Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Merlot Stags Leap District Napa Valley 2013 Lot #70

The Stags Leap District is a portion of Napa Valley, located east of Yountville along the Silverado Trail. Stags Leap is very hot during the day with cool breezes at night. It has ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and 80% of the grapes are Cabernet and Merlot.

Anytime I can buy Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot from the Stags Leap District for less than $20, I am all over it. The Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Wines (black label) are often great values for their $12.99 price, so I could not wait to uncork this wine.

This Grand Reserve Merlot is a lighter, softer Merlot. While there are underlying flavors of licorice and possibly chocolate, the fruit flavors are subdued. The finish is dry and long lasting but somewhat tart. All in all, I was disappointed in this wine and can find better wines to buy in this category.

SC Wine Joe rating = 86 points

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