Trader Joe's Reserve Meritage Paso Robles 2011 Lot#76

I had great expectations for this wine. I always love meritage blends and the TJ's Reserve Zinfandel Paso Robles was a treat (this wine is from the same producers). With great anticipation, I opened the bottle and poured a glass. I took a wiff but did not get much. I took a sip and did not get very much. I let it sit for an hour and it was a lot better, but not better on the finish. After more than an hour, the taste was pretty good but the finish was bitter with harsh tanins. I finally switched to another wine to go with dinner.

The label promises notes of black raspberry(I am not sure what that is), black cherry with hints of chocolate and coffee. I did not note any of that, but I am not that good at that game.

The wine is from the Paso Robles area in the central coast of California. The A.C. is 13.6%. There is no clue about the blend of grapes in this meritage.

I think Trader Joe's missed on this wine and the SC Wine Joe rating is 86.

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