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The Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Saint-Emilion 2022 is a 414.99 Trader Joe’s import exclusive. Saint-Emilion is on the Right Bank of the Garonne River in Bordeaux and along with nearby Pomerol is arguably the best place in the world to grow Merlot.
The Merlot grape comprises 79% of the vines, 15% of Cabernet Franc, and 6% of Cabernet Sauvignon. Trader Joe’s does not mention if this is an all-Merlot wine or if it is a blend, but Merlot with a little Cabernet Franc is a good bet.
Saint-Emilion is a medieval village and has a long wine history.
The Saint-Emilion name on the front label shows this as the base wine for the Region, Cru and Grand Cru wines are steps up and are much more expensive and exclusive.
There are a few producers in the world that make excellent Merlot wines, but Saint-Emilion produces consistently great wines. You often see Bordeaux Superior or lesser Regions wines selling for under $20. Saint-Emilion wines are seldom in this price range.
The Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Saint-Emilion 2022 has an alcohol content of 13.5%. We made the wine in Bordeaux is important.
Trader Joe’s only shows Maison Ginstet as having bottled the wine. They are a French wine company founded in 1897, they control multiple Chateaus in Bordeaux, but what exactly the role they played with his wine is not stated.
The Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Saint-Emilion 2022 Tasting Notes
The color is in a certain light almost black. The nose is dark berries, black pepper, light herbs, soft spice, and ripe plum. The Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Saint-Emilion 2022 has a firm mouthfeel and excellent structure.
This Merlot-based Red wine tastes like extracted blackberry, a sharp slap of spice, dusty tannins, and Mocha coffee. The mid-palate shows raspberry, herbs, tart cranberry, and pomegranate.
This wine shows its tannins, which it should, and has well-balanced acidity.
The Summary
- The Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Saint-Emilion 2022 is one of those TJ’s wines that when you see it should but it.
- Getting to sample a Saint-Emilion wine for $14.99 is a great gift.
- This is a very French wine and the contrast with value-priced California wines should be enlightening.
