The Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Napa Valley Blanc De Blancs is a $14.99 Trader Joe’s exclusive. It was produced and bottled by Rack and Riddle of Healdsburg, California.
The Story
Rack and Riddle is a large custom Sparkling wine producer serving California. They produce both the Traditional Method (think Champagne) and the Charmat Method (Prosecco). If a California wine brand has a Sparkling wine when their usual wines are still, they probably turned to Rack and Riddle to do the job.
The Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Napa Valley Blanc De Blancs is Chardonnay, along with an unspecified portion of Pinot Blanc. The 3 main approved grapes of Champagne are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, and they are used 99% of the time. But Pinot Blanc is also approved, if not common.
The Fearless Flyer states that this Bubbly has the “hallmarks” of Sparkling wine, selling for 2, 3, and 4 times the price. What these hallmarks are is never told.
While Rack and Riddle produced the wine, did the grapes come from an elite Champagne grape vineyard? Probably. There are no 2nd rate Bubbly vineyards in Napa Valley, and a prime vineyard could well be the source.
Base model Sparkling wine from California can be reasonably priced. The price tag increases as the production is more involved.
This is a non-vintage Bubbly; vintage-dated Sparkling wine can be pricey.
In Champagne the minimum length of the second fermentation is 18 months, California hos no Sparkling wine rules and the minimum 2nd fermentation is up to the producer.
Bubbly, with an extended second fermentation that often lasts years, can increase the price. We do not know any details about this Bubbly.
The vineyards of the Champagne region are prized and one of the draws; Napa Valley has exceptional vineyards. Bubbly grapes are picked before they ripen and are sour until the production introduces sugar to bring the wine to the desired level.
So, is this a $50 Bubbly selling for $15 at Trader Joe’s? Don’t know. It should be a Sparkling wine made with top-quality grapes, but the rest is a mystery.
The alcohol content is 11.9%.
The Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Napa Valley Blanc De Blancs Tasting Notes
The color is a pale yellow. The nose is citrus, apple, and crusty bread, lightly floral, with a hint of cream on the finish. The Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Napa Valley Blanc De Blancs is crisp, clean, with a full mouthfeel and a subtle combination of flavors.
This Sparkling Wine tastes like soft grapefruit, Green apple, and a slight swipe of spice. Followed by peach (not too ripe), a creamy texture, brioche, and lemon curd.
The acidity is just right.
The Summary
- The Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Napa Valley Blanc De Blancs hits hard for $14.99.
- Balanced and beautifully produced.
- Worthy of the Bubbly of choice for important occasions and toasts.
