Trader Joe’s Diamond Reserve 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Lot #09

TJ TuesdayTrader JoesCabernet SauvignonRed Wines
Written By Catherine Courtney

Trader Joe’s Diamond Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Lot #09

GRAPES: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot

VINTAGE: 2023

REGION: Napa Valley, California

ALCOHOL PERCENTAGE: 14.78%

PRICE: $19.99

Just when you think you know exactly what the wine of summer should be: light, crisp, and refreshingly white, a surprise contender steals the spotlight. This season, instead of the usual chilled rosé or chablis, it’s a bold, unexpected Cabernet Sauvignon that’s captured my heart and palate. Rich and vibrant, yet somehow perfectly suited for those long, sun-drenched days and warm evenings, this Cab challenges all the rules and redefines what a summer wine can be.

Before you clutch your pearls, hold on to your wine glass and hear me out. This weekend, I spotted a new Diamond Reserve bottle on the shelf. Surprise, surprise- it was a Cabernet Sauvignon. Nashville rarely sees these elusive Diamond Reserve bottles, so naturally, I snatched it up…then immediately had a moment of panic and put it right back down. You see, my last adventure with one of these was, well, let’s just say it didn’t quite live up to the hype of the $19.99 price tag (my wallet still hasn’t forgiven me). But this one was from Napa Valley, and I thought, “ What’s the worst thing that could happen? I lose $19.99 and finally learn my lesson?” So, it went into my cart- and I’m happy it did.

I popped the bottle in my wine cooler for a bit and poured myself a modest glass with the intent of not getting my hopes up. But y’all- this is one for the books.

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

Tasting Notes:

  • Dark ruby, almost opaque garnet hue

  • Aged for 14 months in French and American oak barrels ( Trader Joe’s website)

  • Notes of dark fruit- think blackberries, plum

  • Jammy- my favorite kind of Cab

  • Earthy notes like tobacco and the faintest hint of leather

  • Full body with bold, almost chewy tannins

Verdict:

I know, I know. If you’re still on the fence, let me put it this way: this Trader Joe’s Diamond Reserve Cabernet is the plot twist your summer wine lineup didn’t know it needed. It’s bold without being overbearing, smooth with just the right amount of group, and somehow manages to feel both indulgent and totally approachable. For $20.00, you get a taste of Napa Valley, which drinks way above its price tag. And that in and of itself is a win worth toasting these days. So go ahead, break the rosé rules, and let this Cab surprise you in all the right ways. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle of this goodness, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop them 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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