Valreas Cuvee Prestige - 2008 Rhone Blend ($7)

I saw on a blog where they did a blind tasting of Trader Joes Rhone wines - and this one did very well so I thought I'd pick up a bottle to try myself on my latest TJs run. I've become a fan of the "GSM" Rhone blends the last few years. The Grenache offering the cherry fruit and soft tannins; Syrah giving it that spice and pepper; and Mourvedre coming in with some earthy tones and applying a tannic backbone. This wine is 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah and the labels says to get ready for a ripe and spicy wine. I really wanted to like this wine but I'm struggling to do so. I'm getting the cherry taste, but it is more of a dry and watery cherry, not ripe by any means. I expected some peppery kick from the Syrah, but didn't get anything. Tannins are firm, but not unusual amongst Cote Du Rhone villages blends. And where is this spice they were talking about? I'm just not finding a lot to like about this bottle. I will give it credit for opening up a bit after some time, and I found day 2 to be better than day 1, but still a downer. VERDICT: My first and last bottle.

Spiral Wines - 2009 Cabernet ($5)

Picked up 3 bottles at my local TJs about a month ago upon the recommendation of a staff member, who said it was his favorite TJ Cab under $10, ever! Brought them home and shared with some neighbors on a Friday night. Very approachable and easy drinking cabernet. Fruit forward without a doubt, with plenty of blackberry as you might expect from a Napa Valley Cab. While a tad jammy, hints of vanilla, oak, herbs and minerality all come through adding some true substance and character to the wine. Almost a cross between a Zin and a Cab. Subtle tannins and an easy finish. Best TJ Cab ever under $10? I don't know about that. But pretty darn good for $5 and a classic example of a wine you keep on hand for simple every day drinking. VERDICT: Get it!