Two-buck-chuck.  A name that lives in infamy, or that possibly conjures up have memories of a decent value priced wine.  Unfortunately, there weren’t any Trader Joe’s in a reasonable distance, so it seemed Chuckie would have to wait.  Finding myself in Ohio, it seemed to time  to end being a Charles Shaw virgin.  Given First Pour Wine’s success with Cabernet Sauvignon, it seemed logical to start there.  So can two-buck-chuck bring up the value of a buck?

Sight:  Surprisingly dark near the edges, but still magenta.

Smell:  Slightly strawberry syrup to start, but moves toward blackberries, black cherries, plum, cassis, and a touch of something sweetish, like powdered sugar.

Sip:  Somewhat sweet acidic to start, before getting overwhelmingly greenly tannic.  Black cassis is predominant, but black cherry and plums also join.  Touch of mocha / forest floor. [A.B.V. 12.5%]

Savor:  A tannin heavy end, black cherry sour flavor.

Well, sadly, it’s not $2, it’s actually $3.49.  All things considered though, that’s actually darn good for this wine, being quite drinkable.  It’s not going to spin anyone’s head around on their shoulders Exorcist style, but for a daily drink, and a nice accompaniment to quick pasta dinner or pizza.

Price:  $3.49
California
http://www.traderjoes.com/