This decades long love affair with the grape all began at the official opening of Embarcadero Center in San Francisco in the summer of 1983. Fetzer was pouring their Gewurztraminer. The pleasant hum of the traffic on the 480 as some sort of Ravelesque atonal music only enhanced the sweet, cloying experience. I sometimes return to my mother wine. But, my palate has matured. It took me nine months to start drinking reds. The first was Bob red. The first dry white was Bob white. I'd love to return back to that summer day, though. What a pleasant time I had. I don't know why this specific post had my mind wandering back 41 years. It was a nice escape. Best wine movie: Bottle Shock.
Hi Kevin, wonderful story. I remember the days when Fetzer was all the rage. Bob red and Bob white. 👍 Thanks for sharing the memories. And yes, Bottle Shock is excellent, must’ve watched it at least five times!
Thank you for another excellent video, Bob. I love that $10 Burgundy. It has simple but clean Chardonnay taste. I didn't realize it's made by the same folks that make a solid $11 sparkling wine. My favorite Chardonnay style is Chablis, so this is probably why I like that $10 stainless steel Burgundy. Cheers! Looking forward to your next video.
Picked up a bottle of the Yountville Chard today after watching your video last night. It was the only one of the three you reviewed available. Thanks for the recommendation. I look forward to tasting it.
I've been interested in trying unoaked Chardonnay so this video is really helpful. Thank you. I will be sure to try the French one. I bought the Cremant because of your recommendation. Salud.
Please please do this for Trader Joe’s Pinot Noirs! 🙏🏻🙌🏻 (And would also love for you to include Aldi, Costco, and Sam’s Club if you have access). I find videos like this to be the most valuable wine videos on UA-cam - really provides a lot of value to your viewers to help find extremely high QPR wines at an affordable price. Keep em coming!
Hi Adam, thanks for the comment. TJs Pinot Noir would be good video. I like it! I’m also looking at creating a few comparative videos, TJs, Costco, Total Wine, etc. I don’t have a nearby Aldi. Going into the holidays, I think this could be valuable. 🍷
I recently bought a Syrah from The Originals in Wala Wala Washington at TJ's for $7. Plan on trying it soon, but was curious if you have had it or have any thoughts on it? Excellent video as always.
For wine #3, what could the possible oak regime be? Do you think that alternatives to oak barrels were employed (e. g., wood chips or perhaps some chemical additives) to achieve such a low price point?
My guess is oak staves, perhaps in a stainless steel vessel. Maybe chips and if it is, it’s well done. Or possibly using one year old barrels. These can all be cost effective options. The oak is not over the top, but it’s clearly present.
Wow. 10 bucks for an unoaked white burgundy with cool climate notes! Nice. Guess I’m taking a road trip to a state that allows wine in Trader Joe’s😂. Thanks Bob.
Curious if you would speculate as to how the producer of the Trader Joe’s wine was able to introduce the oak elements into the wine. At this price point I can’t see quality new oak barreling. So is this a producer using a tea bag of chips, staves in the tank, oak dust which is filtered out later or a synthetic “oak” additive?
Thanks for another well done and informative video. Your budget and available wine reviews are the ones I can actually act on. I'd have been interested to get your opinion on the Charles Shaw (AKA Two Buch Chuck) version of the chardonnay.
Hi Matt, I’m glad to see the video was a helpful. It’s been years since I tried the Two Buck Chard, but it’s industrial wine from a very warm growing region. In my opinion, for a bit more cash, there are much better wines.
I really enjoy your informed and informative reviews. I'm due a trip to Trader Joe's, I'll definitely check these out. Your past Trader Joe's videos have been great for me in the past.
“Chicken breast of wine” is a helpful analogy. Malolactic fermentation and new oak aging are akin to deep frying and adding a potent sauce. I appreciate the diversity of Chardonnay, with a preference for the style and value of Chablis, and that fresh style.
What white wines typically have that honeydew melon flavor on the palate? Is that usually chardonnay? I've been looking for a wine with that flavor profile for forever it seems.
Chardonnay is an option, but Pinot Gris would be a better choice. Look at wines from Oregon. Many are made with some grape skin contact with juice, along with lees stirring. Both of these actions help to create melon like notes in Pinot Gris. You will not find this in Italian Pinot Grigio as the production methods tend to be different.
I like this idea of re-tasting the wines. Should do that with every tasted wine, if only for fairness; quoting Dumbledore, I think sometimes we judge the wines too early.
