A red wine blend imported from the Rhone Valley in France by Trader Joe’s and selling for $6.50 a bottle. There are many quality bottles of wine coming out of the Rhone for under $20, but $6.50 is an astonishing price. The designation of “Cote du Rhone Villages” is also a couple of steps up from the basic Rhone Valley wines. The town of Valreas was known as the Enclave of the Pope back in the 1300s, Pope John XXII actually bought the town to ensure that he had a steady supply of wine (he must have had a big thirst if he needed the whole town). The Cuvee Prestige is a blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah, with an alcohol content of a reasonable 13%.
A very pretty, clear and shiny, ruby red. Tons of cinnamon and christmas spice on the nose along with raspberry jam. On the light side of medium bodied, red berry fruit, raspberry, tart strawberry and a wallop of Altoids spice on the backend. Slightly watery, but silky in texture, there is still enough body and structure to hold the wine together. A thin tart berry and spice finish that does not go away.
A solid Cote du Rhone Red Wine. If you are not familiar with the wines of the Rhone Valley this is a good place to start. French wines are different in style from most American wines and starting with a light bodied, easy drinking and very cheap Cote du Rhone is an excellent way to go.
always appreciate the t.joe’s reviews. for $6.50, can’t go wrong. thanks!
There are better tasting vinegars out there rather than that 2009 one bought from Trader Joe’s.
Although it has better taste mixed with Italian lemonade.
U gotta watch TJ’s wines, they do have more than their share of “off” bottles. They have a good return policy, next time u get a bad bottle return it. Most people think that since it is so cheap, it is probably crap wine and not an “off”. But, I have found the vast majority of their inexpensive wine are at least drinkable, if not always great bargains