Concannon Petite Sirah 2008

                                                                

I'm finally sitting down after a very, very long day and pouring myself a glass of this lovely gem. This has been one of my "go to" wines because of the price and quality.

 Price: $6.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Cellared and Bottled by Concannon Vineyard
Central Coast (North Santa Barbara to San Francisco Bay)

Nose of: Dark cherry, blackberry, plum, rose, vanilla, currant, black raspberries and smoked cherry wood.

Flavors of:  Plum, cherry, oak, pipe tobacco, cherry wood, blackberry, and tart cherry.

This is a medium bodied wine with a lush mouth feel. It has nice tannins that come up mid pallet and last through the finish. The finish has a  mild pepper spice with some tart cherry and oak.  This wine is not overly dry, it is very smooth and well rounded.

Stars: 7 out of 10

Rabbit Ridge Allure de Robles 2009

2009 Rhone style red
Alcohol: 14.6%
$4.99

Okay, so I have to admit, every year when this wine shows up at Trader Joe's I freak out. This is such an amazing wine for only $5! I feel like it's a great value, it drinks like a much more expensive wine and everyone who I've ever shared it with has loved it. It's definitely one of my favorites and I'm kicking myself for not buying a case. Now it's gone for the season and probably won't be back until the winter holidays. It's okay, there's lots of other good wines to drink and experience but this one was just such a bargain.

Nose of:  Cherry, oak, plum, cherry wood, vanilla and a hint of sandalwood.

Flavors of:  Plum, black cherry, oak, pipe tobacco, white pepper and blackberry.

Very smooth wine with nice tannins mid pallet, and in the finish. This wine has a long finish of blackberry, blueberry and Mexican chocolate.

8 out of 10 stars

Old Moon Zinfandel 2010

Well, I had to try it. One of the most popular wines that Trader Joe's sells. Everyone buys it. What did I think? It's $5 and only slightly representable of the varietal. I'd rather spend $10 on the Bogle Zin. Don't get me wrong, it's totally drinkable, I just prefer a bigger, bolder, spicier zin.

2010 California
Alcohol 14.0%
$4.99
Vinted and bottled by Trader Moon wine company, Manteca, CA

Nose of: Oak, cherry, plum, cherry wood and subtly spiced vanilla.

Flavors of:  Tart cherry, ripe black cherry, watermelon and blackberry.

This wine has mild tannins mid pallet that round out nicely with a cherry vanilla finish.
It's a great value for an old vine zin, but it's not spicy and has only very mild tannins.
However it's drinkable and I'm sure I wouldn't mind it after a nicer first bottle.

3out of 10 stars (because it's not a good representative of the zinfandel varietal)

Lost Sonnet Meritage 2007

Napa Valley Blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22%Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
Price: $9.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Cellared and Bottled by Our Cellars, Healdsburg, CA

This is a new item at my local Trader Joe's, and I got excited because I love red blends and happen to be a big Cabernet Franc fan.  This wine is definitely impressive, those of you who do not like wines with lots of tannins beware. It has a nice bite to it.

Nose of:  Currant, pine, plum, oak, cherry,  and bourbon vanilla.

Flavors of:  Spicy oak, cocoa, barbecued blackberry, dark chocolate and cranberry.

This wine has a peppery mid pallet with dry tannins that mellow into a finish of unsweetened cocoa, coffee and cranberries.

This is a great wine with many levels of flavors.

7 out of 10 stars