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I think the Trading Post by Trader Joe’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a $19.99 Trader Joe’s exclusive. I say I think because I can’t find a single mention of this wine on the internet. I do not recall another “by Trader Joe’s” wine before, typically the wines in this price range are Patinum or Diamond Reserve wines.
The back label says this Cabernet was “vinted by” Trading Post Wines. Vinted and bottles by means that the company bottled the wine and maybe did a bit of aging. I looked up Trading Post by Trader Joe’s on the California Wine Cola Registry website, you need to type in the whole name, and a wine bottling and storage company came up.
So who made the wine, where exactly in Napa Valley the grapes came from, and any other pertinent information is missing? Not knowing anything about ten-buck wines is one thing but taking a chance on a $20 wine is another. Most Napa Valley wines are priced well above $20 and it is common for store brands to come in at under twenty dollars. but a little info would help with the decision to make a purchase.
So here is what I know about the Trading Post by Trader Joe’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022. It was aged in French and American oak barrels for 14 months. That is a good sign since they would not take the time and the expense to use oak barrels on less-than-quality grapes.
Napa Valley wines are priced based on location, who the winemaker is, and reputation, just saying Napa Valley is not a guarantee of quality.
With the Trading Post by Trader Joe’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 we have a general location, no winemaker information, and Trader Joe’s reputation. Last year TJ’s had a series of Napa Premier AVA Cabernet Sauvignons selling for $19.99 and they were very good to excellent. The alcohol content is 14.5%.
The Trading Post by Trader Joe’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Tasting Notes
The color is dark raspberry jelly red with black highlights. The nose is sweet dark berries, chocolate, oak spice, light herbs, black cherry, soft spice, and mocha coffee. The Trading Post by Trader Joe’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is smooth on the palate, with sleek flavors if not overly complex.
This Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like blackberry, black pepper, licorice, sharp spice, dark chocolate, and ripe plum. The mid-palate offers blueberry, a little vanilla, a slight pull from the tannins, and strawberry. The acidity is well-balanced and gives this wine a decent length.
The Summary
- The Trading Post by Trader Joe’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 drinks well.
- It is a very nice Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Is it a bargain at $19.99? Maybe not, but it is well worth drinking.
I bought one just because I am curious about Trader Joe brands that are sometimes hit or miss.
If I allow the wine to age a liittle loke 3-4 years before opening it, maybe it will ba matured properly to allow the wine to showcase its true taste. What do you think?
Hi,
The problem with aging the wine is that we know nothing about the production process. We do not know what type of fermentation or what barrel program they used. Without that knowledge you are taking a shot in the dark. But, since the wine is relatively inexpensive it is an experiment that may be worthwhile. So if you have the means to properly age a bottle a wine go for it, and let us know the results.
Cheers,
Dave (Cheapwinefinder.com)