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Price: $3.99 @ Trader Joe's
Recommended by: TJ's large display reeled us in
Comments: We didn't expect much from this inexpensive South African wine, but it's quite enjoyable. It's nothin' fancy, and it benefited from some decanting. The tannins were a bit strong at first, but with some time to breathe, it smoothed out a bit. It's not as bold as a Cali Cab, but it's earthy and well-rounded with flavors of cherry and blackberry. It doesn't have much of a finish, but the taste overall is quite nice. We recommend it over Charles Shaw (3 Buck Chuck). For those on a strict budget, pick up a few bottles.
Rating: 6.5/10
Price: $3.99 @ Trader Joe'sRecommended by: duh, the price!Comments: Four words. Bang For Your Buck! We're big Gewurz fans, and this is the least expensive one we have found. When we saw it at Trader Joe's we had to give it a shot. And, lo and behold, it's good! Not great, mark you, but what do you expect for the price? We find flavors of apricot and lime dominating the palate with a bit of spice that really came to the fore when we paired this wine with Indian food. It might be a bit too sweet for a Gewurz and tasted more like a Riesling (more spice, please!). We found this wine comparable to Covey Run and better than some of the $10+ Gewurz and Rieslings we've had. So when you're in the mood for a nice white and want to take a step up from 2-Buck-Chuck (without shelling out much more money), this is the wine to reach for.Rating: 6.5/10
Price: $4.49 @ the Wine and Cheese Cask (Somerville, MA)
Recommended by: the sale rack!
Comments: This Portuguese wine is pretty unimpressive. It reminded us of Three Buck Chuck and is quite acidic. (Well duh, it is under $5! What did we expect!?!) It got a bit better as we drank it, but we still would not recommend it. Perhaps it would be a bit tastier with some food (pizza?). Sadness.
Rating: 5/10
Price: $2.99, baby!
Recommended by: The cult following among the Trader Joe's crowd
Drinking notes: We call it "drinking notes" because this is not really a wine to "taste." But what can you say -- it's Two Buck Chuck! And how can you really have a blog for budget wines without reviewing Chuck? Honestly, we were surprised that this wine was enjoyable. It's not a wine that lasts -- it doesn't get better as you drink it -- but for the money it's a good bargain. We have been drinking a lot of New Zealand fruity sauv blancs, so this certainly doesn't have anywhere near the flavor or boldness of those wines, but it's a decent, moderate alternative.
Rating: 6/10
Price: $3.99 @ Trader Joe's
