Trading Post Cabernet Sauvignon of Napa Valley 2022

Trading Post Cabernet Sauvignon of Napa Valley 2022

GRAPES: Cabernet Sauvignon

VINTAGE: 2022

REGION: Napa Valley

ALCOHOL PERCENTAGE: 14.5%

PRICE: $19.99

Happy New Year, fellow wine lovers! I hope each of you had a wonderful holiday season and enjoyed some delicious wine while catching up with loved ones and friends. I traveled back to London, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite destinations, to take in the holiday spirit and do a little wine tasting in Sussex. <You can read all about my visit to Sussex HERE.> In case you missed it, English Fizz is becoming quite popular. If you spot it on a menu, give it a whirl. You won't be disappointed. 

After finishing my week-long KROMA cleanse to kick start the new year, I made a mad dash to Trader Joe's to load up on all my favorites. Since a heavy snowfall is in the forecast, I made it to Trader Joe's just a few minutes after they opened to avoid the crowd. Luckily, everyone is still holding to their "New Year- new me" resolution. There was more traffic with the fruits and veggies than the wine. Taking my time, I scanned the shelves to see if there were any new additions and if they replenished my favorite Italian wine (it's been out of stock for weeks!) Knowing how cold it would be over the next few days, I had my eye on a bottle of red wine and spotted the Trading Post Cabernet Sauvignon of Napa Valley. I've never spotted this bottle in my local store, so I pulled the cart over to read more about it. 

First things first, the price point on this bottle is $19.99. It's much more expensive than a bottle I'd usually grab. Over the holidays, I fell in love with the Trader Joe's Reserve selections, so I've been spending a bit more than usual. 

After asking a few questions, I learned that this is a new endeavor for Trader Joe's, where they are working with a trusted winery partner to produce these private-label wines. As they say, think of it as the perfect marriage combining the outstanding quality and value of the limited-run Reserve wines with the consistent availability of the everyday Trader Joe's favorites.  

Say less, right? 

I'm snuggled up on the couch enjoying my second glass, so without further ado, let's jump into the tasting details, shall we? I think it will be a bottle you'll add to your shopping list! 

Tasting Notes:

  • Medium Ruby Color

  • Bold, really filling the mouth with richness and flavor

  • Notes of vanilla and dark red fruit, such as blackberry // definitely fruit forward on the palate

  • Hint of spice

  • Moderately tannic wine, slightly dominating the fruit undertones

Verdict:

While most would recommend pairing this wine with a hearty dish, I enjoyed sipping it slowly while cuddling up on the couch. As this is the first of the Trading Post wines that Trader Joe's has produced, I'm excited to see what's to come. This is a lovely bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. According to the label, it's been aged 14 months in French and American oak barrels, which shines through in the smooth finish. Would I purchase this again? Absolutely. I am quite fond of other red wines at Trader Joe's < mostly Italian>, but for the price point, it's well worth drinking. I have another bottle that I'll be sharing in the next week or so, and it is one that will knock your socks off. If you love bold cabs, you may want to save your money as this bottle is a few dollars cheaper, at least in the Nashville market, and I found it to be a little more charismatic.

Until Next Time!