The Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2023 is a $14.99 wine available exclusively at Trader Joe’s. The Dundee Hills AVA is a sub-AVA within the Willamette Valley AVA.
The Story
The back label indicates that this wine was “vinted and bottled by Cultavin Cellars.” Vinted and bottled by means that they bottled the wine and not much more. Cultavin seems to be an entity of NW Wine Company.
NW Wine Company is the largest independent grower in Oregon; they have 1,225 acres of vines. They make custom wines and have their brands, such as Hyland Estates and Westmount, among others. They are headquartered in Dundee, Oregon.
Trader Joe’s typically attempts to hide the producer of its Reserve wines, but a search of Google for Cultavin brings up NW Wine Company.
The Dundee Hill AVA is 30 miles southwest of Portland and 40 miles from the Ocean. Grapes were first planted in the Dundee Hills 60 years ago and obtained AVA status 20 years ago. It is one of the premier Pinot Noir regions in the world.
As a Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve wine, there are no production or tasting notes for this Pinot Noir. But a retail store, Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, can be expected to sell for a minimum of $25, with most priced much higher. A $14.99 Dundee Hills AVA Pinot is a nice surprise.
The alcohol content is 13.6%.
The Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2023 Tasting Notes
The color is a see-through, slightly rusty garnet red. The nose is ripe black cherry, raisin spice, herbs, dried fall leaves, plums, a little cola, and oak spice. Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2023 is a dry, subtle Pinot Noir with persistent flavors.
This Pinot Noir tastes like black cherry, orange zest, a slap of exotic spice, herbs, plums, and tart cranberry. Followed by stone fruit mixed with pomegranate, and a late hit of creamy vanilla.
The tannins are sweet (Pinot Noir grapes have thin skins, so they have less tannin), and the acidity allows the flavors and textures to fully unfold.
The Summary
- The Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2023 is a bargain at $14.99 and a great start for exploring Dundee Hills AVA wines.
- These grapes do not usually find their way into value-priced wine.
- If you like cherries, along with all the funky Pinot Noir flavors, this is your wine.
