2021 Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon| Lot #130

Trader JoesTJ TuesdayCabernet SauvignonPlatinum ReserveRed Wines
Written By Catherine Courtney

2021 Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon| Lot #130

GRAPES: Cabernet Sauvignon

VINTAGE: 2021

REGION: Napa Valley, California

ALCOHOL PERCENTAGE: 14.8%

PRICE: $17.99

It’s Monday, and somehow I’m already headfirst in a bottle of wine. Is this the most responsible way to begin the week? Probably not. Is it an excellent way to begin the week? I am willing to make the argument. Consider this my Monday mood booster and a reminder that no rule says wine has to wait until the weekend.

Adding to the Monday chaos: I am taking the next two weeks off and heading to Paris, which sounds glamorous until you realize I’m attempting to cram two weeks’ worth of work into five days before I leave. It’s already taking a toll, so naturally, I’m turning to wine for moral support. Paris may be the reward, but trust me, I am earning it.

In true fashion, I continue to stalk the aisles of Trader Joe’s, as fall is when things start getting interesting with more of their reserve wines making an appearance. During my most recent visit, I spotted the 2021 Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon | Lot #130. I typically adore their reserve Cabernet Sauvignons, so this one immediately went into my cart. Generally speaking, TJ reserve wines rarely disappoint, so let’s see if that holds true with this bottle.

Without further ado, let’s get into the tasting details, shall we?

Tasting Notes:

  • Deep, inky ruby with garnet-purple undertones

  • Notes of dark fruit- blackberry, cherry, and subtle notes of currant

  • Hints of coffee and oakiness

  • Full body with high acidity

  • Tannins are definitely present, ranking medium+ to high on the spectrum

  • Long finish

Verdict:

If you like your Cabernets bold but balanced, this one is worth adding to your cart. It has structure and depth you’d expect from Napa without feeling overly sweet or jammy. I’d happily purchase another bottle.

Pro-Tip: Give it 45-60 minutes to breathe before pouring that first glass. It really opens up with a little time. Pour it alongside a steak for a great Sunday dinner, and you’ve got a solid Napa Cab without the Napa price tag.

If you try this, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Until Next Time!

Disclaimer: All wines mentioned in this post were purchased independently. I am not an agent or representative of Trader Joe’s and cannot assist individuals in sourcing or obtaining wines featured in my posts. All opinions shared are my own and based on personal experience.

Catherine Courtney

Welcome to Blonde Voyage Nashville!

I am so excited to finally see this dream become a reality.  Between the destination restaurants, the copious amount of food photos and insanely crazy travel stories, I have decided to share my journey. 

My name is Catherine Courtney and I am a Nashville native with a penchant for culinary creativity and epic travel adventures. I'll admit... I also have a slight obsession with handbags.

Two years ago, my life changed completely.  Everything that I knew to be was completely turned upside down.  I quickly realized that time is our greatest commodity and it's not to be taken for granted. I couldn't wait for the perfect time, who knew when that would be.  I needed to take the leap and explore the world on my own.  There were so many places I wanted to go, but where would I start. 

France was always one of those places that I had romanticized.  Wandering the streets of Paris and seeing the Eiffel tower were at the top of my list. Without hesitation, I booked a two week trip to the French Rivera and Paris.  It was a journey of a lifetime.  Not only were amazing friendships cultivated, but it was on that trip that i discovered that food and travel are the embers that that keep my soul on fire. 

It wasn't until I arrived back in Nashville with my passport that I realized I had been bit. Wanderlust had completely taken over.  I already started thinking about where I wanted to go next.  It was then that I decided that it was more important to have camera full of photos and a tattered journal full of stories than anything else. My heart was overflowing.

One of my favorite quotes that resonates is from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland:

"Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures...."

Join me as I explore near and far away places, filling my passport full of stamps and satiating my appetite with some of the most amazing cuisine the world has to offer. 

Thanks for reading! 

       

 

 

http://blondevoyagenashville.com
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