Trader Joe's Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve Lot #140

- Medium ruby, medium-plus viscosity - Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, maybe fig and some fresh berry preserves. Subtle smoked cedar or charcoal with some pipe tobacco. Smells lovely, if a tad closed. Second day aromas were a bit sharper. - Tastes of… loveliness. It’s young, but honestly pretty elegant and structured for its youthful fruit-jaminess. Blackberry bramble, black cherry and raspberry preserves; sweet peppercorn, vague eucalyptus-ish bursts. Medium tannins, medium-plus acidity, some fruity sweetness. Creamy ganache. I’m not sure …

Aerated into the decanter, nose was a little tight. Starts off with concentrated prune fruit, even the skins. Kind of young raw acidity. Good dollop of oak with their tannins. Not much past the mid palate. Doesn’t finish with the panache it started with. It could be in that dumb stage, getting ready to release itself. Does have a nice pepper spice. Good ripe Pinot fruit. A bit thin but still mouth coating. Think it needs some time

The best value ever. Flavors and balance as good as top brands that are 3-4x its price.

Pretty nice for $13. Probably needs another year in the bottle to evolve. Right now its a bit tight.

For value this is a decent buy, but the flaws definitely show. Notes of red stewed fruit and lots of oak in this wine. The palate is heavy with more red fruit but is quite alcoholic and the bitter oak tannin is present. That being said, for a daily drinker I could get past that.

Aromas of plum compote and sandalwood. Dense, full-bodied mouth thanks to 15% ABV. A meddly of dark stewed fruits, cherries, plums, blackberries and raw oak characteristics on the palate. Simple finish. A big, bruising Pinot that lacks wow. Enjoyable daily driver though.