Trader Joe's previously saved their silver/gray colored labels for Grand Reserve wines that exceeded the quality of the black labeled Grand Reserve wines. They priced these wines at $14.99 ($2 more than the black label Grand Reserve wines) and the label identified the wines as "Platinum Grand Reserve". Although I was a big fan of the wines, they apparently were not a big hit with their customers. I liked most of those wines and have even saved one for more than a year waiting for a special occasion to break it open.
After about a year, Trader Joe's has now again started selling wines with that siver/gray label. One of these is the Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Merlot Dry Creek Valley Sonoma County 2013. What is different from a year ago, is that the label no longer says "Platinum" Grand Reserve and the price is $12.99 which is the same as the black label Grand Reserve wines.
Now, I know you could care less about the color of the label, the word "Platinum" or maybe not even the $2 price differential. You read this blog to find out if the wine is any good. Well, I hope this does not disappoint you, but the wine is not all that good. It is not worth the $12.99 price and I hope that you read this before putting a bottle in your cart. There is little fruit flavor and the limited flavor is mildly bitter. There are some tannins but the finish is not long lasting or pleasant.
Although $12.99 is not a high price to pay for Sonoma County Merlot, it is at the higher end for Trader Joe's and that definitely enters into my numerical rating.
SC Wine Joe rating = 86 points
After about a year, Trader Joe's has now again started selling wines with that siver/gray label. One of these is the Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Merlot Dry Creek Valley Sonoma County 2013. What is different from a year ago, is that the label no longer says "Platinum" Grand Reserve and the price is $12.99 which is the same as the black label Grand Reserve wines.
Now, I know you could care less about the color of the label, the word "Platinum" or maybe not even the $2 price differential. You read this blog to find out if the wine is any good. Well, I hope this does not disappoint you, but the wine is not all that good. It is not worth the $12.99 price and I hope that you read this before putting a bottle in your cart. There is little fruit flavor and the limited flavor is mildly bitter. There are some tannins but the finish is not long lasting or pleasant.
Although $12.99 is not a high price to pay for Sonoma County Merlot, it is at the higher end for Trader Joe's and that definitely enters into my numerical rating.
SC Wine Joe rating = 86 points
Comments
Post a Comment