Old Moon Zinfandel 2005

nat-the-cat

One of those renamed Trader Joe's specials. Very tasty, affordable and drinkable. I'll be back for more.

Tasting Tags: balanced chewy raisin raisins

Old Moon Zinfandel 2005

carolineoncrack

When I went to Trader Joe's in search of a good, cheap Zin, the wine guy there pulled out a bottle of this wine. Splitting it with friends that night, we were all pleasantly surprised because it tasted pretty decent for something so cheap. Went well with the spicy dinner we had.

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Old Moon Zinfandel 2005

crispyrice

So smooth. And the price can't be beat.

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Old Moon Zinfandel 2005

factoryjoe

Full and meaty, definitely a strong taste of old raisins.

Tasting Tags: raisin

Old Moon Zinfandel 2005

annapt

Tasting Tags: peppery spicy

Old Moon Zinfandel 2005

lazuli

Harsh nose, acidic taste, and a sweetness that is not balanced by any more complex or interesting flavors.

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Old Moon Zinfandel 2005

bostonben

Old Moon is yet another really cheap, exclusive offering from Trader Joe's that for the time being parades around under an independent label. However, TJ's has been rebranding with a fury over the last several years: the infamous Charles Shaw line is being rebranded as "Trader Joe's - Charles Shaw Blend," and there are already a number of "Trader Joe's Chilean" varietals on the shelf. How long before we're drinking $3.50/bottle Trader Giotto's Chianti? Trader Jose's Rioja? Trader Gunther's Riesling?

Unofortunately, like lots of TJ's Vino, the varietal labeling seems a bit of an anachronism: there's really no way to identify this wine as a Zinfandel, and it has none of the Zinny attributes you'd be looking for. No fruit bomb, no juice so thick you could spread it on a piece of toast, no dark berry. This is actually a pretty light wine, it has almost no nose, and not much of an impact on the palate. The body and finish taste exactly like Tetley tea bags! Imagine you brew yourself a cup of generic black tea, tip it back, and accidentally swallowed the bag. This is exactly what lingers in your mouth.

It isn't awful, but it really isn't good and true Zinfandel fans are liable to feel some wine rage. Best when drunk at a distance!

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Old Moon Zinfandel 2005

kabbagehead

Good grief, what do some of you Zinheads want for 7 bucks? I find this wine to be a bargain, and as good or better than the lowest level Cline, Rancho, and even Rosenblum. I think that's the fair way to compare this wine: Is it as good or better than some of the big boys' cheapest wines? Then answer is yes. This is a full mouthful of grapes, pepper, and hints of cherry. This last bottle, I should say, was better than the last one I bought. Moderate acidity. Good stuff at a good price! This is one of those wines that will impress your friends, especially when you tell them what you paid.

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Old Moon Zinfandel 2005

maidenmidwife

Faintly spicy nose. Plum and black cherry flavors. Medium bodied.

Tasting Tags: medium spicy