Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Napa Valley Meritage 2012 Lot# 63

I have now had two great Trader Joe's wines in one week. TJ's Grand Reserve Napa Valley Meritage 2012 and the previously reviewed Platinum Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain.

Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Napa Valley Meritage 2012 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (62%), Merlot (12%), Petit Verdot (10%), Malbec (9%) and Cabernet Franc (7%) aged for 20 months in oak. This is a juicy rich blend of blackberry, plum, and blueberry flavors with a hint of chocolate and caramel and well balanced tannins. The finish is long and lingering. The wine has an alcohol content of 14.6%.

I noticed at my store, there were 2011 and 2012 vintages together on the shelf. 2012 was a highly rated growing season in California and my experience has been that the wines are superior to 2011 wines. I would make sure that I have the 2012. The cost is $12.99 per bottle.

SC Wine Joe rating = 90 points

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