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Petit Reserve

2011 Napa Valley Merlot

Trader Joe's Petit Reserve 2011 Merlot hails from the renowned Napa Valley, a region celebrated for its exceptional grape-growing conditions. This red wine presents a delightful balance of body, showcasing a medium, approachable richness that makes it incredibly versatile for various occasions. The acidity is bright and lively, enhancing the wine’s refreshing character while complementing the juicy fruit flavors that burst forth, exhibiting notes of plum and blackberry. The tannins are well-integrated and softly structured, providing a smooth texture without overshadowing the fruit’s vibrancy. This Merlot leans towards a dry profile, making it an excellent choice for food pairings, such as grilled meats or hearty pasta dishes, ensuring a delightful dining experience. With its inviting character and elegance, Trader Joe's Petit Reserve is a fantastic representation of Napa Valley's winemaking prowess.

Tasting notes:


Black Cherry

Black Cherry

Chocolate

Chocolate

Vanilla

Vanilla

Flavor profile:


Acidity Low

Low Pronounced

Body Medium

Very Light Full

Fruit Intensity Medium

Low Pronounced

Sweetness Dry

Bone Dry Sweet

Tannin Medium

Low Pronounced

Pairs well with:


Barbecued Ribs, Grilled Lamb, BBQ Pork Ribs

Region:


Napa County
Napa County

It may be small, but when it comes to American wine regions, they do not come much bigger than Napa County. Home to the famous Napa Valley, which comprises most of its area, the Napa name has gained global recognition for its exceptional wines—especially its Bordeaux varieties. Most Napa County wineries choose to be more location-specific when labeling their wine, listing the name of sub-regions like Yountville, Los Carneros or Rutherford to capitalize on the name recognition. However, with such an abundance of high-quality grapes grown across the region, plenty of négociant winemakers blend fruit from different sub-regions. This gives Napa County wines excellent regional balance, taking advantage of different terroirs and mesoclimates.

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