2012 Trader Joe's Petit Verdot Reserve Lot #108

Community Tasting Notes (3) Median Score: 87 points

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  5/10/2015 - oakville72 Likes this wine: 87 Points

  While I usually shy away from most Paso Robles Bordeaux-type reds (Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, for example) because they tend to be too flabby, undefined and over-the-top, I was intrigued to find this one at Trader Joe's. Petit Verdot has been relegated to the category of archaic Bordeaux-type blending grape, but the popularity of varietals and their resulting wines is almost purely the result of market whim, not absolute quality. In other words, one wine era's favorite can be another's "meh". I have tasted very intriguing Petit Verdots from the Moon Mountain region of Sonoma, but the wine as a whole can be somewhat harsh, weedy (as indicated in a tasting note below) and tannic. However, as expressed in the warmer Paso Robles AVA, judging from this wine, it achieves a level of accessibility and softness not found in cooler regions. Bottom line: This is a very good rendition of the grape, although most wine consumers would fail to recognize its varietal footprint due to their lack of experience with the wine and its flavor proximity to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc — namely, the "weedy" component.
  
  That said, check it out as a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot detour. At $10/btl it's a heckuva value.

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  4/13/2015 - rednaxela83 Does not like this wine: 78 Points

  Green, herbaceous and not in the good way. Avoid.

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  10/24/2014 - WineCenturyAZ wrote: 87 Points

  Deep ruby in the glass, nose of anise and berries, palate is full bodied with cacao, vanilla, plum and balanced wood. Tannins bring some balance and structure to a medium long finish. Very nice. One of TJs Reserve best showings. Label says from Castoro Cellars, Castoro website does not show a Petite Verdot bottling or blend. Stock up.

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