Dearly Beloved Forever Red Wine

Trader Joe's has done it again.  Dearly Beloved Forever Red is a blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese Carignane and Grenache from Mendocino County in California.  Their website indicates that it was aged in a combination of American and French oak for about 18 months. It is a tasty medium-bodied red that will do well with beef or just sipping for enjoyment.

This wine has a nice ruby hue with aromas of dark berries and roasted nuts. Dearly Beloved has subtle hints of oak and a long finish, smooth finish.

The bottle displays silk-screened folk art just in time for Halloween. At $6.99 a bottle in the St. Louis area, it is a bargain.

Have you tried a Tempranillo?

Often used in blends in the past, Tempranillo has more recently been bottled on its own.  A wine of Spanish origin, this red wine exhibits nice complex flavors. It's deep color speaks of the rich cherry and blackberry flavors consumers will experience.  This one ends with a long, smooth finish.
I found this wine at Trader Joe's in St. Louis.   At $5.99, this wine stands up well against wines 3 times its cost. Enjoy!

Bodega Norton Reserva Malbec 2007

Wow! What a smooth yet complex dry red! Grown in the Mendoza region of Argentina this Malbec [2007 vintage] has a velvety texture, a myriad of rich flavors and Oh, that finish!

The Bodega Norton winery was founded in 1895 in the Mendoza River Valley and is located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains of Argentina.  At altitudes between 850 and 1300 meters [approx. 2750 to 3900 feet] above sea level, this winery carefully selects grapes from vineyards that are over 30 years old.  There simply is no replacing the richness imparted to the grape from old vines.

The Malbec is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels and then in bottles before it is made available. There is no rushing a good red.  The Bodega Nortons have been scored consistently by Wine Spectator in the high 80's to 90 points as well as getting like results from other evaluations around the globe.  Priced between $13-$16.00, it is a fantastic purchase. I found this bottle at Costco in the Midwest.