2023 Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Cabernet Franc | Lot #144

Trader JoesTJ TuesdayRed WinesCabernet Franc
Written By Catherine Courtney

2023 Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Cabernet Franc | Lot #144

GRAPES: Cabernet Franc

VINTAGE: 2023

REGION: Sonoma Valley, California

ALCOHOL PERCENTAGE: 14.5%

PRICE: $12.99

Hello, fellow wine lovers!

As the post-Thanksgiving rush gives way to a season filled with holiday parties, gift exchanges, and cozy nights spent wrapping presents, it feels like the perfect moment to slow down with a delicious bottle of wine. Whether you’re looking for something festive to bring along to gatherings, a thoughtful gift for a friend, or simply a delightful pour to enjoy by the glow of twinkle lights, this bottle deserves a spot in your holiday lineup.

Tonight, we are going to taste 2023 Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Cabernet Franc | Lot #144.

Cabernet Franc is one of my favorite red wines to enjoy, and it’s not often that I find it at Trader Joe’s. Since I’ve been doing wine reviews, I think I have seen two bottles, and today’s bottle makes three! I often find that Cabernet Franc is lighter, more aromatic, and more herb-driven than Cabernet Sauvignon, making it a good choice for those still exploring red wines.

You’ll find Cabernet Franc grown in the following areas: Loire Valley, France; Bordeaux, California; Washington, Argentina; and Chile. This grape thrives in cooler climates, which is why it often smells fresh and slightly herbaceous.

I know I’ve said this on more than one occasion, but this is truly the most wonderful time of the year at Trader Joe’s. Not only do they feature some of my favorite seasonal products ( Can of Corn candle, Pumpkin Ginger Ice Cream Cones, to name a few), but this is really the time when their reserve wines shine. In Nashville, I tend to find more between October and December than I do the rest of the year.

Here’s your annual public service announcement: If there’s a bottle that has piqued your curiosity or one that you’ve tried and fallen in love with, BUY IT. During this time of year, it’s on the shelf today and gone tomorrow.

So without further ado, let’s jump into the tasting details, shall we?

Tasting Notes:

  • Vibrant ruby hue

  • Notes of blackberry and red cherry

  • Subtle notes of cocoa and a hint of peppery spice throughout

  • Every so slight earthiness

  • Medium body with medium acidity & tannins

  • Slight grippiness, but allowing this wine to open for 20-30 minutes before enjoying is key

Verdict:

Friends, this is yet another Trader Joe’s reserve find that I quite enjoy. It can be a bit overpowering at first, but pour yourself a glass and let it open, or go so far as to decant the bottle, and you won’t be disappointed. If you pick up a bottle from Trader Joe’s, let me know what you think in the comments below!

Until Next Time!

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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2024 Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Zinfandel | Lot #118