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Trader Joe's Platinum Reserve Meritage Yountville Napa Valley 2013 Lot #82

Trader Joe's is currently selling three Platinum Reserve wines from Yountville, Napa Valley - Meritage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.  All are selling for the usual Platinum Reserve price of $14.99 and the current Fearless Flyer features the Meritage and the Cabernet Sauvignon.

From the label, we know that this Meritage is made from grapes picked four years ago in 2013 which was an outstanding vintage in Napa Valley for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes.  We also know that the alcohol content is shown as an above average 14.9%.  We know that the Meritage is made from Bordeaux grapes but we do not know the blend.  (The Fearless Flyer mentions only Cabernet Franc and Merlot but I think that is not correct.  I am sure there is ample Cabernet Sauvignon in this wine.)

Yountville is in the southern portion of Napa Valley where the cool air and fog from San Pablo Bay begins to dissipate.  The milder temperatures lead to red wines with a softer profile than other portions of Napa Valley to the north and east.  The region has a patchwork of soil types leading to a variety of flavors.

This is a fantastic red blend wine.  I taste dark berries, plum, vanilla and earth on the palate with a finish of ample soft tannins.  When I find a wine this good for $15, I am thrilled.  I have already gone back to Trader Joe's for more.  I will follow up soon with a review of the Platinum Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville.

SC Wine Joe rating = 92 points




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