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Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Merlot Dry Creek Valley 2013

Trader Joe's previously saved their silver/gray colored labels for Grand Reserve wines that exceeded the quality of the black labeled Grand Reserve wines.  They priced these wines at $14.99 ($2 more than the black label Grand Reserve wines) and the label identified the wines as "Platinum Grand Reserve".  Although I was a big fan of the wines, they apparently were not a big hit with their customers.  I liked most of those wines and have even saved one for more than a year waiting for a special occasion to break it open. 

After about a year, Trader Joe's has now again started selling wines with that siver/gray label.  One of these is the Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Merlot Dry Creek Valley Sonoma County 2013.  What is different from a year ago, is that the label no longer says "Platinum" Grand Reserve and the price is $12.99 which is the same as the black label Grand Reserve wines.

Now, I know you could care less about the color of the label, the word "Platinum" or maybe not even the $2 price differential.  You read this blog to find out if the wine is any good.  Well, I hope this does not disappoint you, but the wine is not all that good.  It is not worth the $12.99 price and I hope that you read this before putting a bottle in your cart.  There is little fruit flavor and the limited flavor is mildly bitter.  There are some tannins but the finish is not long lasting or pleasant.

Although $12.99 is not a high price to pay for Sonoma County Merlot, it is at the higher end for Trader Joe's and that definitely enters into my numerical rating.

SC Wine Joe rating = 86 points


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