The Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Paso Robles Meritage 2023 is a $12.99 TJ’s exclusive. This wine was produced for Trader Joe’s by Bozzano & Company.
The Story
Bozzano & Co has produced multiple wines for Trader Joe’s and is a large maker of custom wines.
Trader Joe’s also released the Trader Joe’s Reserve (no grand) Meritage Paso Robles 2023, but from a different producer. That wine was $9.99 and nothing was said as to why that was a Reserve and this is a Grand Reserve.
The blend for the Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Paso Robles Meritage 2023 is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 2 Petit Verdot.
That is the grapes used in Bordeaux Red Blends.
This wine was aged for 22 Months in French oak barrels with 25% new barrels, which is a very good barrel program for a $12.99 wine.
A Meritage wine is a California wine produced similarly to those from Bordeaux.
The alcohol content is 14.5%
The Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Paso Robles Meritage 2023 Tasting Notes
The color is a dark black cherry red. The nose is characterized by notes of blackberry, black pepper, raspberry, and violets. the herbs, dusty tannins. The Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Paso Robles Meritage 2023 has a combination of smoth and tasrt flavors.
This Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like blackberry, cola (not sweet), oak spice, plum, a slap of spice, strawberry, cranberry, and a light pull from the tannins.
The acidity allows this wine to have excellent length.
The Summary
- The Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Paso Robles Meritage 2023 is a good Cabernet Sauvignon at an excellent price.
- Easy to drink and well-made, this wine is a bargain
