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Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Not 2019 Lot #96
The Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir 2019 is a $14.99 Trader Joe’s exclusive from the vineyard(s) in the Santa Rita Hills AVA. Which is found inside the Santa Barbara County AVA in the southern section of California’s Central Coast AVA.
Santa Barbara County is situated one hundred miles north of Los Angeles in Southern California. It would be too hot for premium grape production, except the section where the vineyards are located jute out into the Pacific Ocean. There is an ocean to the north, south, and west, and those cool to cold ocean breezes allow Sanat Barbara to be a cooler growing region than much of Northern California.
Santa Rita Hills is about 12 miles inland from the water near the coastal mountains and has very chalky soil that is unique to the region. This is a top-notch Pinot Noir AVA. I do not know if you keep up with the current hot, trends expensive wines, but Sea Smoke is from the Santa Rita Hills.
So, the grapes seem to have impeccable credentials, so what is this Platinum Reserve wine all about. It is made by Bozzano and Company who make custom wine, lots of store brands, here is a link. It is a good business model if you are looking to start a wine business.
There is a trend for wine shops, supermarkets, and restaurant chains to have their own unique wine produced especially for their business. These companies contract for a certain type of wine, in a set quantity, and at a particular price range. They pay upfront, the selling of the wine is solely up to the purchasing company. The deal is neat and clean and as long as the wine company delivers a good product the relationship can last for years.
The Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir 2019 is another entry in Trader Joe’s current push to promote their wines in the $14.99 price range. The Fearless Flyer says the Platinum wines are equal to wine selling for twice and much and beyond.
A quick check of Santa Rita Hills prices shows wines from twenty five dollars to over one hundred bucks. But is $14.99 a good price for a sort of young (2019 vintage) no-name Pinot Noir? There are $50 2019 Santa Rita Hills Pinots on the market, but most current vintages have a year or two more bottle age.
A $14.99 wine is a fairly typical price in your local wine shop or even supermarket, but to is pushing the price envelope for Trader Joe’s wine. That is why I think this Pinot Noir may well be a legitimate bargain. If TJ’s is trying to get it’s customers acclimated to going above the $9.99 price level they need to make it worth our while.
They have gotten so good at offering fun, highly drinkable wines for bargain prices it will take some incentive to jump up in class. The Fearless Flyer mentions that this Pinot Noir has Cabernet Sauvignon-like qualities. The alcohol content is 14.4% which is stiff for a Pinot, so this Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir 2019 may be on the ripe side.
The bolder style of California Pinot Noir is popular and while I prefer the more classic style, I am always up for a wine that tastes good, so on to the tasting portion.
Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir 2019 Tasting Notes
The color is clear, clean, see-thru garnet red. The nose is ripe cherry and spice, along with a touch of vanilla, light molasses, and a floral edge. Not exactly classic Pinot Noir, but pleasing.
I am not sure I get what the Fearless Flyer was talking about with a Cabernet-like Pinot Noir, but I do notice the 14.4% alcohol content. A higher alcohol rating does not bother me, but there is more body than a classic California Pinot Noir.
It tastes of black cherry, black pepper, sharp spice. and ripe plum. The mid-palate brings on a touch of cream, tart cranberry, and a little Dr. Pepper (not sweet).
The Tannins are sweet, but part of the flavor profile. In value-price wine the tannins are often reduced, it is nice to them do their job with the Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir 2019. The acidity is balanced, it allows the flavors to unfold but otherwise stays in the background.
The Summary
- I am becoming a fan of the Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve series. they seem to be offering a wine that is equal to more expensive stuff at a more elevated than usual but still bargain price.
- If you like your Pinot Noir the more body and good flavor the Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir 2019 is a must-try.
