While Target has made a name for themselves in general retail, and they have launched their own series of wines which were released on March 3rd 2019. The new Target wines retail at $9.99 and are named ‘The Collection,’ which include a Rose, Pinot Grigio, a Chardonnay, a red blend and their Cabernet Sauvignon. Target notes that their labels are inspired by the winemaking process as the wines are made for them by Delicato Family Vineyards. While I have never had Delicato Family Vineyards wines, after this reviewing this set of new releases I might want to stand clear.
After trying these wines I found it a bit concerning that in their news release Target note that these are new ‘premium’ wines. None of these new wines resemble anything that would be deemed by a wine writer or wine reviewer ‘premium.’ This labeling is unfortunately deceptive to the consumer.
The wines are sourced from a host of vintages from 2016 to 2017 and what is even more unfortunate is that we have no idea where these wines are sourced from either the wine’s label or website. Delicato’s website mentions that “The winery harvests grapes from Napa, Lodi, Monterey and Sonoma” but they do not specify where each wine is from, or the percentages from each county. I find it more alarming to the consumer based on the content on the back of each wine label which reads “The Collection combines the best of carefully harvested grapes and perfectly balanced wines, bringing together a delicate compilation of pure winemaking artistry.” Each new Target wine states exactly that. I would say that labelling these back label contentions as falsehoods would be quite generous. After sampling the wines it is very clear that each wine is nowhere near ‘perfectly balanced’ and none of the wines exude ‘pure winemaking artistry.’
I am very fortunate to review gobs of beautiful wines from around the world but I would say that I would be hard pressed to recommend any of these wines when you consider the bevy of really good wines available on the retail market for $9.99. The red wines, in particular, are quite saccharin-driven and devoid of actual varietal character or flavor typicity — not exactly ‘pure winemaking artistry’ as their label contends. Here are my reviews of the new Target wines, which they call The Collection.’
2017 The Collection Rose- This Rose starts off with aromas of orange zest with burnt rubber tones alongside sweetened cherry. The palate has very little to offer in terms of flavor with light rose water and red fruit tones. Enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2019-2021- 84
2017 The Collection Pinot Grigio- This Pinot Grigio offers near to nothing on the nose with the faintest of citrus tones. The palate shows a good mineral backbone but offers very limited white grape juice flavors. Drink 2019-2021- 84
2017 The Collection Chardonnay- The nose reminds of be buttered popcorn and lighter brioche tones. While there is a mineral backing the wine has saccharin driven tree fruit flavors that come off entirely cloying. Not recommended. Drink 2019-2021- 83
2017 The Collection Red Wine- Welches grape juice and dark berries mark the nose. The palate comes off exceedingly sweet, with very little complexity or actual flavor. Not recommended. Drink 2019-2021- 80
2016 The Collection Cabernet Sauvignon- There is a good sense of dark fruits and chocolate that fill the nose. Quite wet upon entry, the wine shows some sweet pipe tobacco and dark fruit flavors that are out of balance with the sugary mid-palate. Not recommended. Drink 2019-2022- 83