Another tasty Cab at a great price, we review the latest vintage of the Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 95.
Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, California.
The wine is vinted and bottled by Ashford Court which appears to be a winery in Sonoma County that produces a number of different labels, mostly Pinot Noir and Cabernet. There is no other information on the back label. It has 14.1% alcohol.
It is available exclusively at Trader Joe's and sells for $12.99, which is $3 more than TJ's Reserve level Alexander Valley Cabernet we previously reviewed.
The 2020 Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 95 begins with a pleasing aroma of plum and blackberry plus a little vanilla and spice.
Taking a sip reveals a smooth and super easy to drink wine with lots of dark, ripe fruit and nice touches of spice. Just a touch sweet, this is a crowd pleaser once again. It's not terribly complex but it's satisfying nonetheless.
It ends long, dry and fruity and was similar on day 2. I'd place it just a half step above the Reserve level wine and as such it is worth the slightly higher price.
And while we do highly recommend this one, its pricing puts it in a weird spot. For our money I'd rather buy the Kirkland Signature Alexander Valley Cabernet which has the same Taste Rating but costs $3 less per bottle at $9.99, so it definitely gives you more bang for your buck.
Staying at Trader Joe's you can also spend a couple dollars more to grab one of the Platinum Reserve Cabs, which tend to have higher Taste Ratings, at $14.99.
2020 Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
As always you can find an updated list of our recommended wines from Trader Joe's as well as more info on their pricing model and some tips and tricks for shopping the store in our giant guide.
You can also find more of our favorite Cabernet Sauvignon here!