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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:


Grilled Lamb, Barbecued Ribs, BBQ Pork Ribs

Region:


Napa Valley

Napa gained international acclaim following the Judgement of Paris in 1976, when its wines defeated its French counterparts in a blind tasting. Napa's signature wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and various Bordeaux blends, but many other varieties, such as Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc also thrive here. With 16 sub-AVAs and a Mediterranean climate with rich geology, Napa is a winemaker's dream. The winegrowing region runs between the Mayacamas Mountains and Vaca Mountains for 30 miles, from Calistoga to Los Carneros. Napa has a wide array of soil types for such a small region, from volcanic foothills to alluvial valley floors, which help to produce varied and complex wines.

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