Trader Joe’s Reserve Rioja Reserva Lot #255 Review

Another new Trader Joe’s wine, adding to their collection from Rioja. We review the Trader Joe’s Reserve Rioja Reserva Lot #255.

Primarily Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain. The wine spends at least 3 years aging, with at least 1 year in casks.

It looks like Trader Joe’s wasn’t done introducing new wines from Rioja when they rolled out the Trader Joe’s Gran Reserva last fall as today we have new offering of a Rioja Reserva. And while Reserva wines aren’t required to spend as much time aging (a total of 3 years), that’s still significantly longer than most wines at this price point. (See this post for an explanation of all the required Rioja production rules.)

Unfortunately the label doesn’t give us any hints as to the actual producer but priced at $9.99, this one will compete squarely with the Reserva offerings from Aldi (Specially Selected Rioja Reserva) and Costco (Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva).

The Trader Joe’s Reserve Rioja Reserva Lot 255 is available exclusively at Trader Joe’s and is imported by Latitude Wines. It has 14% alcohol.

The 2018 Trader Joe’s Reserve Rioja Reserva Lot #255 opens with an harmonious and well rounded aroma of dark fruit and leather plus a little balsamic, spice and vanilla.

Tasting the wine reveals a smooth mouthfeel, well-integrated spice, good balance and similar flavors to the nose. This is nice example of Rioja Reserva. We actually like the taste a bit better than the Trader Joe’s Gran Reserva. (And we definitely like the price better since it’s $3 cheaper.)

It ends dry, long and a bit savory and was similar on day 2. This is a solid offering into the category.

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 Tempranillo here!