Fast facts:
- 2022 Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Chardonnay Lot #128, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California ($12.99 @Trader Joe’s, California)
You have heard us say many times that Sonoma’s cool Russian River Valley excels at producing world class Pinot Noir and the same goes for Chardonnay. Chardonnay remains its most planted wine grape, although Pinot Noir is a close second. This one-two punch of Burgundian heavyweights counters Napa’s mastery of the Bordeaux varieties. It’s a big, diverse AVA that runs from inland Alexander Valley to the town of Jenner, where it empties into the Pacific Ocean.
You’ve also heard us say that becoming friendly with the wine staff at Trader Joe’s pays dividends. This particular wine was still in the back room at my local TJ’s, that is, until my wine monger told me that they had just tasted it and how he couldn’t believe how well it showed. Then he rolled a stack of cases onto the floor and I rolled out of the store with some bottles in my cart. I am not a really big fan of big buttery over-oaked Chardonnay. Hence, I liked how this well-balanced affair let’s the fruit shine though.
Tasting Notes:
Nice middle weight Chardonnay. More green apple and pear vs. drawn butter, but there is some butter there. More citrus notes than heavy oak, but there is some oak there too. Notes of lemon and brioche with hints of vanilla and spice on the finish. Going to pair this with a colossal lobster roll, me thinks.
Spring is next week people. This is a good wine to toast its arrival!
Need More Wine Picks from Trader Joe’s – or Costco?
If your search for this wine lands you in Trader Joe’s, take along our handy Lucky 13 list of TJ’s wine here.
And if your wine shopping excursions land you in Costco, prepare by grazing our most recent reviews of Costco wines here in our Lucky 13 list.
Cheers!
Leave a Reply