Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Cabernet Franc Napa Valley 2013 Lot #73

Cabernet Franc is one of the Bordeaux grapes. It is one of the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon and it usually results in wines that are lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, Cabernet Franc is most often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in Meritage or similar blends. In the eastern US, from North Carolina and Virginia to New York, Cabernet Franc often results in wines that are superior to other red grapes.

Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Cabernet Franc comes from the Napa Valley with an alcohol content of 14.1%. The wine should definitely be opened well before drinking. The color of the wine is dark violet, similar to a typical Merlot. After an hour, the taste is an intense, pleasing dark fruit flavor but as you swallow, the finish has very harsh tannins. Even with red meat, the finish could detract from the initial flavors.

As with all Trader Joe's Grand Reserve wines, the bottle costs $12.99 and I think there are better options in this price range.

SC Wine Joe rating = 87 points.

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