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The One Man Band – Zinfandel, 2010

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Wine Moment with Delaina

Hello Fellow Trader Joe’s Fans

It has been awhile so I thought I better give you another wine review. We were in our local Trader Joe’s buying splurges for the Super Bowl; and being a sucker for Zinfandels and things placed on end caps I could not resist tying this “new-to-me” Zin.

The Zinfandel is out of Sonoma County bottled by The County Fair Wines, titled The One Man Band 2010 and it is zin-fully delicious. Best part it was priced at $8.99.

The most dominate flavor to me was the blackberry but the vanilla rounds out the finish very nicely. There is also a peppery hint that adds a little punch to this highly berry flavored wine. Like many Zins it is a bit on the dry side but all of the berry flavors balance the wine nicely.

It turns out that Trader Joe’s featured this wine in their Fearless Flyer so if you would like a more details and sophisticated plate evaluation of this wonderful Zin check out what the experts have to say here: http://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article.asp?article_id=469 .

It paired nicely with roasted chicken, asparagus, and sweet potatoes. (All purchased from Trader Joe’s of course.)

This wine would pair nicely with many entrees and hardly salads or hors d’oeuvres such as smoked gouda cheese. Yes…it is true I think smoked gouda goes with everything, just as I think Zinfandels go with everything.

I hope you enjoy this wine as much as I did.

Thank you for reading.

Cheers,

Charles Shaw (2 Buck Chuck) Merlot 2009

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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?

Trader Joe’s Wine: Grower’s Reserve Zinfandel 2009

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Trader Joe's Zinfandel

Trader Joe's Zinfandel

A wine moment with Delaina…the sipping continues….

I believe I have mentioned that I for the most part love Zinfandels. I am seduced by their smooth flavor and enchanted by their complexity. Don’t get me wrong you will often read me saying the same thing about other red wines but I have never met a Zinfandel I did not love.

Here is a wonderful example of a great zin: Trader Joe’s  Grower’s Reserve Zinfandel 2009. I was very impressed by this $5.99 Zin. I shared this bottle with a friend, as we worked on a project and we were both impressed. The wine came from ASV Wines in San Martin, California. I have never heard of that vineyard, but will tell you I won’t soon forget it.

Funny….I have not even told you the best part.

Beyond this wine being one of the most enjoyable with all of the right things- smoothness, complexity, and under $6 – it is also organic. Yep! you read that right- organic. I could not believe it. Another value bonus from Trader Joe’s

So the label talks about the wine’s flavor as a mixture of berry and plum with a hint of pepper.  I always look for reds that are described with berry, plum and sometime cherry tones, but as I rule I stay away from peppery. I just find that my taste buds will latch on to the peppery and taste nothing else. This usually puts me at odds with many Chilian wines. Never mind,  the point that I am trying to get across,  is that I could not taste the pepper, or maybe more to the point if there was a hint of pepper it only enhanced the berry and plum flavors.

Trader Joe's Delish Zinfandel, 2009

Trader Joe's Delish Zinfandel, 2009

So just in case you were not sure…I highly recommend the Trader Joe’s Grower’s Reserve Zinfandel. I would serve it with anything or just sip it by itself because it is a very drinkable wine. I hope you enjoy this wine at least as much as I have enjoyed talking about it.

Cheers!

Delaina