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The Trader Joe’s Reserve North Coast Brut is a $9.99 Trader Joe’s exclusive non-vintage Sparkling wine produced for them by Rack and Riddle out of Healdsburg, California. Rack and Riddle is a large operation specializing in Traditional Method (Champagne-style) Sparkling wines. They make plenty of Bubbly that shows other wineries’ labels, you may not be aware of it but if you have enjoyed value-priced Bubbly from California they may have made it.
The North Coast AVA is Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, and Napa along with a couple of other small appellations. The Trader Joe’s Reserve North Coast Brut is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier which are the classic Champagne grapes. This Bubbly is made in the Traditional Method the same as Champagne, though Trader Joe’s does not give details on the production.
This is non-vintage Bubbly and every year should drink the same as the year before. Sparkling Wine Houses make great efforts to give the drinker the same expected experience each year. CWF reviewed the Rosé wine last year and we are revisiting it this year.
We are hitting it again in the Holiday Season because 1) is Trader Joe’s a Sparkling Wine House? and 2) at $9.99 this Bubbly has the makings to be an exceptional bargain. I don’t know if Trader Joe’s is all too concerned if the Trader Joe’s Reserve North Coast Brut tastes the same as last year as long as it they kept the price tag the same. Maybe it is the same wine or maybe there have been a few changes in sourcing or production. So let’s check to see if this is still a Bubbly that delivers. The alcohol content is 12.84%.
The Trader Joe’s Reserve North Coast Brut Tasting Notes
The color is extremely pale gold. The nose is lemon, apple, grapefruit, bakery bread, and a hint of mint, peach, pear, cherry, and vanilla. The Trader Joe’s Reserve North Coast Brut has a hint of sweetness and quickly evaporates.
This Bubbly tastes like lemon mixed with pineapple, green apple, pear, peach, and spice. The mid-palate adds brioche bread, vanilla, a salty/nutty sensation, and strawberry. The acidity allows the flavors to unfold and set your palate up for the next sip.
The Summary
- The Trader Joe’s Reserve North Coast Brut is a solid Bubbly and an excellent bargain.
- This is one of those “guess the price” wines; nobody will guess $9.99.
- Trader Joe’s also offers a Reserve Sonoma Brut for 5 bucks more, we will revisit that Bubbly, but the North Coast Brut shows well compared to the more costly Bubbly.
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