Roustabout

Roustabout

GRAPES: 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 12% Merlot and 4% Petite Verdot

VINTAGE: 2018

REGION: Paso Robles, California

ALCOHOL PERCENTAGE: 14.0%

PRICE: $7.99

Another week of quarantine and another bottle of wine. But really, who am I kidding? I’m confident that I’ve had more than one bottle this week and to be honest, I feel like it’s making me a tougher critic for TJ Tuesday.

Aside from sampling wines and continuing to muddle my way through this work from home situation, I’ve been trying to find opportunities online and through social media to learn more about wine and the winemaking process. Have you found a new hobby or interest during this time?

This installment of TJ Tuesday features a Meritage wine from Paso Robles, California called Roustabout. Many of you may be curious as to what a “Meritage” wine is and simply put, it’s the American equivalent of a Bordeaux blend. Given that it was 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, I knew I couldn’t go wrong.

I poured myself a hefty glass because after all, it was ONE of those days, and gave it a swirl or two.

Below are my tasting notes:

TASTING NOTES:

  • Bold and complex red wine blend

  • Medium tannins with acidity falling slight-medium

  • Deep purple hue, reminding me of royalty

  • Notes of blackberry, cherry, and when allowed to fully open up, I picked up on notes of tobacco, subtle hints of leather and chocolate.

  • Multi-dimensional wine

Verdict:  Roustabout is a lovely Meritage wine that evolves with time. When I initially poured a glass, I could tell that the wine was complex and would only get better as it opened up. While this hasn’t been my favorite bottle of red from Trader Joe’s, it’s certainly one that could fall in the daily drinker category provided that it has time to open up to its full flavor potential. If you pick up a bottle next time you’re in the store, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Until Next Time!