I'm a fan of last year's Chariot Gypsy Wine 2008; it's a robust red wine blend produced by California wine maker Jim Neal under the Chariot Gypsy label exclusively for Trader Joe's. It has a bit of a cult following, with some reason. You can see my review of last year's Chariot Gypsy 2008. I'm less enthusiastic about their new California Chariot Gypsy white 2009, which I wrote about here. I was watching for this year's Chariot Gypsy red 2009 to appear at Trader Joe's, and when I saw it in late February, I grabbed a bottle.

The 2009 Chariot Gypse red is still $4.99 a bottle, and the day I picked up a bottle I saw other people buying cases. While it's a decent bottle, it's a bit too sweet for me. Beyond fruit-forward, this year's Chariot Gypsy is downright jammy. It's not bad, it's just not to my taste. Last year's red was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Sangiovese. This year's is 34% Zinfandel, 30% Cab Sauv, 16% Petite Sirah, 15% Merlot, 4% Sangiovese. I think perhaps the emphasis on the Zinfandel and Merlot is partly responsible for my admittedly idiosyncratic reaction. Although I did like last year's, I'll bypass the 2009 Chariot Gypsy in favor of Trader Joe's La Granja 360 Tempranillo Garnacha Cariñena at $3.99.

For some other reactions, see Jason's typically thorough coverage of the 2009 Chariot Gypsy here. Jason's take on this year's wine was quite different from mine. My impressions are more in line with this review from Beards and Bellies.