Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Pinot Noir Carneros 2013 Lot #23

The Carneros AVA includes parts of Napa County and Sonoma County. It stretches from south of Sonoma Valley to south of Napa Valley, north of San Pablo Bay. Fog and breezes from the bay create a cooler climate suitable for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Pinot Noir Carneros is featured in the latest Fearless Flyer. The wine is a medium dark cherry color and I did not detect much aroma in the glass. The flavor is more complex, more acidic, less cherry and more blackberry than some pinots. There is some soft oak into the finish. The alcohol content is 13.8%. All in all, this is a very good pinot noir that is $12.99 at Trader Joe's.

SC Wine Joe rating = 89 points

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