Trader Joe's Diamond Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Lot #03

Trader Joe’s Diamond Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Lot #03

GRAPES: Cabernet Sauvignon

VINTAGE: 2022

REGION: Oakville (Napa Valley), California

ALCOHOL PERCENTAGE: 15%

PRICE: $19.99

From my lips to the wine god's ears. Like many of you, I popped into Trader Joe's to grab a few last-minute things for Thanksgiving. We all know there's nothing worse than going to a grocery store on the eve of a food-focused holiday, but it turned out to be quite fruitful. During my last post, I recounted how we NEVER get any Diamond Reserve bottles in Nashville. However, it appears as if the wine gods heard my rumblings as I happened upon a Diamond Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, California. I can't tell you how quickly I grabbed a bottle.

Honestly, I've never opened a bottle of wine so quickly. I couldn't wait to taste what was inside.

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

Tasting Notes:

• Deep rich ruby/garnet hue

• Notes of blackberry and dark cherry

• Hints of tobacco

• Quite bold, even after decanting the bottle

• Full-bodied with quite heavy tannins

• Falls on the drier end of the spectrum

Verdict:

Y'all, I can't believe that I am even writing this, but I much prefer the Platinum Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon to the Diamond Reserve. While this is a lovely bottle, the Platinum Reserve is much more approachable, flavorful, and easy to drink. Despite decanting this, it still seemed tight, and honestly, this seemed to have more Bordeaux/Merlot tendencies than a Cabernet Sauvignon. Who knows, maybe I was having an off night, or my palate was still in a food coma from Thanksgiving. If you happen to get your hands on a bottle, I'd love to hear your thoughts, as I am surprised that this Diamond Reserve didn't live up to the hype I had in mind.

Until Next Time!