Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands 2016

Santa Lucia Highlands AVA is located within Monterrey County. The vineyards are on terraces in the Santa Lucia Mountains above the Salinas River Valley where cool morning fog and breezes from Monterrey Bay are followed by warm afternoons. This creates a climate that is well suited to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah.

Trader Joe's Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands is a very dark purple-black color. Flavors noted are cherry, black cherry, raspberry and cola. There are dusty tannins finishing with a lot of oak. The wine has 14.5% alcohol.

I found this to be a great Pinot Noir starting with rich fruit and finishing with a little bite, making it suitable for pairing with a variety of foods from grilled chicken to prime rib. It is one of the best Pinot Noirs that I have tried this year.

SC Wine Joe rating = 90 points

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