2009 Purple Moon Merlot

Place to buy: Trader Joes

Cost: $3.99

Variety: Actually a blend, 77% Merlot, with Petite Syrah, Malbec and Petite Verdot

Lori's score: 4/10

Nate's score: 4/10

Comments: Not the worst TJs bottle I've had, but right up there. Just a bit too smoky or something. I'm not saying I like sweet, but a little something would be nice. As you drink, it does get better like any, but too much of "all of the same" taste. I remember the first sip I tasted, I was excited since it's a cool bottle and name (I know, I know....) but it was just too.. ugh..it burns and yeah.  There must be something about it that is specific to my tastes as other reviewers give it more like a 5 or 6 and say that it's decent. Not again for us.

2009 - Cocobon - California Red

Place to buy: Trader Joes

Cost: $6.99

Variety: 61% Zinfandel, 17% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, 6% Petite Verdot, 4% Petite Sirah

Lori's score: 9.5/10

Nate's score: still waiting, but maybe 7/10

Comments: Lori said right away, "This is what I'm talking about. Really mellow and a little sweet."

There's no doubt about it it's sweet. I'll try and update my post later when we finish the rest of the bottle. I do agree there wasn't much burn, but I don't know that there was that much taste to it either. Seemed a bit simple, but that's fine in some cases. I did notice the "vanilla" to it.

Reviews by others online are very positive as well. Almost everyone likes the wine and its a good typical drinker.

Update: Don't remember what it was like, I just drank it. We'll have to buy another bottle :)