I found your comments on the cork to be interesting. ARe there different corks for wines that can age? I have never even thought of there being different corks for different wines prior to this video. Can you do a video on corks, I think it would be interesting.
Yes, there are different types of corks. And only can the material be different, but with natural cork, some are made for increased longevity of the wine. The cork length, density and overall quality can vary. I’ll provide a link to a cork video that I just shared on the community tab of my channel.
At that price point I may get a bottle of each and taste back to back. Also I found some Pauillac wines at Trader Joe’s, any chance you can do a review on those.
@@eddiefalcon8316The distribution is different, but the buying is done nationally. The assortment typically syncs up, it could be they sold through the stocks in FL.
I tried the Bourgogne last week and was let down. I found it very one note, and boring, lacking any semblance of depth, minerality, drinking like a spiked lemonade. For 6.99, I think the Revelation chardonnay at TD Joe's offers a much more versatile and complex wine; has the acidity and brightness but also some more rich, buttery notes, without tipping over into Napa-like popcorn. Highly recommended.
This decades long love affair with the grape all began at the official opening of Embarcadero Center in San Francisco in the summer of 1983. Fetzer was pouring their Gewurztraminer. The pleasant hum of the traffic on the 480 as some sort of Ravelesque atonal music only enhanced the sweet, cloying experience. I sometimes return to my mother wine. But, my palate has matured. It took me nine months to start drinking reds. The first was Bob red. The first dry white was Bob white.
I'd love to return back to that summer day, though. What a pleasant time I had. I don't know why this specific post had my mind wandering back 41 years. It was a nice escape.
Best wine movie: Bottle Shock.
Hi Kevin, wonderful story. I remember the days when Fetzer was all the rage. Bob red and Bob white. 👍 Thanks for sharing the memories. And yes, Bottle Shock is excellent, must’ve watched it at least five times!
Thank you for another excellent video, Bob. I love that $10 Burgundy. It has simple but clean Chardonnay taste. I didn't realize it's made by the same folks that make a solid $11 sparkling wine. My favorite Chardonnay style is Chablis, so this is probably why I like that $10 stainless steel Burgundy. Cheers! Looking forward to your next video.
Thanks. I’m a Chablis fan as well, but $10 for a good Bourgogne Blanc, that’s a deal!
Picked up a bottle of the Yountville Chard today after watching your video last night. It was the only one of the three you reviewed available. Thanks for the recommendation. I look forward to tasting it.
Let me know what you think of the Yountville Chard. I’m surprised the other two could not be found.
@@celer__et__audax what part of the country are you in. I had the same issue.
I've been interested in trying unoaked Chardonnay so this video is really helpful. Thank you. I will be sure to try the French one. I bought the Cremant because of your recommendation. Salud.
Either wine 1 or 2 should be a good fit for you. Cheers!
Please please do this for Trader Joe’s Pinot Noirs! 🙏🏻🙌🏻
(And would also love for you to include Aldi, Costco, and Sam’s Club if you have access).
I find videos like this to be the most valuable wine videos on UA-cam - really provides a lot of value to your viewers to help find extremely high QPR wines at an affordable price. Keep em coming!
Hi Adam, thanks for the comment. TJs Pinot Noir would be good video. I like it! I’m also looking at creating a few comparative videos, TJs, Costco, Total Wine, etc. I don’t have a nearby Aldi. Going into the holidays, I think this could be valuable. 🍷
I recently bought a Syrah from The Originals in Wala Wala Washington at TJ's for $7. Plan on trying it soon, but was curious if you have had it or have any thoughts on it? Excellent video as always.
I just saw that wine for the first time a few days ago. I think it was $7. I’ve not tried it, but Syrah from WA can be excellent.
For wine #3, what could the possible oak regime be? Do you think that alternatives to oak barrels were employed (e. g., wood chips or perhaps some chemical additives) to achieve such a low price point?
My guess is oak staves, perhaps in a stainless steel vessel. Maybe chips and if it is, it’s well done. Or possibly using one year old barrels. These can all be cost effective options. The oak is not over the top, but it’s clearly present.
Wow. 10 bucks for an unoaked white burgundy with cool climate notes! Nice. Guess I’m taking a road trip to a state that allows wine in Trader Joe’s😂. Thanks Bob.
That was the one I poured first for myself.
Curious if you would speculate as to how the producer of the Trader Joe’s wine was able to introduce the oak elements into the wine. At this price point I can’t see quality new oak barreling. So is this a producer using a tea bag of chips, staves in the tank, oak dust which is filtered out later or a synthetic “oak” additive?
