The Dearly Beloved Lodi Red Blend 2024 is a $7.99 Trader Joe’s wine. This is a wine that Trader Joe’s has offered since at least 2010.
The Story
This wine looks to have had several producers over the years; Precept appears to be responsible lately. The grapes have been sourced from Mendocino, the Central Coast, and now Lodi.
The name has also changed. There were Dearly Beloved I Thee Red and Dearly Beloved Forever Red, as well as a Chardonnay.
The full name of this wine is Dearly Beloved To The Very Earth Lodi Red 2024.
The label has changed from a stenciled red “Day of the Dead” design to a decal in fall colors. The red caught your attention, but I prefer the current design.
The grapes in the blend have changed over the years, typically Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Sirah, and Zinfandel. They do not mention the grapes for this blend.
The back label mentions flavors of blueberry, black currant, and toasted vanilla bean. The toasted vanilla bean suggests some sort of oak aging.
The alcohol content is 14.1%.
The Dearly Beloved Lodi Red Blend 2024 Tasting Notes
The color is raspberry jam red with black highlights. The nose is ripe blackberry, vanilla, a little spice, herbs, and raisin. The Dearly Beloved Lodi Red Blend 2024 is dark and smooth.
This Red blend tastes like a mix of blackberry and bitter dark chocolate (not sweet), a hit of interesting spice, a little vanilla creme, herbs, plums, and tart cranberry.
The tannins are soft, and the acidity allows the flavors to unfold.
The Summary
- The Dearly Beloved Lodi Red Blend 2024 is another solid choice for a Halloween party.
- It drinks smoothly and is tasty.
- Very good effort for $7.99.
