Another iteration in Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve line up of upper tier budget wines. This one is fine but it’s mood is downbeat.
Ripe dark fruit, dried fig, hints of warm spices and dusty earth aromas provide complexity, but there isn’t much intensity or life. Vanilla emerges with more air. It’s very laid back. At least there are no green, vegetal notes.
On the palate it’s not broad and dimensional enough to be lush but it is smooth with a layer of velvet fruit over supportive, unobtrusive tannins and a short finish exposing oak flavors. Very low acidity contributes to the impression of lethargy. This is an easy drinker with plenty of flavor but a bit sullen and morose.
Highly recommended for those suicidal moments.
Score: 86
Price: $12
Alc: 14.5%
Bat For Lashes’ The Big Sleep has a similar mood.
Exploring the Philosophy of Food and Wine 
Perhaps you are projecting your “mood” onto the wine–sullen, morose, and downbeat without any intensity or life. Is it you or the wine? I am a fan of Trader Joe’s line of Gran Reserve Wines. Arguably, they are the best value in the store (ranging in price from 12.99-13.99). Generally, I consult the knowledgeable staff (albeit subjective) to give me a leg up. They are more often spot on than not. Stick to the higher altitude wines from Napa (Spring Mountain or Mt Veeder), which are often featured in TJ’s Gran Reserve or Silver Label lines. Some of these are 93-94+ pointers (to use your quantitative language). However, I have no idea how to rate them in psychiatric terms. You might have to consult a wine shrink. I hope you mood improves. Get well soon.