Purple Moon

This is a 4 dollar Trader Joes Shiraz. Fruity and mild with a great after taste. Great with burgers or as a night cap.

La Granja Tempranillo

So first let me say this; after opening the bottle let it sit for a while, if you are in need of instant gratification have a bottle of the Little Penguin Cabernet Sauvignon–Shiraz handy, drink that, then return to this Tempranillo later. if you follow my instructions you will be very pleased. This wine was $3.99 a Trader Joe's and at that price you could buy a case. Here is what the winemaker has to say about their wine:

"La Granja means in Spanish "the farm 360" it is located in a traditional temper in the low great wine growing region in the north of Spain. The little piggy is flying because it expresses a song which the Spanish children sing when somebody has asked for something which is impossible to realize, has a dream or says something absurd. And every day drinking soft rounded juicy red wine, with rich ripe raspberry flavors. A great match to barbecue roasted pork chops, spareribs, sausages, and grilled vegetables and cheeses."

Makulu: Earthy and yummy!

It is nothing short of amazing that I am enjoying a wonderful Cabernet that came halfway around the world from Africa and it only cost me $3.99 at Trader Joe's! The winemakers have this to say about their wine, “the Zulu word Makulu means 'big' and this range of wines certainly live up to the name. Makulu Wines originates from the heart of the Western Cape where a combination of ideal soil and dynamic conditions provide grapes of great character and quality.

With a nose of ripe dark berry fruit and a hint of fresh pepper, this classic South African Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied on the palate. Best enjoyed with barbecue, steak or roasted leg of lamb.”

What I liked about this wine is that it was unique. It had some earthy qualities (I don't mean it tastes like dirt) that seem to cause it to taste better with every sip. While I am sure that it would taste great with the recommended meats it also tastes great with chicken cacciatore.