Trader Joe’s Reserve Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Review

A smooth and tasty Cab available for just $10, we review the Trader Joe’s Reserve Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Lot #235.

Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington.

This wine is available exclusively at Trader Joe’s and sells for $9.99.

From Trader Joe’s:

We’ll just come right out and say it: we love Cabernets from Washington. And we especially love Cabernets from eastern Washington, where the days are long and sunny and the nights are cool and clear—just the right conditions for producing intense, concentrated flavors in Cabernet grapes. One Washington Cab that’s particularly near and dear to our hearts is the newest inductee to the Trader Joe’s Reserve label, a Columbia Valley Cabernet that’s full-bodied and complex, yet entirely approachable. What’s not to love?

With every sip, this Columbia Valley Cab thrills with notes of ripe red plum, rich cocoa, and gently spiced oak, all supported by plush, velvety tannins. It makes an exceptionally delicious pairing option for spaghetti Bolognese, a blue cheese salad wedge, or a super dark, chocolatey dessert.

Vinted and Bottled by DNA Vineyards
13% Alcohol

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The 2017 Trader Joe’s Reserve Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Lot #235 opens with a pleasing aroma of plum, a little dark berry fruit and touches of chocolate, spice and cigar box.

Tasting reveals a smooth, tasty Cab that features similar flavors to the nose, with the fruit a bit juicy in the mouth. It could use a bit more depth on the fruit but it’s certainly easy to drink and it gets better with some air. This would make a nice burger wine.

It ends dry, long and even a bit chalky and was similar on day 2.

I’d say this one is similar in quality to Costco’s Kirkland Signature Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, although it does cost $1 more. It’s also interesting that Trader Joe’s is selling a 2017 vintage at this point as the Kirkland Signature version is up to the 2020 vintage. If you prefer wines with a bit of age on them, it’s probably worth the extra buck for the TJ’s example.

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.