Recently, Heinen’s was running a special on wine, and I was intrigued. Mostly by the price, because I’m a cheapskate.
THIS DYNAMIC BLEND IS A FULL FLAVORED, SMOOTH RED THAT DELIVERS A BURST OF RIPE BERRY, BLACK SPICE, AND MAPLE NOTES. IT IS AS DELICIOUS AS IT IS MEMORABLE.
Memorable, yes. Delicious, not so much.
On first pour, I could detect a familiar scent, but couldn’t quote put my finger on it. It was not a typical fruity red aroma, so I was puzzled for a bit. Until the next night, after I’d made waffles for dinner. That aroma was pancake syrup! That’s an aroma that does not belong in red wine. Upon a re-read of the label, I now see the “maple notes”. This was definitely not maple. This was good ol’ Aunt Jemima.
Thick and syrupy, with an overwhelming pancake syrup aroma and flavor. Blech. Now I know why Heinen’s was trying to unload the stuff at a quarter of its original retail price. It’s awful. There should never be “natural flavors” or “caramel color” added to wine. Just terrible. Who is the winemaker? Willy Wonka?
It made me say, “WOW! This is awful”.
Another awful selection? Firecracker’s White blend. Tastes like pineapple-flavored corn syrup, accented heavily with Sweet Tarts. Just terrible. I want my $8.00 back (that was for two bottles). Not a bargain at all.
Life at Goal 
Are you telling me that someone claims Firecracker had an original retail price of $16 per bottle?
I don’t recall the exact “regular price”, but yes, it was somewhere in the neighborhood of $15-$16. What a scam!
I used to like a lot of what Heinen’s sold. (And I do notice that they’re opening a store in downtown Cleveland. Good for them!)
But from what I read lately about Heinen’s, I’d rather be living in the Capital District.
I don’t know what you’re reading, but Heinen’s is by far the best grocery store around here. They just remodeled all of their stores and they are fantastic. Their selection is pretty awesome.
The other stores around here (Giant Eagle, Marc’s) quite honestly suck.