The next time you’re looking for a bottle that punches above its price, consider one of these five finds at Trader Joe’s. This sparkling rosé is lush and balanced, with notes of raspberry and light-but-rich red fruit shining through. Sips almost have a touch of creamy mouthfeel. This wine is a charming sparkler made for both summer heat and side kicking small bites before a meal. When bottles are iced, and you’re with a crowd, expect to go through a few. Right after uncorking, this wine seems harsh and tannic. After a few minutes, it mellows out into another wine entirely. It is simply giant, blaring flavors of dark stone fruit, but with softer fruits like strawberry. It also has a touch of smoke and some fennel spice on the end. If you like a red with a big, distinct personality, give this one a try. That aroma carries over to flavor. The fruitiness is deep, smooth, and rounded, with a little bit of a peppery tingle. There isn’t much to distract from the plummy goodness. The wine is pretty one-dimensional, but that one dimension is long and very nicely expressed. If you like Zinfandel, this is a good one for the price.
