Trader Joe's alert

WINE TALK
1

This may be a Northern Calif. offering only so check your local listings…

They have a new private label called VINTJS. The first two offerings are an '08 Syrah (Central Coast) and '08 Chardonnay (Santa Maria). These were both made by Bob Lindquist from Qupe. $7 for each.

I’m not a big Chard drinker, but I figured for the sake of science (and for any parties I might have for non-wine geeks), I’d try it. My take: “eh”. It’s not bad, but there’s not much excitement to it. A bit more acidity would help. 13.6% alc.

The Syrah definitely merits a QPR alert. Aged 9 months in neutral French barrels, 13.8% alc. Black pepper and lavender notes. Good acidity. Definite palate interest with this wine. Nice balance. A year in the cellar probably couldn’t hurt.

More evidence of the amount of cheap bulk juice that’s hit the CA market.

2

Saw it in SoCal over the weekend. Have to pick one up. Thanks!

3

Tried both this weekend and agree with your notes. Going to pick-up some more of the Syrah. Interesting that the Qupe '07 Central Coast Syrah is part of the Bevmo 5cent sale: two for $18.04.

4

VINTJ’s is in Boston, just not the 2008 syrah, saw a 2005 cab for $10, and a zin too I think. So maybe nationwide?

5

Grabbed one of the syrahs. Pretty nice stuff and your note is spot on. Thanks!

6

Here in NJ, they just stocked it, but it was the 2006. I grabbed one of the Cabs, and it was pretty nice, and for 5.99, it was one of the best I’ve ever had. I wonder if they will get the '08 in?

7

I’ve been keeping an eye out for this and just noticed the Cab and Chard in our local TJ’s locations but not the Syrah, yet.

However, I recently stumbled upon another outstanding value at TJ’s: 2006 California Wine Company Franc/Merlot from Paso Robles. It’s $7.49 and is 70/30 Cab Franc and Merlot. And it’s damn good. Outstanding for the price. A real crowd-pleaser. I highly recommend it.

8

I had the '08 Central Coast Syrah and thought it was good…anybody have any experience with the Mt. Veeder Syrah they have on the same label? (CT says its an '07…I saw it in the store but don’t remember the vintage)

9

My wife brought this home as she falls for gimmicky labels and is a fan of cab franc. I rolled my eyes. Then I tasted and was shocked that it was such a good qpr.

10

is it this one? If so, I’ve had this and it wasn’t bad at all

11

Yep, that’s the one. [thumbs-up.gif]

12

How many cases did you buy???

13

No syrah made it to IL. Tried the Chard. last night and meh, not so much…

14

Unlike you, Bud, I have a wee bit of restraint. neener

We go to TJ’s at least once a week so I’ve been buying a few bottles each time. Pretty soon, though, I may buy a case with the discount and be done with it. I’ll bring one for you when we see you at Christmas.