This Trader Joe’s white wine is one to avoid.
It struck all the wrong notes, and I sensed it going in, but still took a chance as I continue to work the shelves, seeking gems.
Two clues had my spider senses tingling that this might not be a decent wine.
First, the label. I’ve said it before and it bears repeating: the more “clever” or colorful the label, the worse the wine. Of course this is not always true.
But I just know wine marketing folks who are given a bad wine have little else to work with aside from price and quirky labels. I can’t blame them.
- 2007 Novella Synergy Blanc, Paso Robles
- Rating
- 75
- Clint says:
- “Avoid”
- The Wine
- Synergy Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat Canali and Pino Grigio
14.0% alc.
$4.99
Trader Joe’s - The Winery
- EOS Estate Winery, Paso Robles, CA
- Category
- Wine reviews
The next clue was using a wine region to market the brand, instead of the actually winery itself.
In this case it is the well-known Paso Robles region. You would never know this wine is produced by EOS Estate Winery unless you look at the tiny fine print on the back label just above the standard government warning. Yes, they are that proud of this wine.
At $4.99 I’m not expecting miracles, though I’ve encountered several decent wines at or around this price point.
The nose is not pleasant.
The wine itself has strong mineral overtones, and an extremely unrefined quality.
Harsh would be a good word. I did not enjoy it in the least, and would strongly advise against this one.
Hopefully my luck gets better!