WebWineMan

Trading with Joe

by Richard Fadeley

Trader Joe's is known for its smartly chosen wine selections, including the Charles Shaw wines. So what happens when Trader Joe's wines are subjected to a blind tasting? Richard Fadeley's tasting panel found the results . . . interesting. Read the reviews.

Ca'Rossa

Ca'Rossa 2013 "Merica" Roero Arneis ($15.99)

This is a clear, bright straw color wine, with golden glints against the light. Fresh citrus aromas, lemons and limes, lead into a full, bright flavor with peachy aromatics joining the chorus. It seems just a little sweet at first, but crisp, zingy acidity keeps the overall impression dry, with a pleasant peach-pit bitterness creeping in on the finish. Good food wine at a gentle 12.5% alcohol. As we move on into spring and summer, it could also make a fine wine for alfresco dining or sipping on the patio. It should go well with just about any standard white-wine match, from poultry and pork to creamy cheeses.

More about this wine

Taylor Eason

Three passionate Mendocino Pinot Noir producers

by Taylor Eason

"Northern California's Mendocino County, a wine region rich with redwoods, coastal climate and definitely Pinot Noir, has birthed three disparate yet dedicated wineries, proudly wearing their Pinot passion like a badge of honor," writes Taylor. Read their profiles.