Everything feels heavy right now, doesn’t it? I know a wine blog isn’t making a difference when sometimes it feels like society is threatening to unravel, tensions are high, and no one knows how to help. And woah, I’m not saying this mega cheap wine from Trader Joe’s will help, but it certainly won’t hurt. And if having a glass of wine (responsibly) is how you nurture your soul, then I say GO FOR IT. And if you need me for the next six weeks, I’ll be right here drinking with you. We’re in this together. Probably.
So… on to the wine. As the title implies, this bottle was all impulse. The lines at my local Trader Joe’s are always insane, but with the pandemic it feels like people are stocking up and making huge purchases. I always pick the lane closest to the wine so I can continue my shopping while I stand there. This Monastrell from Las Resas was on sale for maybe $5.99? Basically nothing. So into the cart it went. No brainer. If you’re not familiar, monastrell grapes are native to Spain, though they grow in France as well. This type of wine is smokey and peppery, with tannins that just don’t quit. Much like 2020, but I digress.
This particular wine is a standout for the price. I have many a Trader Joe’s standby (but I can’t just give them all away now) and I will be adding to this one to the list. Most are from Spain too, so that’s a fun realization. Fun? Sure. Fun.
See – 4.5/5 – This is a dark one, friends. The blog is still in its early days, but if you haven’t figured it out by now that I gravitate to the inkiest, darkest wines by now, then I can’t help you.
Smell – 5/5 – Happy floral notes with almost a hint of rose. I want this in perfume form. Or at least a candle.
Sip – 4/5 – With a tease of smoke and oakiness, and dare I say… river rock? Here I am with my river rock notes again. But I do think it’s true. There’s a mineraly-ness to this wine that’s great. Trust me.
Savor – 5/5 – The longer this wine breathes, truly, the better it is. I’m so impressed with a blackberry and plummy undertone that is so pleasing.
Sure, this wine rang up under $10. And, I’m not saying you’ll fool your snobbiest wine friend – although I am quite snobby and I quite like this – but this wine is solid. Try it out on a Tuesday. Or a Wednesday. Or a Friday afternoon.
In all seriousness, I want to end this post with hope. I know this season of life is probably difficult for you. This is just a wine blog. But, if signs mean something to you, I swear to you an actual rainbow popped up when I went outside to take photographs for this post. We will make it through this. I am certain.
P.S. I wrote this during the first Presidential Debate of the 2020 Election cycle. So, cheers to that. Be it distraction or coping mechanism, ask me in November.