The Trader Joe’s Reserve Meritage Paso Robles 2023 is a $9.99 wine from Trader Joe’s. The back label indicates that it was produced and bottled by Barrel 29 Wine Company, which had previously been a label of McPrice Myers Winery, also located in Paso Robles.
The Story
The Barrel 27 brand was founded in 2002 as the value line of McPrice Myers Winery. The Barrel 29 website is no longer available, and the McPrice Myers website currently does not mention these wines. The Fearless Flyer says this wine was made by a renown winery , which would apply to McPrice Myers, but I did not find a current link between the two companies.
A Meritage wine, such as the Trader Joe’s Reserve Meritage Paso Robles 2023, is a Red Blend using the approved Bordeaux grapes. This particular wine has 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 4% Carmenere, and 2% Malbec. These are the 6 main Red grapes. Sauvignon Blanc is the main White grape.
Paso Robles is halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is a growing region where the winemakers do things their own way. Most regions in California follow Bordeaux, Burgundy, or the Rhone Valley. Paso Robles doesn’t follow anyone.
The last few vintages of this wine were made by a different producer, I think. This one may be a different style.
The alcohol content is 14%.
The Trader Joe’s Reserve Meritage Paso Robles 2023 Tasting Notes
The color is an opaque Black cherry Red. The nose is ripe red berries, licorice, cassis, herbs, spice, and a floral edge. The Trader Joe’s Reserve Meritage Paso Robles 2023 has bright, rich fruit, with interesting spice.
This Red Blend tastes like extracted blackberry, blueberry, and a hint of vanilla. Then plum, dusty tannins, tart cranberry, and a late slap of chocolate.
The tannins are in their place, and the acidity allows the flavors to fully unfold.
The Summary
- The Trader Joe’s Reserve Meritage Paso Robles 2023 is a good Red Blend at an excellent price.
- This wine sips well and would do a steak proud.
