Fire Up the BBQ and Pull the Cork on this TJ’s Red Wine

Fast facts:

• 2021 Trader Joe’s Reserve Meritage, Lot #239, Paso Robles, CA ($9.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)

So this red caught my eye at Trader Joe’s recently.  There were two things that first attracted me to this wine:

1. the magical word Meritage (rhymes with “heritage” but is also pronounced “mehr-it-taj”) which promises good things in the bottle and in the glass.  It is a highfalutin term for a red blend, but it does tend to get applied to better quality blends.
2. the fact that it was from California’s Paso Robles appellation.  In the fairly recent past, “Paso” has developed a reputation for turning our some really, really good red wines at less-than-Napa prices.

In simplest terms, a Meritage wine is a U.S. version of a traditional Bordeaux. As is the case of those famous French wines, Meritage wines must contain at least two of five “noble” grape varieties, which include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.

For the record, the word Meritage was invented here in California.  And to use the trademarked term, a winery must subscribe to the Meritage Association, which is comprised almost exclusively of California wineries.  While there is such a thing as white Meritage, they are far less common than red ones.

This wine is an really solid value.  It’s easily worth twice its $9.99 price tag.  Maybe more. This Meritage (made by one of the region’s top vintners) has really nice structure, delicious concentrated fruit flavors and firm tannins. You could age this little gem for a couple of years, but I say enjoy it now with some roasted meats, a juicy burger or a spicy sausage.

Tasting Notes:

This is a sturdy and balanced Meritage, with many layers to discover. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec are blended to produce a medium-bodied wine with deep, ruby-red color. Fruity aromas on the nose lead to complex flavors on the palate, including dark berries, sage and licorice. Moderate notes of oak and chocolate chips on the medium-length finish.

 

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.

Happy hunting.

Cheers!