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Trader Joes Reserve Zinfandel Paso Robles 2012 Lot 84

When you think of Zinfandel, Paso Robles may not be the first region in California to come to mind.  However, the hot days and cool nights along with well drained soils are well suited to Zinfandel vines and Paso Robles produces a lot of well balanced Zin. 

The latest Trader Joes Fearless Flyer features the 2012 Paso Robles Reserve Zinfandel.  The flyer says the grapes are estate grown on land of the winemakers, which the bottle identifies as Familia Nueva Vineyards, Creston Ca.  Of course, this is a name used to hide the real producers, which some say is Ancient Peaks Winery.  The bottle states the wine has juicy raspberry, boysenberry and black cherry notes leading to vanilla, oak and spice notes with a smooth jammy finish.  My wife, our friends and I thought this was a good description.  We found the wine to be not as big and heavy as some zins but more substantial than other zins.  The wine has 14.5% A.C. and the alcohol did not overpower the fruit.  At $9.99, we judged the wine to be an excellent value.  I expect this wine to be available for only a few weeks.  The wine would pair nicely with the pizza also featured in this months flyer.

SC Wine Joe Rating = 88


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