Trader Joes Wines (2)
Trader Joe’s has a long history of putting out their own labeled wines. And we also have a long history of tasting all of them. And from time to time we run into something amazing that must be purchased in small to large quantities. As an example, a few years back they put out a Pinot Noir from Aroyo Grande. It was spectacular. I think we hit all the TJ’s in the area and bought every case.
Check your local Trader Joe’s for availability of the following wine. And as they appear we will diligently taste them and report back here. But they can sell out fast . . . stay tuned.
See the Original Trader Joes Blog for older reviews.
Description: Grower’s Reserve, Organic Grapes, California
Vintage: 2024
Varietal: Red Blend
Rating: 88 | $5.99 | Tasted: 5/29/2025
Notes: Let’s start with the fact that this is a simpler wine than the three listed below. It has broad brush stroke of scent and flavors. But with this caveat aside, this wine has nice balance, pretty fruit and good concentration.
The body is med+, finish med+, tannins low, intensity and concentration is med+. And it has medium acidity.
So, what’s the audience for this inexpensive wine? It has enough intensity and balance that it would go well with grilled meats like chicken or turkey. It would be great with a pasta salad or bread dipped in olive oil or hummus. It would also be a good wine to grab to take to a party. Tasters might be surprised to know that this organic wine with its good qualities is only $6.99.
Description: Diamond Reserve Bersano Estate, Del Commune Di Serralunga D’Alba, Barolo DOCG Lot# 6
Vintage: 2020
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Rating: 88 | $19.99 | Tasted: 5/24/2025
Notes: Open this and let it sit open for a couple hours. It needs air. After breathing it opens up. It has notes of dried herbs, cherry, black marker pen, dried flowers and lemon peel.
It has high tannins, high acid, medium concentration, medium intensity, med+ finish and medium body.
It has a tart intensity on the palate. With the high tannins and acid, it makes for a sour cherry wine. It has a few missing holes on the palate and lacks concentration. We were hoping for more with this one.
Description: Diamond Reserve, Napa Valley, Lot# 09
Vintage: 2023
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Rating: 89 | $19.99 | Tasted: 5/24/2025
Notes: The nose has cherry frosting, brioche, blackberry, black cherry, Bay leaf, dried herbs, black tea, cocoa and coffee. However, these notes are thin, veiled and not very concentrated. The nose comes and goes. But read on.
The palate is medium in tannins, high acid, med+ concentration, med+ intensity, med+ finish and high acid.
And that’s why it’s weird. It has the most elusive nose but has a much nicer concentration on the palate. And yet it’s not a massive wine. So, we are up in the air on this one. For a diamond reserve, this isn’t impressing.
Description: Reserve, Horse Heaven Hills, Eagle and Plow Vineyard, Lot# 269
Vintage: 2023
Varietal: Syrah
Rating: 88 | $9.99 | Tasted: 5/24/2025
Notes: We got dried fruit, dried herbs, licorice, kirsch, black cherry, blackberry and vanilla.
The acid level is high, the tannins med-, the body medium, the intensity and concentration medium.
It took some time for this to open up. When it did the wine was a big more lively. But it never reached a level where it really impressed. The concentration is average. But with that said, this would be a great food wine. You’d pair it with roast lamb, beef or chicken. It would compliment without overpowering.
