The Trader Joe’s Diamond Reserve Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is a $19.99 Trader Joe’s exclusive. The back label informs us that this wine was cellared and bottled by Isolated Cellars of Napa, California.
The Story
Cellared and bottled by means just that. They didn’t have a hand in the farming of the grapes or the production of the wine, only the final stages. Isolated Cellars is an entity owned by Navigator Wine from St. Helena in Napa. Isolated Cellars is the company responsible for producing high-end wines for Aldi, Costco, and Trader Joe’s.
Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer says that the grapes come from a single vineyard in the Rutherford AVA. The vineyard owner and the winery do not want Trader Joe’s to disclose the source of this Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Rutherford AVA can get pricey, especially single-vineyard wines. Wine sales have been declining for the last few years, and wines that would never fall into the $20 range are appearing in store brands and one-off retail labels.
The 2023 vintage may be a little early for release, it could be a good idea to buy one to drink now and another for next year or beyond.
The alcohol content is 14.5%.
The Trader Joe’s Diamond Reserve Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 Tasting Notes
The color is deep and dark, almost more black than red. The nose is dark berries, herbs, and black pepper, spice. raspberry, and orchids. The Trader Joe’s Diamond Reserve Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 rich, smooth wine with excellent length.
This Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like blackberry, cola, spice, herbs, mocha, plum, dried strawberry, bitter dark chocolate, and cranberry.
The tannins are smooth, and the acidity allows the flavors to unfold.
The Summary
- The Trader Joe’s Diamond Reserve Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is well worth 20 bucks.
- Rich and tasty, with excellent structure and flavor.
- Drinks expensive!
