If you are anything like me, you cannot leave the grocery store (Trader Joe's to be exact) without grabbing one of their sale wines to try out. I have indeed found a few winners, but truth be told, most of them end up becoming cooking wines, or I'm-already-buzzed-and-on-my-second-bottle kind of wines. But in my quest to find some wines I would buy again and again, and proudly serve to my snooty wine loving friends, I have run across a few of note that you should check out.
Most you can find at my favorite store, La Wine Store on McConnell
http://www.lawineco.com/
RED WINES:
Red Tree Pinot Noir 2008 - $9.99
marketviewliquor.com
This is a fantastically easy drinking wine. Light bodied, so it goes with most dishes, and light enough to have on its own after work. James Laube of Wine Spectator magazine raved about it too, just found that out...so I must know what I'm talking about...
"Red tree Pinot Noir displays aromas of fresh fruits and strawberries, with a hint of oak in the background. This lighter-bodied wine provides cherry flavors on the palate and more red fruits, finishing with soft tannins."
Jargon Pinot Noir - $8.99
Another enjoyable light/medium bodied wine that goes well with just about anything.
"Bright and seductive flavors of black cherry, berries and violet. On the palate, this wine has a smooth silky texture, followed by mild tannins that deliver structure and complexity. This is a generously fruit-driven, mediumweighted wine with toasty oak flavors."
Hahn Cabernet Sauvignon - $8.99
This is a beautifully drinking cabernet for a price that is unbeatable for the quality. This is a luscious full bodied wine, great paired with stronger cheeses, and meat dishes or rich desserts.
"Deep ruby in the glass, this Cabernet Sauvignon commands attention from the moment it is poured. Rich, luscious scents of sweet berry fruits entice the nose, opening to wisps of cola, licorice, and spice. An intense core of ripe blackberry and boysenberry greets the palate, giving way to notes of cassis, vanilla and earth. Firm tannins and food-friendly acidity balance the plush fruit, leading to a long, pleasant finish."
Four Vines Zinfandel Old Vine Cuvee - $9.95
This is a delicious big bodied wine, not too heavy, but very big. Great with a bar of Vosges Oaxacan Chile and Dark Chocolate bar, so yummy ;-)
"On the nose the wine has layers of berry fruit and anise aromas with hints of spice. On the palate, blackberry and spicy plum fruit with a rich mouth feel. Big and opulent on the mid palate with plenty of structure, trailing to a velvety toasted oak finish."
Trapiche Malbec 2008 - $7.99
This was one of those let's try it and see...and we have a WINNER! A wonderful Malbec from Argentina, this winemaker has a few lovely wines that are well worth checking out, and you can't beat the prices!
"The wine has rich plum and cherry aromas. In the mouth, the fruit is round and supple, with truffle and vanilla notes. Food Match: red meat, pizza, pasta in meat sauce, lamb, Hard cheeses, grilled meats, BBQ.
ROSE:
This Rose is fantastic, a lovely combination of peppery fruits, with a sweet tang finish. Wonderful on a summer day!
"Made from 100% Syrah grapes, this is a juicy well-ripened wine with loads of strawberry both on the nose and the palate, along with cherry and raspberry on the mid-palate. Peppery red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by licorice and pungent herbs. A touch of tannin gives the well-packed fruit some sophisticated boundaries and the finish endures longer than expected."
WHITE WINES:
Trapiche Torrontes 2008- $6.99
This may be my new favorite find. After trying the wonderful Malbec, I thought I would try one of their whites. I had actually never heard of a Torrontes before (it's known as the flagship white of Argentina) but it looked crisp and clean for a hot summer day. Needless to say it was the hit of the BBQ I brought it to, and sadly, I only brought one bottle...
"A highly aromatic wine with Torrontes’ trademark floral notes, bright citrus and a whiff of spice in the bouquet. The wine has a yellow-green color, with gold hints. The wine shows floral and citrus aromas and a fresh character in the mouth that is well-balanced. On the palate the flavors are fresh and lively; reminiscent of white peach and Muscat; dry with well-balanced acidity."
Pomello Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - $8.99
This is another one of my favorite white's. Extremely crisp, this is one of the few wines I can sip during the day time. Lots of crisp Grapefruit flavors, perfect with salads, fish and light pastas.
"Wonderfully fragrant, floral and grapefruit nose with fig and peach aromas. Very full, round mouth with clean grapefruit flavors. Wonderful to pair with spicy Asian faire, raw oysters, seafood and creamy pastas."
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc - $9.99
Another great white from Marlborough, New Zealand. Light and fresh, but not too crisp. A wonderfull easy drinking wine for summer.
"A perennial favorite, this pale-straw coloured wine has concentrated aromas of citrus, gooseberry and tropical fruits. Tangy and refreshing, the aromas replay on the palate underlain with soft vegetal and mineral notes. Light-medium bodied, the flavours are very consistent delivering a bright long-lasting finish. It’s a wonderful match with sole, halibut or your favorite goat cheese recipe."
Excelsior Chardonnay - $7.99
I tend to like Chardonnay's that aren't too buttery or oak-y, a little lighter palate that can go with most dishes. I have learned through trial and error that Chardonnay's and Merlot's ar good, but only if they are expensive. So trying new ones under $10 is always daunting. And then I found Excelsior, and I have not strayed...Great Value, great drinkability, and a perfect finish without being too heavy.
"Elegant and approachable, this Chardonnay has appealing lemon and lime flavors, with hints of vanilla. Delicate peach nuances linger on the crisp, dry finish."
Nobilo Regional Collection East Coast Pinot Grigio - $10.95
This Pinot Grigio is not as tart as most, and has a lovely light drinkability without the acidity I find in most Pinot Grigio's. On the higher end of the scale, but perfect to share with friends at a dinner party.
"Light straw in color with brilliant clarity. A perfumed bouquet of orange blossom and pear is overlaid with enticing spicy notes. Elegant and refreshing, the Nobilo Regional Collection Pinot Grigio has been crafted in an off dry style. Showing excellent weight and balance this wine has a creamy texture complemented by gentle acidity. Flavors of ripe apple, melon and pear linger on the palate in a smooth, generous finish."
So these are a few of my faves! If you have any to share please let me know and leave a comment.
Enjoy, happy and safe drinking!
