. The reason was it had three things going against it. Conversely, this meant this was a wine that had promise … Read moreOur WoW! A Trader Joe’s Triple Threat Delivers the Goods

A Whole Lotta Pinot for $12.99 – Introducing TJ’s Lotta #124

Store display for thie 2022 Pinot Noir, Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Lot #124, Willamette Valley, Oregon  $12.99

Fast Facts: 2022 Pinot Noir, Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Lot #124, Willamette Valley, Oregon  ($12.99 @Trader Joe’s in California)   Thirsty Thursday has rolled around again, and it is time for another Wine of the Week (WoW!).  Let’s get started… In a post a few weeks ago, we were railing about how mediocre most Pinot … Read moreA Whole Lotta Pinot for $12.99 – Introducing TJ’s Lotta #124

There’s Something New and Exciting in the Spanish Wine Section at Trader Joe’s

Front label of the 2015 Trader Joe's Gran Reserva Rioja Lot #120. It's rarity for two reasons. The price and its red label.

Fast Facts: 2015 Trader Joe’s Gran Reserva Rioja Lot #120,  Rioja, Spain ($12.99 @Trader Joe’s in California) A few months back, our Wine of the Week (hereinafter, WoW!) was a Crianza Rioja, also from Trader Joe’s. You have no doubt memorized that review, in case of a pop quiz.  But in case your memory is … Read moreThere’s Something New and Exciting in the Spanish Wine Section at Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s Sez: “Let’s Be Franc”

Trader Joe's store display of the 2022 Cabernet Franc, Petit Reserve, Paso Robles, California   - a great deal at $7.99

Fast Facts: 2022 Cabernet Franc, Trader Joe’s Petit Reserve, Paso Robles, California   ($7.99 @Trader Joe’s in California)   …and let’s be frank: you just don’t see many bottlings of straight up Cabernet Franc – unless you are standing in a Winery Tasting Room.  Cab Sauv?  Sure.  Cab Franc. Not so much… So that is what … Read moreTrader Joe’s Sez: “Let’s Be Franc”

A Delicious Summer Weight Spanish Red Wine – Just $9.99 at TJs

Front label of 2019  Vallobera Crianza, Rioja, Spain ($9.99 @Trader Joe's in California)

Fast Facts: 2019  Vallobera Crianza, Rioja, Spain ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s in California)   Rioja is one Spain’s most famous wine regions and is one of only two regions classified under the Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) system. Its two most important red grapes are Tempranillo and Garnacha.  This particular wine is 100% Tempranillo, one of … Read moreA Delicious Summer Weight Spanish Red Wine – Just $9.99 at TJs

Fire Up the Barbee, Pour this Wine

Store display of 2021 Trader Joe's Petit Reserve Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia ($7.99 @ Trader Joe's, California)

Fast facts: 2021 Trader Joe’s Petit Reserve Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia ($7.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   While we felt compelled to give a nod to the Aussie origin of this wine in this subject line, perhaps we should have said “fire up the barbee, Barbie” given all the hype the latter is creating in … Read moreFire Up the Barbee, Pour this Wine

Pet Nat Wines are Having a Moment – Wait, What?

2022 Amuse Bouche, Pétillant Naturel, Sparkling White Wine, France ($11.99@ Trader Joe's, California) pictured with Trader Joe's Sea Salted Saddle Potato Crisps ($1.99). Yummy pairing!

Fast facts: 2022 Amuse Bouche, Pétillant Naturel, Sparkling White Wine, France ($11.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California) Sometimes it seems like there is very little new in the wine market. Then something like this comes along.  But it’s actually not very new, after all. Read on… Let’s assume you have never even heard of a Pét-nat … Read morePet Nat Wines are Having a Moment – Wait, What?