Friday, December 12, 2008

Jim Neal 2006 Chariot Gypsy California

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND?—QUICK WINE PICKS THAT WON'T LET YOU DOWN

I found this  gem sitting on the shelves at Trader Joes, at only $4.99 it represents quite outstanding value. There's nothing on the lovely label that alludes to what it is comprised of other than Red wine. Some considerable Google research later suggests it is a blend of Sangiovese, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. With a scant dark nose, mostly cherry and toffee with alcohol somewhat present (14.5%) it's a welcoming  surprise to experience the beguiling mix of black and red fruit and white pepper that wash across your palate. Very sophisticated and unbelievably complex—for a $5 wine—it's smooth with soft tannins and superb acidity. 89 Points, this one is no Pikey in fact it's my first  PONCE TOP PICK! Get it while you can.

6 comments:

  1. The 2006 Chariot Gypsy is at Trader Joes in the Fresno/Clovis area now. According to store clerks, it's going out by the case, not the bottle. Get it while you can.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I heard the same thing in Sacramento, the wine guy at Fulton TJ's said to get what you can as it's flying out the door. Interesting to know what it's made from I was wondering, cool.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I tasted this stuff on a whim and I'm glad I did. It reminds me of a cabernet I bought by the case that "fell off a truck" in the 80's. It was so cheap and good that I gave it to all of my friends. The bottles that were left over were forgotten for a couple of years. I sampled one of the bottles and it was one of the best wines I have ever tasted....ever...you get that ....ever. For the price, this is the best buy I have seen in the last 10 years. I can't believe it is 14.5% alcohol. I plan on buying a few more cases and giving a bottle or two to some of my vinyard owner friends. When it comes to blending red wines, this is the blend I personally would be proud of. I am enjoying a bottle at this moment. As BobWinemiller says "wine is a wonderful thing".

    ReplyDelete
  4. Let me know where you find it Anonymous, as I've been searching in vain.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Have been looking, looking for this wine - am in Dallas Texas - who has this wine and will ship to TX??

    ReplyDelete
  6. I just left (ok, about 2 hours ago) the Trader Joes on Madison and Sunrise in Fair Oaks. They have about 70 cases left..I just bought 9. They were hidden in the warehouse and it's the only TJ's in Sacto to sell the leftovers.

    ReplyDelete