Trader Joe's Lalande de Pomerol Grand Reserve Lot #134

3 hour decant. Very transparent ruby color, like a cotes du rhone or even boujolais. Nose of dust, pencil, baked chocolate, bell pepper. Mouthfeel very light and juicy (like water, in a good way)… not watery. Palate has violets, red currant and cranberry. Spicy, peppery finish. Not bad and is a real wine with terroir at this price point.

From a very unique and interesting, rather small patch of ground on the Bordeaux Left Bank. Trader Joe’s for a little more than 10 bucks delivers a full throttle Bordeaux red that can be found for 10 times more from other producers. Mostly Merlot, this is complete, soft and fruity enough to enjoy just barely one year off the vines. Shows some distinguished, polished red cherry fruit. Barely medium bodied. Some secondary cocoa and tobacco. Just a touch of oak. …