Charles Shaw (2 Buck Chuck) Merlot 2009

/in /by

Hello Everyone;

As you all know I love a good red.

Merlot is considered one of the standards when it comes to red wine. But to be honest I was becoming a little burned out on Merlots. As a result I have not been buying them. But as I said a reader and friend bought me two red and this was one of them and boy I’m glad she did.

The 2 Buck Chuck Merlot 2009 is a reminder of all of the reasons Merlots are a staple in red wine world.   Charles Shaw’s Merlot does not try to be anything other than a Merlot.

From the moment I opened this bottle and took my first sip I was reminded of all of the reasons that I use to love Merlots. This Merlot’s complexity is subtle yet consistent, the berry and cherry flavors are a perfect marriage, and I found it hard to resist once it was open.

No it is true, just look closely at my picture…yes that is right! I barely managed to get a picture before the bottle was completely empty. (Don’t worry I did not drink it all in the same day).

This wine paired nicely with rice and sautéed vegetables. Yet this wine would complement any meat dish and would be awesome with salmon.

Cheers,

Are you a Merlot drinker? What is your favorite food to pair with Merlot?

Charles Shaw (2 Buck Chuck) Chardonnay 2009

/in /by

Hello Everyone;

The next 2 Buck Chuck I chose to review was the Chardonnay.

When the weather is hot, like it has been in KC this summer, it is nice to chill out with a chilled glass of white wine. Although I am not typically a white wine drinker after a day of working in my neglected yard I was look for a refreshing glass of wine to chill-out with. If you are looking for the same then the Charles Shaw’s Chardonnay 2009 is a great choice.

This wine is a nice buttery Chardonnay that will be pleasing to the novice wine drinker; as well as satisfy the seasoned wine drinker’s taste buds. The 2 Buck Chuck Chardonnay is smooth through and through.

The Chardonnay paired very nicely with garlic shrimp with vegetables. I would venture to guess that this Chardonnay would pair well with any fish, chicken, or pork dish.

Cheers,

Are you a Chardonnay drinker? If so how does the 2 Buck Chardonnay compare in your opinion?

Charles Shaw (2 Buck Chuck) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

/1 Comment/in /by

Salute Everyone;

Due to popular demand, I have decided to review all of Trader Joe’s varieties of Charles Shaw wines. It also helped that a friend, & a Living Trader Joe’s reader, bought me two,  2 Buck Chuck reds as a housewarming gift.

Even though it is still warm outside – the TV show Castle is on and although there is no logical explanation I crave reds when it is a Castle night.

So enough banter… let’s get to it.

Charles Shaw’s Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 is great Cabernet especially for $2.99. The 2 Buck Chuck Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rich berry (heavy on the blackberry) flavor. The wine starts off smooth and ends smooth; which would make it a great choice with almost anything and a wonderful choice for a party. I did give it plenty of breathing time so you might want to do the same.

I enjoyed this wine with balsamic pork, sauté zucchini, and a baked potato. It was such a great hit that I poured another (small) glass to sip during the show.

*A dessert note: A container of Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Almonds with Sea Salt & Turbinado sugar was opened during the show and I can tell you this was also a perfect pairing.

Now to find the willpower not to pour another small glass…

Cheers,

Delaina

Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Almonds (With Sea Salt & Turbinado Sugar)

/6 Comments/in /by

WOW! Here is an amazing treat that we recently discovered at Trader Joe’s in Kansas City: Trader Joe’s Sea Salt & Turbinado Sugar Dark Chocolate Almonds. You will enjoy how these bumpy and lumpy nuts just burst with flavor when you bite into each one.

We saw these and bought them as an impulse item just as we stepped into the checkout line at Trader Joe’s. We both love the flavors of dark chocolate and toasty almonds together and have had the combination from local chocolate stores (Kansas City has rather a lot of gourmet chocolate to choose from)

But this product caught our eye as each almond is sprinkled with sugar and salt! This combination intrigued our taste buds and we  both thought YIKES….A match made in heaven!

WOW! We were not disappointed with these snazzy Dark Chocolate Almonds!

OK the nuts are roasted/ toasted and coated with a nice thick layer of creamy dark chocolate. But here is the fun bit: You can taste the sea salt and the sugar as you take each bit. The sweet and salty flavors blend with the chocolate and the almond as you nibble each one.

Fantastic!

We were thinking they might make a fun desert -in -a –dish (we used a fancy Martini glass) that you can just place on the table when you have guests for dinner ~ OR for times when you want a couple of bits of rich creamy chocolate after your meal.

OK you should be warned…  Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Almonds with Sea Salt & Turbinado Sugar are soooo good, you might not want to be home alone with the container… I know I am a bit worried….

Have you tried them? What did you think? Share below or on Facebook!