Revisiting a Trader Joe’s classic after many years leaves us unimpressed, but can the low cost make up for it? The Chariot Gypsy red blend.
A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties (including some Mega Purple I’m sure) from California.
The Chariot Gypsy is available exclusively at Trader Joe’s and sells for just $4.99. It appears to be made by Vintage Wine Estates just like the Tribunal Red Blend.
Gypsy Chariot Red is a memorable mélange of Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and a proprietary red blend that we have promised the gypsy we would never reveal. Think bright aromas and silky flavors of plum and cherry with hints of toasted oak and vanilla. Do we see a big juicy steak in your future to pair with? Or perhaps burgers, pizza, pasta, short ribs, soups, braises, barbeque… the possibilities are endless. Not magic. Just winemaking.
Vinted and Bottled by Chariot Wines
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Today, after a long time away (we last reviewed the 2009 vintage) we return to check out this Trader Joe’s classic. In fact, I would go so far as to say that back in the day this was an almost legendary wine that helped elevate Trader Joe’s beyond Two Buck Chuck. Very early vintages of this wine were even compared to $50 bottles!
By the time we had reviewed the 2009 vintage, the quality had already fallen off significantly from this legendary level. It really doesn’t appear to be any different today although that doesn’t mean this is a bad wine, after all it is only $4.99 so the bar is set pretty low. Let’s check it out.
The 2018 Chariot Gypsy opens with aromas of red fruit, plum, sweet spice and a little vanilla.
Tasting the wine reveals similar flavors to the nose, slightly sweet in mouth, with more red fruit. It’s easy to drink but lacking depth.
There’s not much of a finish but hey it’s only $4.99. And thanks to that extremely low price this one squeaks out a Recommended Buy on our rating scale.
You can also find more of our favorite red blends here.
