Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Barossa Valley Lot #109

Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Barossa Valley Lot #109

GRAPES: Shiraz

VINTAGE: 2021

REGION: Barossa Valley, Australia

ALCOHOL PERCENTAGE: 14%

PRICE: $12.99

If official, Nashville's snowpocalypse has sent me into a state of delusion. I have spent every waking second of the last seven days locked in my house. I've been working from home, exercising at home, and, most importantly, making every meal I've consumed in the last seven days. Enough already! The only upside to Arctic temperatures and 8.5 inches of snow is the fact that this girl gets to warm up with a nice glass of juicy red wine.

While this isn't the "knock your socks off" cab I mentioned in my last post, don't worry- it's coming in a few days; this one surprised me. Admittedly, I often sleep on Shiraz. Similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz is a thick-skinned red grape varietal; I've found these wines to be a bit milder and juicier while still maintaining the fruit-forwardness that I enjoy.

I purchased a bottle of the Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Barossa Valley Lot #109 during my holiday haul at Trader Joe's and didn't think much about it other than I wanted to try it for the blog. Y'all, I have been missing out. This wine was brilliant. So much so that when the sheets of ice melt off my street, I will make a beeline to Trader Joe's to pick up another bottle or two.

Tasting Notes:

  • Medium to Dark Red hue

  • Juicy and fruit forward with notes of blackberry and blueberry

  • Touch of spice- black pepper

  • Mild-Medium Tannins

Verdict:

Lesson learned- never sleep on a Grand Reserve Shiraz! This bottle was quite a pleasant surprise. It was balanced yet juicy. This wine isn't overly complex - but it is definitely one that I would purchase again. If you try this wine, I'd love to hear what you think!

Until Next Time!

TJ Tuesday, Trader Joes, Red Wines, ShirazCatherine Courtney$12.99Comment