Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Trader Joe’s – Grand Reserve Pinot Noir 2023
Carneros AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An entry-level Pinot Noir from Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve series, designed to be approachable and wallet-friendly, yet sourced from Carneros, a region with a strong pedigree for Pinot Noir thanks to its cool climate influenced by the San Pablo Bay.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherry, cranberry, and a touch of strawberry compote. Subtle notes of baking spice and a faint hint of cola.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, soft tannins, and moderate acidity. Smooth and approachable, leaning more toward fruit-forward than earthy complexity.

Food Pairings
Roast chicken with herbs, Margherita pizza, Mushroom risotto, Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

Verdict
A casual, weeknight Pinot Noir that shows off the Carneros fruit in an uncomplicated way. Don’t expect Burgundian elegance or layered depth, instead, it’s a friendly, fruit-driven Pinot that hits the right notes for its price. Cheers! — 3 days ago

Trevor

9.1

The higher alcohol content of this wine made this slightly more bitter than I would like, but still quite good! Very good value. — 3 years ago

Michael

9.5

Light in taste and color. Lightly bitter. Easy drink. — 5 years ago

Dawn E.

9.1

I think I found a gem at Trader Joe's! Reference other 2024 reviews, delicious, very much so for the price point! Quick stop on trip back from Mason City! Peeps, I am finally a Grandma! — a month ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.3

Wow! Super elegant. — 8 months ago

Eric Peterson

9.5

Forest floor, sour cherry and fennel on the nose. Dark fruit, light spice and black tea. Smoky oak finish — 4 years ago

Joe Kaye

9.1

Traders $9.99 — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

93-95+ with proper aging.

This paired well with the flank steak w/ mash potato purée prepared by the Wynn Hotel.

A very solid & consistent producer of Napa Cabernet. I do enjoy the Napa 21 reds. High quality vintage.

WS Grand Tour Las Vegas 2025. — 6 months ago

Marita G

9.0

light yellow, lemon and floral. good, not great but would drink again. recommended by sommelier — 9 months ago

Mark Juckeland

9.8

This is a big fruit forward wine. Probably the best DS I’ve had in awhile and ‘14s. Black licorice on the nose and a lot of baked dark fruit. Palate is well balance. Fruit, acid and great texture. — 5 years ago