Trader Joe's alert: $19 Brunello di Montalcino

[SteveTimko]

I haven't tried it, but on the Squires wine board they talked about the 2001 Trambusti Brunello di Montalcino being offered at Trader Joe's. We've had threads in the past about great wine deals at Trader Joe's so I thought I'd pass this one along.

http://dat.erobertparker.com/bboard/s...

[Robert Lauriston]

I don't think I've ever had a decent Italian wine from TJ's.

[ambaudry]

I bought two bottles (at different times), and both were corked! Put me off of trying a third time... Plus, even looking beyond the TCA problem, the wine seemed pretty lackluster to begin with (bottle #2 was only slightly tainted). Hope someone else has better luck.

[monkuboy]

Did TJ's give you a refund? I bought a bottle today from the San Gabriel location - hope this one is ok. They had a case standing up on the shelf.

[MC Slim JB]

I would love for this wine to be great, but every time I'm tempted by a Brunello that retails for less than about $60, I end up disappointed, usually by the wine's thinness and lack of structure. They're not always terrible wines, but neither do they remind you of what makes Brunello great. I'd love to hear someone else tell me this one's worthwhile, but I've pretty much given up on the notion of a decent budget Brunello.

[Bradford]

I haven't tried the TJ Brunello, but the $12 Amarone was bad. I didn't think to ask for a refund.