Jammy Zinfandel At Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's has several lines of branded wines, and they are mostly all thought of fairly highly. The 2024 Trader Joe's Grower's Reserve Zinfandel is cheap, but at TJ's that doesn't mean you should avoid it. The store has a reputation as a good outlet for bargain wines. 

I understand that ASV Wines, the winemaker here, gets organic grapes from the Santa Clara Valley, but they also have addresses in Kern County. The source of the Zinfandel grapes here is not disclosed. The alcohol content is disclosed, 14% abv, and the price is $7 at Trader Joe's.

This wine is colored medium ruby in the glass. The nose is massive, with brilliant red cherry aromas, joined by the smell of red vine candy and an herbal aspect that's a bit like parsley or cilantro. It's a big nose. The palate is just as huge. The red fruit flavors lead the way, with a spearmint note that's especially notable on the jammy finish. There is a moderate acidity and grippy tannins. This wine is made for a meat-lover's pizza, or barbecued pork, dripping with sauce. 

Follow Randy Fuller on X and BlueSky