Trader Joe's Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir 2022
Trader Joe's Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir 2022
GRAPES: Pinot Noir
VINTAGE: 2022
REGION: Carneros
ALCOHOL PERCENTAGE: 14.5%
PRICE: $14.99
Hello, friends! The countdown to the holiday season is officially here. It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just a few days away. Some of you may be doing the heavy lifting and cooking most of the meal, while others are simply responsible for the charcuterie boards and wine. Seeing as I've been on both ends, the latter is not a bad place to be. Last year, around this same time, we sampled the 2021 Trader Joe's Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir. You can read more about it here. When I saw the new vintage available, just in time for Thanksgiving, I knew I had to pour myself a glass. With the holidays upon us, you will undoubtedly see an influx of reserve wines hitting the shelves.
Based on my experience, these wines are all top-tier. Last year, I fell in LOVE with a Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley and stockpiled a few bottles, which ironically just ran out. Several new readers have joined since I last gave an overview of the reserve wines at Trader Joe's.
To ensure we are all on the same page, let's talk about "What are Trader Joe's Reserve Wines?"
Trader Joe's has four categories of wine ( well, five depending on where you live and what you can access), but I am here to share the categories I've seen/tasted in Nashville.
Petit Reserve | These wines are a simply great value and are reasonably priced at around $7.99/bottle. These wines would be comparable to a bottle that would typically sell for $12.00-$15.00.
Reserve | These are "extra special" wines that exemplify classic varietal character and are priced around $9.99/bottle. These wines would be comparable to a bottle that would typically sell for $22.00-$25.00.
Grand Reserve | These wines are heavy hitters and are usually priced at $12.99/bottle.
Platinum Reserve | These wines are considered the best of the best and are usually priced around $14.99/bottle. When enjoyed, they easily stand-up to bottles that are $30.00 and up.
There's allegedly a "Diamond Reserve," but I have yet to come across one in Nashville. If you spot one, help a girl out and let me know! I was told by a reliable source at TJ's that if you find a wine with a particular lot that really speaks to your soul, grab a few bottles for your wine cabinet. Each lot number is a limited release, and once it's gone, it's gone.
Admittedly, I've consumed a considerable amount of wine since last November. While I don't remember all of the tasting notes from the 2021 vintage, I was curious to see how the 2022 compared.
Without further ado, let's jump into the tasting details, shall we?
Tasting Notes:
Garnet hue with slightly transparent but with opaque moments
Medium-bodied wine with mild tannins and well-balanced acidity
Dark fruit notes, specifically black cherry
Other fruit notes detected: cranberry and cherry
Traces of toasted oak with traces of leather and tobacco
Slight hints of cocoa on the nose
Verdict:
Well, friends, year after year, this wine does not disappoint and is well worth the $14.99 price point. If you are looking to grab a bottle for your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving lineup, this is one that you should strongly consider.
If you are pulling together a hostess gift, teacher gift, or just a small happy for your favorite gal pals, this would be a great addition and truly elevate any gift.
If you're able to get your hands on one of these bottles, let me know your thoughts!
Until Next Time!
