The 2007 Walker Napa Valley Red Blend is a $7.99 Aldi’s exclusive (don’t be scared, Aldi’s is the parent company of Trader Joe’s). If you see Napa Valley on the label, then at least 75% of the grapes were grown in Napa Valley. This wine was cellared and bottled (that means they didn’t grow the grapes or produce the wine, but they did age it for a time and bottled the wine) by UGWC, which is a division of Amicus Cellars/X Winery, a top notch producer. There are 2 things about this wine, 1) nobody ages a wine for 5 years, only to sell it for $7.99 and 2) nobody in Napa Valley intentionally produces a wine that sells for $7.99. So, there is an untold story behind this wine, a bankruptcy sale, a need for quick cash, a wine that didn’t turn out the way the winemaker intended? The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The color is a crystal clear strawberry jello red. The nose is strawberry, blueberry, french vanilla and spearmint chewing gum. A medium bodied red blend, silky upfront with a rough edge at the end. Fresh plums hit first, then a little strawberries in cream and milk chocolate. The mid palate brings some cassis, a touch of toned down Altoids spice and final slap of pomegranate. The tannins give you a little bite on the finish, nothing out of hand, just enough to let you know they are there. The finish is fairly full and lasts a pretty long time.
Well, this is a good thing, for years beer lovers could find something interesting to drink at all sorts of places, even the 24 hour Stop and Shop has a micro brew or an interesting mainstream 6 pack, but until recently, wine lovers were limited to where they could shop. So now, instead of being stuck with options like Yellow Tail or Turning Leaf, there are crazy cool inexpensive bottles worth drinking available at unexpected places.
It is a shame this is a bankruptcy sell. I love this wine. For me, if a wine still taste good a few days after opening, its a good wine. This is one of those few.
One of the best red wines in the price range. i am stocking up so I wont run out. This is a keeper, Love love love this wine.
Folks – On 23rd of February 2013, I just paid 9.99 at Aldi’s for this red wine. Domaine Dave’s description or characterization of the notes and aftertaste are spot-on – especially comparison to Altoids Spiced mints.
Amicus refers to a friend of the court, typically an executor of sort when companies / assets go into receivership. So, I’d imagine its a bankruptcy that allows for the great price on a nice little bottle of red. Aldi for $9.99.