Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Chardonnay Sonoma Coast Lot #87 2016

The Sonoma Coast AVA is the Pacific coastal region from from San Pablo Bay to Mendocino County. Included in this region are parts of Carneros and the Russian River Valley. The cool climate and higher rainfall than more inland parts of Sonoma County make this a great region for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. My favorite Chardonnays from the Sonoma Coast are crisp, fruit forward wines without overpowering oak flavors.

There is not much information available regarding specific regions of the Sonoma Coast that contribute to this wine and no information about fermentation and aging. The wine is made byAvid winery which is led by a highly regarded winemaker.

The Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Chardonnay perfectly fits my preferences for Chardonnay. The wine is only slightly creamy with fruit forward flavors of peach and tropical fruit. The oak is present but not excessive and the wine has a relatively high alcohol content of 14.8%. I really enjoyed this excellent wine and plan to buy more. As with all Trader Joe's Grand Reserve wines, it is priced at $12.99.

SC Wine Joe does not assign a numerical rating to white wines.

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