Trader Joe’s Wine

This Might Just be the Best Red Wine We’ve Reviewed All Year – and it’s just $16.99 at TJs!

Front label of 2020 Oakville Bench Merlot, Oakville, Napa Valley, California  ($16.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)

Fast facts: 2020 Oakville Bench Merlot, Oakville, Napa Valley, California  ($16.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   Despite being somewhat out of fashion here in the U.S., the Merlot grape is still one of the most important grape varieties in the world of fine wine.  It shares this distinction with Cabernet Sauvignon which together “power” the … Read moreThis Might Just be the Best Red Wine We’ve Reviewed All Year – and it’s just $16.99 at TJs!

Your House Wine for Pizza and Pasta Nights

Front label of 2014 Poggio al Casone, Toscana, Italy - $9.99 at Trader Joe's

Fast Facts: 2014 Poggio al Casone, Toscana, Italy ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s in California)   Frankly, every time I take a first sip of this wine I exclaim (often to myself): “I don’t know how they do it!” For starters, this brand is always well-aged. In this case 8 (!) years. That rarely comes cheap.  And … Read moreYour House Wine for Pizza and Pasta Nights

A $7.99 Mouthful of Red Wine Goodness – Perfect for Late Summer Grilling!

Bottle and glass of the 2019 Casa Ermelinda Freitas Vinhas da Fonte Peninsula de Setubal from Portugal

Fast facts: 2019 Casa Ermelinda Freitas Vinhas da Fonte Reserva, Peninsula de Setúbal, Portugal  ($7.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   Anyone who has spent much time in the European Union in the past several decades can appreciate the vastly improved infrastructure of member countries. But beyond the the more conspicuous investment in bridges, tunnels and … Read moreA $7.99 Mouthful of Red Wine Goodness – Perfect for Late Summer Grilling!

A Crazy Good Chard, from a Crazy Good Place, at a Crazy Good TJ’s Price

Bottle and glass of 2020 Trader Joe's Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Fast facts: 2020 Trader Joe’s Reserve Chardonnay, Lot #231, Santa Lucia Highlands, California  ($9.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   Don’t look now but we are on a slippery slope towards Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer.  Nooooooo!!!! Heck, Costco is already putting out Christmas decorations.  But we will talk about Costco in future posts.  … Read moreA Crazy Good Chard, from a Crazy Good Place, at a Crazy Good TJ’s Price

A Cool Trader Joe’s “Porch Pounder” with a Tiny Price

Trader Joe's store display of Espiral Vinho Verde

Fast facts: Espiral Vinho Verde, Minho, Portugal  ($4.49@Trader Joe’s,  California)     “Porch pounder” is a term used in the wine trade to refer to a wine that is easy drinking, relatively inexpensive, and simple.  I don’t mean “simple” as a derogatory term, but rather a wine that does not inspire deep thought, reflection and … Read moreA Cool Trader Joe’s “Porch Pounder” with a Tiny Price

The Latest in our BBQ Wines Series

Front label of 2017 Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Shiraz, Lot #109, Barossa, Australia

Fast facts: 2017 Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Shiraz, Lot 109, Barossa, Australia ($12.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California)   This is a wine that implores you to “throw another STEAK on the “bar-bee” to paraphrase the “critically-acclaimed” film Crocodile Dundee… Australia’s most popular grape varietal, Shiraz is full-bodied with high alcohol (although this bottling clocks in at … Read moreThe Latest in our BBQ Wines Series

Put a Little (Aperol) Spritz in your Step

Trader Joe's store display of 2020 Cecilia Beretta Prosecco Rosé

Fast facts: 2020 Cecilia Beretta Prosecco Rosé ($10.99 @Trader Joe’s, California)   Seems like summer has arrived with a vengeance, and it is time for sipping poolside, lakeside or seaside.  However you stay cool is cool with us. Prosecco might help… Prosecco is a deliciously dry sparkling wine with crisp acidity, low sugar and plenty … Read morePut a Little (Aperol) Spritz in your Step

Got ‘cue? Then get your hands on this Zin!

Store display of 2020 Trader Joe's Reserve Zinfandel, Lot #233, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County

Fast facts: 2020 Trader Joe’s Reserve Zinfandel, Lot #233, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California)   Just in time for barbecue season and the first days of summer.  There are few red wine varietals that are as good a match for grilled food as Zinfandel is. It was born for the role! … Read moreGot ‘cue? Then get your hands on this Zin!

Pinotrama!

Store display of 2020 Trader Joe's Reserve Pinot Noir Lot #229, Santa Rita Hills

Fast facts: 2020 Trader Joe’s Reserve Pinot Noir Lot #229, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California ($9.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   When not obsessing on finding crazy good wine values to feature here, I am doing deep dives into the music of rock and power pop.  If you are similarly afflicted, you may … Read morePinotrama!

French Fizz is…Fun!

Bottles of 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Rosé French Fizz and 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Blanc French Fizz

Fast facts: 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Rosé French Fizz, France ($6.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California) 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Blanc French Fizz, France ($6.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   Psst…we’ve got the story on some excellent sparkling wines, just in time for summer! As the name implies, French Fizz sparkling wines come to us from France. … Read moreFrench Fizz is…Fun!