The 2010 Trader Joe’s Petit Reserve Napa Valley Rose’ is a complete mystery wine, the label does not tell which grape was used to produce this Rose’. They did think it was important to tell you that the grapes were grown in Napa Valley. The only reason I can think of for withholding the type of grape is if we knew what grape was used we might be able to tell who made the wine and the Winemaker does not want to be found out. Or maybe they just forgot to put the name of grape on the label, what can you expect for $5.99. The alcohol content is 13.6%.
The color is strawberry Kool-Aide. The nose is raspberry and Anjou pear with a bit of orange juice. A very dry Rose’, maybe a touch too dry. It tastes like a strawberry version of a Torrontes grown at high elevation, equal parts tart fruit and acidity, with a stiff slap of minerality following thing up. A strawberry Torrontes is not necessarily a bad thing. The finish shows too much acidity and minerality to be considered tasty.
If you are new to Rose’ wines, I wouldn’t start with the Trader Joe’s Petit Reserve Napa Valley Rose’. But, if you’re the adventurous type who digs Trader Joe’s cheap, crazy mystery wines, then give TJ’s Napa Valley Whatever Grape Rose’ a try, weird and cheap ain’t bad on a tuesday night.
