Mason Balistreri 
Sommelier, International Wine Guild; Balistreri Vineyard; Sales, Joy Wine and Spirits
8.5
I decided to do a little research on Trader Joe's wine selection now that one has finally opened in Denver and a found a few interesting items, including this 15 dollar Barolo. It's hard enough to find a wine good in that price range let alone one made from Nebbiolo but the wine itself is a few steps up from those two dollar roses that populate the remainder of the shelves. There is some good acid and sort of a menthol cherry quality found in some Pinot Noirs. The tannins, sadly don't live up to more expensive renditions of the grape but it's hard to fault a wine that is obviously meant for food.
I decided to do a little research on Trader Joe's wine selection now that one has finally opened in Denver and a found a few interesting items, including this 15 dollar Barolo. It's hard enough to find a wine good in that price range let alone one made from Nebbiolo but the wine itself is a few steps up from those two dollar roses that populate the remainder of the shelves. There is some good acid and sort of a menthol cherry quality found in some Pinot Noirs. The tannins, sadly don't live up to more expensive renditions of the grape but it's hard to fault a wine that is obviously meant for food.
2 people found it helpfulMar 21st, 2014
Medium body; garnet color; strong tannins; high acid; oak, pencil shavings; not very complex flavors
Medium body; garnet color; strong tannins; high acid; oak, pencil shavings; not very complex flavors
Feb 19th, 2016
Trader Joe’s. Long gone! For 15$ quite good! This is the 2019 - one of the best vintages in Piedmont. So - in this case even lousy cheapo wineries made great wine. Tastes like 40$. Roses, super astringent, violets. Hint Eucalyptus. A little rough: Bought a case most gone should have bought 2 - will age the last 3 bottles just out of curiosity - could go another 5-10 years. Thanks Scott for this find!!!
Trader Joe’s. Long gone! For 15$ quite good! This is the 2019 - one of the best vintages in Piedmont. So - in this case even lousy cheapo wineries made great wine. Tastes like 40$. Roses, super astringent, violets. Hint Eucalyptus. A little rough: Bought a case most gone should have bought 2 - will age the last 3 bottles just out of curiosity - could go another 5-10 years. Thanks Scott for this find!!!
Nov 15th, 2024
Great vine, nice smell, greatly pairs with pasta, red meat on grill.
Great vine, nice smell, greatly pairs with pasta, red meat on grill.
Aug 16th, 2023
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
