Review: *** $ Trader Joe's Reserve GSM, Paso Robles, California, 2008 - BEST VALUE

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for bargain GSMs.

By way of background, opening thoughts: This is a "high-end" offering from Trader Joe's - almost $10 a bottle - five times the cost of a Two-Buck Chuck!

Original tasting and review : This is Trader Joe's Reserve GSM, Paso Robles, California, 2008, finished at 14.5% alcohol.  GSM stands for Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre .

In the glass: Medium deep magenta.

On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows bloody, purple and beefy.   From the aroma, seems like this will be aromatic, bright and bold.

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact boldly purple, with bright and bold somewhat alcoholic fruit.  Definitely plums for miles.

In summary: Overall, rates two stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, with a plus for potency.  Tried with a rotisserie chicken dinner: fruit softens into layers.  Gets to three stars and just touches "best value" status.

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