Il Valore $4 2009 Sangiovese Italy Trader Joes

I just love a good Sangiovese and I was excited to try this one- so affordable! The nose was absolutely yummy with the richness of figs, the fruitiness of black currants and hint of dark chocolate and black pepper. But on the first sip, the disappointment set in. It tasted nothing like it smelled... there was an intense bitterness right off the bat, totally lacking fruit and a medium finish of more bitterness. Yikes, this was really bad. Before dumping it, I popped on my wine soiree (aerator) and poured a bit through it. It softened the bitterness quite a bit, but it still overwhelmed the wine. I was ready to give this wine a 2 out of 5 stars, but then I forgot about it on the counter for four days. I figured I would give it one more shot before the drain, and poured a bit in a glass. And you know what, it wasn't half bad. It still wasn't great, but definitely drinkable. So the moral of this story is that if you get a bottle of this, plan ahead to decant and aerate the heck out of it before attempting to drink it.

I give this wine 3 out of 5 stars

$5 Tuscan Moon 2008 Sangiovese California Trader Joes

This is a pretty pinkish purple and very transparent. It smells of berries, spice and grass. I took a sip and it's not bad at all! It's full of fresh, ripe fruit but it has a nice balance of tannins and acidity that all work very well together. (Basically, the fruit balances the dryness.) There is even some residual smokiness on the finish. It is a lighter bodied red, with a medium finish.

I give it 4 stars out of 5

$2 Crane Lake 2008 Sangiovese California Henry's Market

I love a good Sangiovese, so it takes a good one to impress me. Upon pouring I took note of the rich, red, burgundy color. The first sip is bold and fruity. Cherry, blackberry and black currant flavors with a long, expansive finish. This wine is rich, substantial and satisfying. There are undertones of a super dark chocolate (as in 80% cocoa, dark) it really opens up when swished around a bit. The second pour really mellowed out but it never lost it's bold fruit and generous finish. This one's a keeper folks!

I give this wine a 5 out of 5 stars

$4 Sangiovese Tuscan Moon 2005 California Trader Joes

The first scent of this wine is earthy and smells of leather, figs and apricots. I can't wait to try it as I am a big fan of Sangiovese. I was surprised by the big apricot flavors that hit my tongue immediately. Black currant and blueberry flavors quickly followed. There are some lingering flavors of strawberry and raspberry and a pretty quick finish. It is very tasty, though it is a bit fruity for a Sangiovese. The flavors are unexpected, but I would buy it again. Definitely a great buy for $4... but don't expect the usual Sangiovese flavors.

I give this tasty wine a 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

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