Ah, the 2015 Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Meritage Napa Valley, Lot #86. A bottle shrouded in the mists of time (and perhaps the back of your pantry). Fear not, intrepid wine detective! With a bit of internet sleuthing and the power of our trusty senses, we can still crack the code on this vintage value.
- Appearance:
Let's start with what we can see. Given its age, expect a deeper ruby hue, possibly hinting at some garnet tinges at the rim. This fella has likely shed some of its youthful vibrancy. But hold it up to the light. Does it still show some clarity? This still looks like a vibrant wine.
- Nose:
Now, for the real detective work. Swirl the glass and give it a good sniff. What whispers emerge? Since it's a Napa Meritage, we can expect a classic Bordeaux blend profile. As we nose this selection, we encounter aromas of black fruit – think blackberry, plum, maybe even a hint of currant. But a 2015 vintage might also offer some tertiary notes – whispers of leather, earth, or even tobacco.
- Taste:
Time to take a sip and see if the palate confirms our suspicions. Remember, this is a value wine, so don't expect a blockbuster. We encounter a medium-bodied elixir, with those dark fruits just as vibrant as we would expect a young wine to exhibit. With soft tannins, one would think they have been a bit more noticeable due to their age, but they are very well integrated. This is actually a fruity wine with little signs of age. This is punching weigh above it’s weight class and drinking very well right now. It's time to exhaust the cellar of this lovely gem.
Online Intel:
Reviews for this specific Lot #86 are scarce, but the web seems to be cautiously optimistic for Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Meritage. Folks report an excellent value for the price, with a fruit-forward profile and easy-drinking nature. However, some caution that older vintages might be past their prime. Fortunately for me, I bought a case when I discovered it back in the day.
The Verdict:
The 2015 Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Meritage Napa Valley (Lot #86) may have seemed like a bit of a gamble. While it might have been a delightful quaff in its youth, at this age, it could have been past its best. But hey, for the price, it was worth a detective's hunch! Just be prepared for the possibility of encountering some age-related characteristics if you try this at home. If you do have a bottle lying around, pop it open with a sense of adventure and see what the wine whispers to you!
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