Fast facts:
- 2021 Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Saint-Emillion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France ($16.99 @Trader Joe’s, California)
When I meet new people and they learn that I spent three decades – and counting! – in the wine business, they often ask me what my favorite wine is. I quickly qualify the question with: “white wine or red wine?” For the latter, I don’t hesitate when I state that I have a big soft spot for red wines from Saint-Emilion.
I am fortunate to have spent no small amount of time in and around the charming Saint-Emilion area, and my nostalgia may feed into my preferences some. But long time readers of this blog know that I am a tireless champion of Merlot, and the wines from this appelation are built largely upon this noble grape. So when I spied this Grand Cru from my fave wine region, I got really curious – for a number of reasons.
The main reason for my curiosity is that the French only allow the use of “Grand Cru” on the label if the wine is sourced from a classified winery. The designation is attached to the winery. Some ultra-light sleuthing on the back label divulged that the classified property is one Chateau Tour Baladoz. To make things all the more enticing, this property was upgraded to the more prestigious Grand Cru Classe classification just last year. In other words, this is some good juice!
I couldn’t wait to pull the cork, and when I did, it didn’t disappoint.
Tasting Notes:
The predominance of Merlot accounts for the wines’ dark color and red fruit aromas featuring oaky and spicy overtones. The wine starts out powerful and full-bodied on the palate, with a beautiful tannic structure, going on to reveal a long, fresh aftertaste. Medium-bodied, fresh, sweet and vibrant with a core of sensuously textured, red fruits, chocolate, licorice, espresso and smoke. This is a wine that could stand up to some aging and also would benefit from decanting or letting it breathe for a bit before enjoying.
Need More Wine Picks from Trader Joe’s – or Costco?
If your search for this wine lands you in Trader Joe’s, take along our handy Lucky 13 list of TJ’s wine here.
And if your wine shopping excursions land you in Costco, prepare by grazing our most recent reviews of Costco wines here in our Lucky 13 list.
Cheers!
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