A nicely put together blend from Napa, we review the Trader Joe's Platinum Reserve Napa Valley Meritage Lot 116.
A undisclosed Meritage blend of Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and/or Petit Verdot from Napa Valley, California.
The wine is available exclusively at Trader Joe's for $17.99.
Like most Trader Joe's wines, there is scant information available on this wine. It is bottled by JBA Cellars who also produced the Grand Reserve Napa Valley Meritage which we enjoyed over many vintages. Whether this is the new version of that wine just at a higher price (inflation) and therefore at the Platinum Reserve level, or something completely different is unknown but let's check it out.
From the bottle:
Lot 116
Vinted and Bottled by JBA Cellars
14.5% Alcohol
The 2022 Trader Joe's Platinum Reserve Napa Valley Meritage Lot 116 opens with a pleasing aroma of dark fruit, spice, vanilla, a little licorice and a little sweet tobacco.
Tasting reveals a smooth wine with well-integrated spice and perhaps just a touch of sweetness. Featuring similar flavors to the nose, it's not overly complex but it is nicely put together.
It ends dry, soft and long on the finish and was maybe even a bit better on day 2 which bodes well for its future.
2022 Trader Joe's Platinum Reserve Napa Valley Meritage
As always you can find an updated list of our recommended wines from Trader Joe's as well as more info on their pricing model and some tips and tricks for shopping the store in our giant guide.
You can also find more of our favorite red blends here!
