The Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Oak Knoll Chardonnay 2024 is available for $12.99. The back label tells that it was “Cellared and Bottled by” DNA Vineyards.
The Story
DNA stands for Dennis Patton and Andrea Silverstein, who together have more than 40 years of experience in the wine industry. They have made multiple wines for Trader Joe’s, including the Dearly Beloved Day of the Day wines and other Reserve or brand wines. The DNA website proudly shows off many of the labels.
Cellared and Bottled by means that DNA bottled the wine and did some sort of aging. It does not mean they grew the grapes and produced the wine. Who bottled the wine is the least interesting part of wine production.
Does that mean that some component of DNA Vineyards has some had on the winemaking? It could be that with companies having multiple LLCs, the production trail is often hidden.
The Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley is the Southernmost AVA and the closest Napa Valley AVA to the San Pablo Bay. The farther up the Valley, the warmer it tends to get, though higher elevations do contribute to the climate. Oak Knoll has the ideal weather for growing a wide variety of grapes, and Chardonnay thrives here.
The Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Oak Knoll Chardonnay 2024 does not have production or Tasting notes, not even a few lines on the back label.
The alcohol content is 14.5%.
The Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Oak Knoll Chardonnay 2024 Tasting Notes
The color is almost clear with a hint of gold. The nose is bold, peach, apple, spices, and melon. Also, tropical fruit and citrus while lightly floral. The Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Oak Knoll Chardonnay 2024 has strong flavors and good length.
This Chardonnay tastes like lemon, melon, spice, orange blossom honey, apple, pear, and peach. There is spice, coconut milk, sour citrus, and nectarine.
The acidity is well-matched to the body of the wine.
The Summary
- The Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Oak Knoll Chardonnay 2024 is a Chardonnay that makes a statement; this is no carbon-copy wine.
- If you like your Chardonnay on the bold but too oaky side, this wine may interest you.
- Oak Knoll Chardonnay at a bargain price is always appreciated!
