Tuscan Moon Sangiovese - 2009

Place to buy: Trader Joes

Cost: $5.99

Variety: Sangiovese

Lori's score:

Nate's score: 5.5/10

Comments: 

I remember this being an ok, semi bad taste but acceptable and then as usual, it got better over time. A good bottle of wine shouldn't have to do that though and should be enjoyable at the first drink. Many others have given this wine a bad rating as well, although I wasn't as harsh. For $5 its OK, but sadly my taste buds prefer some of the even cheaper wines at TJs over this one.

Pairing: 

2006 Valore Chianti (Riserva)

Place to buy: Trader Joes

Cost: $5.99

Variety: 75-100% Sangiovese, up to 10% Canaiolo and up to 20% any other approved red grape variety

Lori's score: 

Nate's score: 7.5/10

Comments: 

Don't totally remember the very first sip as usual, except thinking that overall this was a very good bottle of wine. I dont ever remember anything bad about it and would love to have it again.

According to the bottle, "Soft and silky chianti with lot of cherry aromas and vanilla, hits [sic] of violets and long finish"

Pairing: 

2006 Salice Salentino

Place to buy: Trader Joes

Cost: $5.99

Variety: 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia nera

Lori's score: 

Nate's score: 2/10

Comments: 

This is just bad, well to me anyway. I'm sure some people would like it. It was too oaky and too berry flavored. Almost sweet like syrupy cough syrup. I could even smell it from across the room. Wow. No thanks.

Pairing: 

2008 Charles Shaw - Shiraz

Place to buy: Trader Joes

Cost: $3.99

Variety: Syrah/Shiraz

Lori's score: 

Nate's score: 5.5/10

Comments: 

Peppery smell. First drink within seconds of corking had way too much of a tannin/acidic taste. As usual with these types of wines, got better as it was able to breathe. Still, I think I'll pass on this one if given the choice again.

D'Aquino Chianti DOCG - 2009

Place to buy: Trader Joes

Cost: $4.99

Variety: 75-100% Sangiovese, up to 10% Canaiolo and up to 20% any other approved red grape variety

Lori's score: 6.5/10

Nate's score: 6/10

Comments: 

Don't totally remember the very first sip, and drank too much of it since then, but I remember thinking that it must be really young because it was a bit sharp. It obviously got better as I drank it, but it shouldn't have to be that way. 

Pairing: 

Gaetano D'Aquino Chianti Riserva (unknown - 2008?)

 

Leaving this as a place holder

Place to buy: Trader Joes

Cost: $?? < $9

Variety: 75-100% Sangiovese, up to 10% Canaiolo and up to 20% any other approved red grape variety

Lori's score:

Nate's score: 

Comments: 

I drank this and didnt document. Need to buy again. It was pretty good. Dont remember the vintage.

Pairing: 

Tisdale Merlot

Place to buy: Unknown

Cost:  < $5

Variety: Merlot

Lori's score: 6.5/10

Nate's score: 5/10

Nate's Comments: 

First thing you notice is wow, its very very berry tasting. I saw someone mention bubble gum, and while thats a bit extreme, it's not far from that. There are some tannins noticeable after the swallow. To me, they were more from the tongue and nearly no throat burning. The aftertaste is the problem. There's just not much to it other than this tinny/slight tanniny taste. 1 minute after I swallowed the wine, I would have never known I drank any wine. I think maybe its just the young age. It's ok, but for the same price, I've tasted better.

Pairing: Bottle says favorite salad, pasta or grilled meat.

2008 Archeo Nero d'Avola Ruggero di Tasso Sicilia IGT

Place to buy: Trader Joes

Cost: $4.99

Variety: Nero d'Avola

Lori's score: 7/10

Nate's score: 6.5/10

Comments: 

First thing that we both noticed was how "clean" the wine tasted. Almost no tannins. This increased while it sat, but definitely very light overall. The bottle mentions a light "jam" like taste, which I noticed at first, but not after half a glass.

Pairing: Bottle says Red Sauce Dishes and Grilled Meats