It’s likely chips or staves. It’s not over the top levels of oak, but it is clearly present.
Thanks for another well done and informative video. Your budget and available wine reviews are the ones I can actually act on. I'd have been interested to get your opinion on the Charles Shaw (AKA Two Buch Chuck) version of the chardonnay.
Hi Matt, I’m glad to see the video was a helpful. It’s been years since I tried the Two Buck Chard, but it’s industrial wine from a very warm growing region. In my opinion, for a bit more cash, there are much better wines.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine I was curious since I think it's a lot better than it's price point would suggest. Thanks for the response.
@@Matt_Bykowski Matt, that's the only thing that matters. Thanks, as always.
I really enjoy your informed and informative reviews. I'm due a trip to Trader Joe's, I'll definitely check these out. Your past Trader Joe's videos have been great for me in the past.
Hi Michael, I’m glad my videos are helpful. Thanks for following my channel.
We really appreciate these tastings of bargain wines. Thank you so much!
Hi David, there are plenty of good bargain wines, if I can help people find them, I’m a happy guy. Thanks for commenting.
“Chicken breast of wine” is a helpful analogy. Malolactic fermentation and new oak aging are akin to deep frying and adding a potent sauce. I appreciate the diversity of Chardonnay, with a preference for the style and value of Chablis, and that fresh style.
I’ve always thought deep frying makes anything taste better! 😂 I prefer the brighter, fresher style as well.
Very informative. I’m not a big fan of Chardonnay, especially the very oaked style. But I plan of giving these a try. Thanks!
Thank you. If you’re not an oak fan, wine one and two should be a good fit.
What white wines typically have that honeydew melon flavor on the palate? Is that usually chardonnay? I've been looking for a wine with that flavor profile for forever it seems.
Chardonnay is an option, but Pinot Gris would be a better choice. Look at wines from Oregon. Many are made with some grape skin contact with juice, along with lees stirring. Both of these actions help to create melon like notes in Pinot Gris. You will not find this in Italian Pinot Grigio as the production methods tend to be different.
While I'm not a fan of oaked Chardonnay, I do keep an open mind. Thanks for another great video. 😊
Thank you. I prefer less or no oak as well.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine It's too bad you don't live in Tucson. We are doing a wine dinner featuring South African wines.
@@fredklein724 That is too bad, I'm a long way from Tucsan.
I like this idea of re-tasting the wines. Should do that with every tasted wine, if only for fairness; quoting Dumbledore, I think sometimes we judge the wines too early.
Thanks for the early morning laugh! 🤣
I found your comments on the cork to be interesting. ARe there different corks for wines that can age? I have never even thought of there being different corks for different wines prior to this video. Can you do a video on corks, I think it would be interesting.
Yes, there are different types of corks. And only can the material be different, but with natural cork, some are made for increased longevity of the wine. The cork length, density and overall quality can vary. I’ll provide a link to a cork video that I just shared on the community tab of my channel.
ua-cam.com/video/k_zBkqBTFtE/v-deo.htmlsi=3h2TMs9lmNBNXDt1
At that price point I may get a bottle of each and taste back to back. Also I found some Pauillac wines at Trader Joe’s, any chance you can do a review on those.
Cool. I’m looking at doing a TJs Bordeaux video. I’ll include the Pauillac if my store has it.
Well I was only able to get the TJs wine. The others were not in stock. I was looking to try back to back to test my skills
@@eddiefalcon8316Interesting, all three are still available at my nearby TJs. Well, at least you could get one of them.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine maybe we never had them. I’m in Miami and you are in California I think, maybe different distributions.
@@eddiefalcon8316The distribution is different, but the buying is done nationally. The assortment typically syncs up, it could be they sold through the stocks in FL.
Thank you Bob!
I run into screw cap issue a few times.
Me too! It’s something that doesn’t come to mind until there is a problem.
Which one was your favourite of the 3? 😊
All three were good, but if I had to choose one, it would be the first wine. Bourgogne Blanc.
I’ve never tried a Chardonnay from Argentina. If I see this at my TJ’s I’ll give it a shot!
It’s worth a try!
I tried the Bourgogne last week and was let down. I found it very one note, and boring, lacking any semblance of depth, minerality, drinking like a spiked lemonade. For 6.99, I think the Revelation chardonnay at TD Joe's offers a much more versatile and complex wine; has the acidity and brightness but also some more rich, buttery notes, without tipping over into Napa-like popcorn. Highly recommended.
Thanks for the feedback, I’ll keep an eye out for that Revelation chardonnay.