2023 Grand Reserve Lalande de Pomerol | Lot 142

Trader JoesTJ TuesdayRed WinesBordeaux
Written By Catherine Courtney

2023 Grand Reserve Lalande de Pomerol | Lot 142

GRAPES: Not Provided (Merlot forward style based on the region)

VINTAGE: 2023

REGION: Bordeaux, France

ALCOHOL PERCENTAGE: 13.5%

PRICE: $12.99

Is it me, or is there something quietly indulgent about uncorking a new bottle of wine? The soft pop, the swirl, the moment of truth, wondering whether you’ve just discovered a new favorite. Sometimes the anticipation gets me! Over the weekend, I decided to treat myself to a mini tasting at home with two bottles that couldn’t have been more different in personality, both from the Trader Joe’s Reserve wine collection. I picked up one bottle several months ago and had yet to find time to sit down and properly taste it, while the other was a recent grab during a local TJ’s haul.

As it turns out, the experience felt like stepping into two entirely different stories. One wine opened up like an absolute dream- elegant, fragrant, and one that I’d linger over. And the other, you might ask? The other…well, let’s just say it tested my commitment to finishing even a single glass. After all, it was a bottle of Platinum Reserve wine, and those have so often delivered. More to come on that later.

With that said, not every sip needs to be perfect, though: sometimes the contrast is what makes the delightful moments stand out even more.

So without further ado, let’s jump into the tasting details, shall we?

Tasting Notes:

  • Deep ruby hue

  • On the nose, imagine red fruit (plum, hints of raspberry)

  • Earthiness and minerality throughout the wine

  • Medium body with mild acidity and moderate tannins ( would absolutely recommend letting this wine open up before enjoying)

Verdict:

2023 Grand Reserve Lalande de Pomerol | Lot 142 is a Bordeaux-style wine without the Bordeaux price tag. Overall, I’d say that this is a very easy-going red wine with a hint of French earthiness. To truly enjoy this wine, it should be decanted and allowed to breathe. While I enjoyed it, there are other bottles that I’ve purchased recently from Trader Joe’s that I enjoyed more… so do with that what you will.

If you grab this bottle, drop your thoughts in the comment below!

Until Next Time!

Disclaimer: All wines mentioned in this post were purchased independently. I am not an agent or representative of Trader Joe’s and cannot assist individuals in sourcing or obtaining wines featured in my posts. All opinions shared are my own and based on personal experience.

Catherine Courtney

Welcome to Blonde Voyage Nashville!

I am so excited to finally see this dream become a reality.  Between the destination restaurants, the copious amount of food photos and insanely crazy travel stories, I have decided to share my journey. 

My name is Catherine Courtney and I am a Nashville native with a penchant for culinary creativity and epic travel adventures. I'll admit... I also have a slight obsession with handbags.

Two years ago, my life changed completely.  Everything that I knew to be was completely turned upside down.  I quickly realized that time is our greatest commodity and it's not to be taken for granted. I couldn't wait for the perfect time, who knew when that would be.  I needed to take the leap and explore the world on my own.  There were so many places I wanted to go, but where would I start. 

France was always one of those places that I had romanticized.  Wandering the streets of Paris and seeing the Eiffel tower were at the top of my list. Without hesitation, I booked a two week trip to the French Rivera and Paris.  It was a journey of a lifetime.  Not only were amazing friendships cultivated, but it was on that trip that i discovered that food and travel are the embers that that keep my soul on fire. 

It wasn't until I arrived back in Nashville with my passport that I realized I had been bit. Wanderlust had completely taken over.  I already started thinking about where I wanted to go next.  It was then that I decided that it was more important to have camera full of photos and a tattered journal full of stories than anything else. My heart was overflowing.

One of my favorite quotes that resonates is from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland:

"Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures...."

Join me as I explore near and far away places, filling my passport full of stamps and satiating my appetite with some of the most amazing cuisine the world has to offer. 

Thanks for reading! 

       

 

 

http://blondevoyagenashville.com
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2023 Willia Creek Cellars Chardonnay