FOOD LEAGUE

After many a conversation with Trader Joe’s “wine stewards,” I have some advice for customers of TJ’s wine section. I put wine stewards in quotes because, while most of them are knowledgeable about wine, they have little/no choice in choosing the wines they offer. Follow these rules at TJ’s and you will end up with a tastier bottle:

1.  Never buy wines labeled Trader’s Joe Exclusive. If they are only sold at TJ’s, it is almost guaranteed they are complete crap. The exception to this is often TJ’s own wine priced $10 and under, which is often organic, and at least gulpable. A wine steward told me this exactly and my experience agrees.

2.  The “wine steward’s selections” will differ from store to store, but they are usually the best bet for moderately priced and tasty wines. (more…)

After days of unsuccessful brainstorming about our New Year’s Eve plans, we decided to be kind of lame and do a beer tasting. We selected four Oregon beers, two California beers, and two Canadian beers by Unibroue from Quebec. All of them were tasty, but there were some clear standouts.  Listed in order of tasted.

Brown Shugga Ale – Lagunitas Brewing – Petaluma California – 9.84% alcohol – $10/6 pack

It is nearly unbelievable that this beer is almost 10% alcohol. Tastes like a rich brown ale at first, but by the finish you are drenched in “boatloads,” as the Lagunitas web site describes it, of pure brown sugar. So smooth it was hard for us to put down. Grant described it as having a similar “warmth” as barley wine. Wouldn’t mind sipping this after dinner like a dessert wine. Highly recommended.

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Our parents got in late for Christmas this year because of a blizzard so I had to wait an extra two days to pop these open. Believe it or not, I have been attempting to diversify my taste for northwest wines that are not pinot noir (who knew there were so many?). I have to say, they didn’t disappoint and I think everyone else enjoyed them as well. Who says northwest wine can’t deliver for under $20?

Haden Fig – 2008 pinot noir – Willamette Valley - blended from five sustainably, organically, and biodynamically farmed vineyards

$18.99 at Pastaworks, also available at Cork Bottle Shop

One of the tastiest Oregon pinot noirs under $20 I have ever had. Haden Fig is a new winery that is currently using Russ Raney’s place at Evesham to make their wines. I have to admit that the label was the first thing that caught my eye, but after hearing good reviews from others, I had to pick up a bottle. Haden Fig’s website describes it as “dark berry fruit, well-balanced acidity, and subtle spice,” which I think is pretty damn accurate. Couldn’t stop drinking it. Let this open up in the glass for a couple minutes before drinking. (more…)