Posts Tagged ‘cheap red wine’

Charles Shaw – 2 Buck Chuck – wines just sold the 400 millionth bottle of the $1.99 wine.

Sounds like a Frugal Wine to me.

Their one high speed line can bottle twice the amount of the entire Napa Valley.

Picture below is a case of the most Frugal Wine you can get. A $1.99 a bottle of 2 Buck Chuck Merlot. It’s actually ok (sorta)  if you get a good case. At some locations it is up to $3.99 per bottle.

However the “Cellared and Bottled by Charles Shaw Winery, Napa CA” leads many to believe it’s Napa Valley wine when actually that’s just where it’s cellared and bottled. The case/bottles we viewed did not have the Napa name on them. Seems this was resolved in a court case that went all the way to the Supreme Court.

Not all the grapes are from Napa. California law requires that any wine labeled with the Napa Appelation have at least 75% Napa grapes in them.

These Charles shaw two Buck Chuck wines come in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. They are labeled as blends with no info on the source of the grapes or the percentage of what grapes are using in the blends.

Two Buck Chuck reviewed.

Not going to report tasting notes on these 2 Buck Chuck wines – blends. I will just say they are drinkable and can serve as an inexpensive table wine for daily use for those on a budget. Typically unremarkable.

That said…

The press has given many of them good reviews, they have won some awards and they have definitely developed a cult following.

Right now I’m sipping Chateau Ste Michelle Merlot Columbia Valley 2004 Washington State at $11 on sale, usually $13. Is it 5 to 6 times better than the Charles Shaw Merlot? No. Is it better? Yes but not $9 better.

and that’s where I think the Two Buck Chuck brand shines in value.

Still if you try different brands you can easily get a good bottle of Merlot like Alterra or 3 Blind Moose for $9.99 that is 6 times better than the Two Buck Chuck Merlot. Also better than the Chateau Ste Michelle. You just have to try different apellations, brands and shop around.

You may get lucky and get a very good case of Charles Shaw. From looking at reviews and heated forum debates it seems consitency or lack of plays a large part.

Hate it or love it the Charles Shaw brand sold exclusively at Trader Joes grocery stores has shook up the wine world.

This article about it all is an excellent readCharles Shaw The Two Buck Truck controversy.

Finally Gary Vaynerchuck Reviews Them All as Only he can do!

The Frugal Wino

Frugal Wine Review

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You Choose The Wine Review

Well not the next published one. We are a bit behind. Too much drinking and not enough writing.

There are 8 reviews ready to be posted and one video review waiting to be uploaded. You can see some at the On The Table Page on our main site.

Then… we will review the wine with the most votes in the Poll to your left.

Decided to keep it themed with vanity type labels or at least unusual names.

So far the only two wines we have liked with unusual lables have been 3 Blind Moose Merlot & Menage a Trois Red

Unfortunately The HRM Rex Goliath met up with the Wine Assassin.

The Frugal Wino

Frugal Wine Review

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Love the cocoa aroma you pick up from a freshly uncorked bottle of Two Vines Vineyard 10 Red Wine from Columbia Crest Washington State 2005.

A very likable Red blend predominately of Syrah, Sangiovese & Cabernet Sauvignon. This one is schedule for a video review and was suggested by Jennifer.

Want to make a suggestion for review or submit a review?

Visit our submit a review page or join as a guest author.

The Frugal Wino

Frugal Wine Review

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Menage a Trois California Red Review

Vintner Folie A Duex Winery, St.Helena, Napa County California. Alcohol 13.5% by volume $8.99 to $12.99

Website www.menageatroiswines.com

Fact sheet > http://www.folieadeux.com/pdf/factsheets/MAT_Red_07_FS.pdf

We visited this winery, the host and people their were very entertaining, out going and just plain fun. Like the wine.

Wine makers Notes: Our 2007 Ménage à Trois exposes the fresh, ripe, jam like fruit that is the calling card of California wine. Forward, silky and soft, this delicious dalliance makes the perfect accompaniment for grilled meats or chicken.

Around the web

Cheap & Very tasty

You will not be disappointed a crowd pleaser.

Perfect for parties

Yummy spicy my favorite

Incredibly drinkable

Unbelievably boring

Our Take on this inexpensive “Frugal” Red Wine

Watch the video review below. Another Impromptu Midnight Pajama Review

Product Shot & Label

Cheers,

The Frugal Wino

Frugal Wine Review

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