Trader Joe's Trader Joe's Pinot Noir Grand Reserve California, USA, California

Trader Joe's

Other · Carignane Pinot Noir
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Critics Average score from professional wine critics and publications.
89 /100
Reviews
7
professional

Vintages

1
2012 Other 89/100
Carignane, Pinot Noir
NV

Community Reviews

10
10
Reviews
88.7
Avg Score
90
Highest
Taster #1200 · Sep 22, 2014
89/100
Punches so far above its price that you'll worry it's stolen.
2012 vintage
Taster #2214 · Apr 9, 2014
Another TJ's Reserve win. Soft and supple, with concentrated strawberry and sweet cherry, and a bitterly-tart rhubarb kick. Fruit-forward, crowd-pleasing, and representative of the style without feeling fake.
2012 vintage
Taster #5780 · Mar 11, 2014
Good. Not typically a fan of TJ's wines, but this one is really nice. Reminds me of Cab Franc -- a little rustic, with medium red fruits and some herbs. It paired nicely with chicken cacciatore and polenta.
2012 vintage
Taster #3585 · Mar 9, 2014
Nice food wine that paired great with an Italian sausage based red sauce and pasta. Nicely purple tinged and somewhat youthful, but drinking well with some air. Bright fruit. Not jammy. Not very complex, but a nice drinking wine with dinner.
2012 vintage
Taster #9404 · Mar 1, 2014
89/100
A nice expresion of the varietal. star bright, ruby. strawberry, Gamay like, blackberry, boysenberry, dark cherry. Strong tannins, and dark fruit. Higher octane but nice change from the norm.
2012 vintage
Taster #3727 · Feb 26, 2014
88/100
Normally not a huge fan of TJ branded wines, but this actually tasted like what you would think of "California" & "Carignane." Not complex, but I don't know how to say it....earthy sunshine may work.
2012 vintage
Taster #6148 · Jan 1, 2014
89/100
I also thought this was very good - has the flavor and acidity of Carignane from the south of France but with a bit more density of the fruit. Pleasant finish. Went back to the store for more, but alas, it was gone. [edit - alas, they actually just moved it to another shelf. I found it and got 2 more]
2012 vintage
Taster #7890 · Dec 23, 2013
88/100
Great QPR. You can smell some alcohol on the nose, but it's not there on the palate. Just a solid, well-structured wine that's entirely pleasant to drink.
2012 vintage
Taster #4248 · Aug 13, 2013
90/100
Really nice, well structured pinot. Reminds me of a Williamette Valley Domaine Serene type pinot. Plum and Berries. Deeper color than most value pinots.
2012 vintage
Taster #8132 · Aug 8, 2013
88/100
Not a bad Pinot--tastes like a $20 wine with smoothness and a nice cherry finish
2012 vintage