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The Trader Joe’s Reserve Syrah Wahluke Slope Organic 2021 is a $9.99 Trader Joe’s exclusive. This wine is 96% organic Syrah and 4% Merlot. For some reason, they do not label the Merlot grapes as organic. The wine was certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers. The USDA requires 100% of the grapes to be organic so maybe Trader Joe’s accidentally left the organic designation off of the Merlot.
The Wahluke Slope is the Columbia Valley’s warmest growing region and is well-known for both Merlot and Syrah. There have been 100-point Syrah wines produced from grapes grown here. The Wahluke Slope is not a large region, they grow about 15% of the grapes from the Columbia Valley. There are 20 vineyards and 3 production facilities. Most of the grapes end up in wines from outside labels.
The Trader Joe’s Reserve Syrah Wahluke Slope Organic 2021 has, according to the Fearless Flyer, blue fruit flavors, with fresh herbs, spice, coffee, olives, and firewood, which are some exciting flavors. It does not sound like your typical fruit-forward ten-buck Syrah. The alcohol content is a reasonable 13.9%.
The Trader Joe’s Reserve Syrah Wahluke Slope Organic 2021 Tasting Notes
The color is a pretty raspberry jam red with black highlights. The nose is ripe red berries, mint, a little herb, dark chocolate, blueberry, and a hint of mocha. The Trader Joe’s Reserve Syrah Wahluke Slope Organic 2021 is a solid mix of ripe fruit and interesting sub-flavors.
This Syrah tastes like raspberry, strawberry, and a sharp spike of spice, blueberry, and black pepper. The mid-palate brings a salty/nutty sensation, exotic spice, vanilla, and blackberry. The tannins are sweet and the acidity gives this Syrah some nice length.
The Summary
- The Trader Joe’s Reserve Syrah Wahluke Slope Organic 2021 is an interesting well-priced wine that is well worth exploring.
- I think it could use a little more aging, so if you have the capability of laying this bottle down for 12 to 18 months you just might get something special.
