Trader Joe's Reserve Meritage North Coast Lot 232 Review

Ripe, rich and jammy, we review the Trader Joe's Reserve Meritage North Coast Lot 232.

A Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot from the North Coast of California and aged in oak for an unspecified amount of time.

This wine is available exclusively at Trader Joe's and sells for $9.99.

From TJ's:

If you’ve never tried a Meritage (rhymes with “heritage”) before, it helps to think of it as being like a Bordeaux, by way of California. (In fact, the whole idea of Meritage was effectively invented by California wine-growers as a way to create Bordeaux-style wines without stepping on Bordeaux’s toes, as it were.) To that end, our newest Trader Joe’s Reserve entry, a Meritage from California’s North Coast growing region, is a stellar example: made with a classic Bordeaux blend of grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, this beautifully balanced wine has all the backbone and smooth finish you’d want from a grand cru, plus all the fruity, jammy notes you’d want from a California red.

Each sip is rich with flavors of Bing cherries and dark chocolate, with occasional savory bursts of black olive and herbes de Provence throughout. It’s complex, without ever becoming overblown, with a silky-smooth tannic structure that makes it a great pairing option for aged cheeses or a filet mignon smothered in sautéed mushrooms.

Produced and Bottled by Bozzano & Co.
14.6% Alcohol

The 2020 Trader Joe's Reserve Meritage North Coast Lot 232 opens with a strong, attractive aroma of dark, jammy fruit interlaced with vanilla, chocolate and licorice and a little spice.

Taking a sip reveals a very tasty wine that is full of ripe, rich, jammy fruit with lots of oak influence and a touch of sweetness. It is also smooth, slightly tannic and easy to drink.

It ends dry, grippy and long and was similar on day 2. Highly Recommended.