Trader Joe’s Reserve MCS – A Solid Blend

The Trader Joe’s Reserve MCS, not bad for $10 but not as good as I was hoping for Washington Merlot.

74% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah from Columbia Valley, Washington.

The Trader Joe’s Reserve MCS is available exclusively at Trader Joe’s for $9.99. Vinted and bottled by Liberated Wine Company which makes a number of the Trader Joe’s exclusive wines.

From the bottle:

A rich, fruit-forward wine with juicy blackberry, black cherry, and sweet plum notes leading to toasted oak hints, smooth tannins and a long finish.

13.9% Alcohol

The 2013 Trader Joe’s Reserve MCS Lot 110 begins with a pleasant, jammy aroma full of blackberry, plum and a little vanilla. The wine tastes smooth and very soft but a bit thin compared to others from this region. Similar flavors to the nose (blackberry, plum and a bit of spice) are also present when tasting. It ends soft and dry with good length and a bit of oakiness. I was hoping for a bit more from this wine but it’s still a good value compared to other $10 wines out there. It makes for a good, inexpensive party wine to serve to people who don’t drink wine on a regular basis or are just getting into wine.

We love Washington Merlot and Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blends because it’s hard to go wrong with these wines for the price. And while this one is just fine, if you have Costco nearby I’d go for their Kirkland Signature Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend instead. Not only is it $1 cheaper but it gets a higher taste rating as well.

As always you can find an updated list of all our recommended wines from Trader Joe’s as well as more tips and tricks for shopping the store here.