Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Trader Joe's NYC revisited

Well, as you may know from my previous entries, I am perpetually on the lookout for "affordable wines that you would not be ashamed to take home"(or something like that), occasionally breaking away for some personal "cellar updates" (a shrinking cellar nonetheless). I have been away from "blog land" for too long, but now I will try to keep the entries flowing. Here is the first of a few "TJNYC" reviews I plan to post (believe it or not, some of the initial wines that impressed me from TJ are still available in NYC- updated vintages, etc.):

2 Cali Cab Bargains-

2008 "Trader Joe's" Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon- purple/ruby color with pale rim; nose filled with ripe blueberry/cherry fruit, with eucalyptus/alcohol element, some tar; very smooth on the palate- fruit forward with slight tannic acid and fresh herbs, currant (jam preserves); medium body with pleasant aftertaste. Priced appropriately at $10, with a good bottle presentation (not the Chuck Shaw austere look...)

2009 Alexander and Fitch Winery, Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon- dark garnet with pale rim; deep, spicy, ripe fruit (cherries, blueberries), with a hint of mint and allspice, slight tobacco leaf; all carries through on the palate with some acidic side palate presence (tannins), but ripe fruit in the foreground with cinnamon and clove nuances. Does not really continue past the front to mid palate, but flavors linger. At $7, a wine that is worth trying- and may fill out with time (still maturing- within 1-3-years).

Two 2007 Napa Cabs on the market




Two 2007 Napa Valley California Cabernet Sauvignons- similar price range ($12-15 per bottle): Annabella "Special Selection" Michael Pozzan Winery, from Oakville, and Avalon from similar plots in Napa (Oakville, Rutherford, etc.). Both wines exhibit similar attributes- dark cherry, blackberry flavors interspersed with silky tannins and a kiss of new oak. Very elegant at this level. If anything sets them apart, the Annabella seems more refined and integrated, whereas the Avalon presents a more complex (Bordeaux blend grapes Merlot, Cabernet Franc, with some Petite Syrah) full-bodied profile. Nice to try them side by side with a suitable food pairing.