A Trader Joe’s exclusive, the Chariot Gypsy Red is a 5 dollar blend of 34% Zinfandel, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petite Sirah, 15% Merlot and 4% Sangiovese sourced from Central and Northern California by Jim Neal Wines. That is about all the information available on the Gypsy Red, I guess at $4.99 they can’t afford to put up a webpage with the winemakers notes. The 2008 vintage used the same grapes in the blend, but Cabernet Sauvignon was the main grape, not Zinfandel. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The color is a dark, but see-thru black cherry red. The nose is candied fruit roll-ups (grape and cherry), some fresh plums and a touch of chewing tobacco. Medium bodied with cherry and strawberry upfront and then blueberry with Cherry Dr. Pepper in the mid-palate along with a very slight bite from the tannins. Then a fairly lengthy creamy Cherry Dr. Pepper finish.
The Chariot Gypsy Red is full of tasty fruit with a little bit of body and structure, not bad at all for a $4.99 red blend. There are other Red Blends that I prefer in the $10-$12 range, the Gypsy Red is no longer a 20 buck wine selling for five, the Gypsy Red stayed the same, the other wines improved. But just the same, the Chariot Gypsy Red is still a terrific value.
Where can I buy the Chariot Gypsy Red? We had it recently and love it.
Can I order Chariot Gypsy Red direct? My daughter is having her wedding in July and would like to serve it at the reception?
Thanks, Brian Dillavou
I received a bottle as a gift and I am hooked, unfortunately the Trader Joes in my area are out and didn’t know when they will re-stock. The manager told me it was one of their best sellers. I had it with smoked pork and the match was awesome. I definitely recommend this product over and above the price point. It is just a great tasting blend.
Okay – so if it’s not available in Alberta, how is it that I had it at a restaurant in Alberta? I really want to buy some!