Drops of Jupiter, California Red Wine - Save Me, San Francisco Wine Co.

On the Label: Hey all. It's Jimmy Stafford here - from the band Train. Inspired by all the great friends we've met on tour, we created this fruit-forward red blend, full of boysenberry fruit and soft, smooth tannins. Just as the song Drops of Jupiter strikes a chord with so many, this wine is a crowd-pleaser. Perfect on its own and also with barbecued chicken, pizza, or spaghetti bolognese. Enjoy!
www.savemesanfrancisco.com

2013 Drops of Jupiter...aye aye aye aye!

Winey Girl says: Well, is it good with deep-fried chicken?! This name begs the question! I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the bottle - it truly is fruit forward, which means it's still slightly sweet and fruity. It's a 2013, so that's young for a red. Was I disappointed? No way! It's still very good, and it's pretty great that Train has this wine company that supports the families of seriously ill children. That's using your fame and passion for the common good - and passion, Train has! I am sure that as they develop their offerings, their passion will show through more and more in their vintage. It's got the smell I love, and at 13.5% alcohol content, this value-priced bottle is super heady! Kroger had it on sale for $9.79, and that's a mighty nice price for this bottle, worthy of taking as a hostess gift - especially one who loves Train's hip and trendy San Francisco music. I can think of several of my Cal gal pals who would cherish a bottle of this! One last word - I can just taste this with some Stilton - maybe some Trader Joe's Lemon or Apricot... Deelish!

Gonna leave you with some more from Jimmy, himself... https://youtu.be/jRfnQlBWBwU

Red Winey Rating: 3 stars

Affectionately yours until next wine, Winey Girl

Grifone Rose Italian Wine Profumato e Fruttato

On the label: Grifone Rose is made through the traditional skin contact method - during the fermentation the grape skins are left in contact with the pressed juice until our winemaker is happy with the color. The wine is then transferred to another tank to finish the fermentation process. This classic method combines the fragrant scents of white wine and the elegant freshness of a young red wine. Our Grifone Rose is crisp and intense with fragrant aromas of raspberries and peaches, flavors of tangerine zest and watermelon with a hint of sweet white flowers and a crystalline minerality to round out the flavor profile, serve chilled.

Winey Girl Says: It has taken me a couple of bottles, not by myself, of course, and several days to
come up with what I think about this wine. Unlike it's pretty color, I have no real clarity on my opinion, other than it's "nice." I loathe that non-descriptive word. Says nothing. So, as I think about what my taste demands, I remind myself it was a deal at $4.99 - special for the Easter weekend at Trader Joe's. That store entrances me. From the moment you walk in to store through the well-selected flowers it screams "BUY EVERYTHING YOUR BASKET WILL HOLD!" 11:45 am, and the wine guy was easily talked into tasting this Rose, which he proclaimed was not quite cold enough yet. He was right - if the bottle were $12, I would have left it there, but it wasn't, and I bought a case for the Easter dinner. Back at home, the room was divided on this wine. Yes, there was enough for everyone, it was free (to them) so everyone had a glass, and it was pleasant enough. In a room full of wine drinkers, this Grifone didn't get rave reviews. In fact, it really didn't get much response at all. I liked it, and had another glass, but then heartburn set in. Though I know Rose lacks the smooth qualities of a true red, I guess this Rose's "crystalline minerality" ruled the day. I love dry wines, but I need a little help with the harshness this one offered. Tums it was. On opening a bottle last night, I wasn't impressed at all. Decision made. Not my favorite, but it was light, and I am sure I will enjoy the other bottles blended with ice and raspberry ginger ale. (Think blended, by the pool.) This is definitely a wine to serve when you want to impress (color) but don't have the cash. It looked beautiful with pink plates and polka dot napkins. Nobody complained as they sipped it with their ham, turkey, and ambrosia. Mission accomplished.

If you've never heard of Trader Joe's, check them out at http://www.traderjoes.com/. It's a fun experience, and if you love the marketing aspect like I do, you'll want one of these in your back yard!
Also, TJ's is a great place to try everyday, affordable wine. Their tasting booths are bare bones but fun and they hire only the most congenial people - refreshing in today's "me" market. This sounds more like a Trader Joe review, but I bought an assortment, so stay tuned!

Rose Winey Rating: 3 stars

Affectionately yours until next wine, Winey Girl