Trader Joe's Reserve Pinot Noir
I was so disappointed with that Meiomi Pinot Noir that I've been buying other value priced wines to try and determine if I was just being too picky. Saw this at Trader Joes for $9.99 and wanted to give it a try. It was sitting next to a bottle of Meiomi for $18.99. Compared to Meiomi, which just states 'California', this has a specific AVA listed (Russian River Valley). Generally speaking the more specific a wine is on where it is from, the better — it just shows more confidence in the process, and constrains the bottle.
Nose is apricot/stonefruit and some minerality. Flavor is black cherry, almonds, little bit of a pleasant anise aftertaste. Tannins are moderate and add to the mouthfeel.
A perfectly serviceable Pinot Noir. Significantly better than the Meiomi at almost half the price. It's lacking a bit of complexity, and there is nothing that interesting about it, but its a competent, affordable pinot noir. My only criticism is that I think its a bit too hot (high alcohol level). It's 14.5%, which is pretty high for Pinot Noir, and I think that overpowers some of the flavor. It might be a more interesting wine at 13%.
Quite enjoyable, and seems to be available pretty regularily at Trader Joes. The bottle has a 'lot number' on it, and I wonder if that actually means anything. If you want a competent pinot noir for cheap, this isn't a bad pick, but I'll be on the lookout for something with a little lower alcohol level.
NatScore: 3.0/5 Competent