– Spiral Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley | Trader Joe’s Wine –

After really enjoying the Spiral Cellars Chardonnay a few weeks ago I was pretty intrigued to try the Spiral Cellars Cabernet offering. It just happens to be from an incredibly good vintage at an incredibly low price, from one of the historically most expensive places to both grow and buy Cabernet Sauvignon.

It’s pretty rare to see Napa Cabernet under $10, but Spiral Cellars and Trader Joe’s have succeeded in making this bottle of Spiral Cellars Cabernet available to us for $9.99. Let’s see if it’s worth your hard earned Alexander Hamilton!

Appearance: Dark ruby red

Nose: Aromas of black cherry, juicy black berries, cola and raspberry make for a pleasant nose.

On the palate: The Spiral Cellars Cabernet is juicy and fruit forward with decent concentration and a creamy, smooth mouthfeel. There are blackberries, cherry cola, black currant, new wood and hints of milk chocolate and spice. There’s lots to like here but the finish has a slightly oaky, coarse finish that somewhat detracts from the whole package.

Varietal Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage: 2012

Origin: Napa Valley, California

Value Rating:  4 / 5

Where I got it: Trader Joe’s (Clarendon, VA)

Price: $9.99

Score: 86

Should you buy? This is a pretty decent Cabernet Sauvignon for the modest price point but it isn’t my absolute favorite either. Consider it along with other options in the Trader Joe’s Wine Section.

Value Proposition – Spiral Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley | Trader Joe’s Wine

Don’t get me wrong, this is a pretty tasty wine with a great nose and a pretty enjoyably juicy, creamy mid-palate. If the Spiral Cellars Cabernet has a more refined finish this would be a screaming value in the Trader Joe’s Wine Section.

The problem I’m having with it is that for a few dollars more, there are many compelling options from Paso Robles or even the Trader Joe’s private label Cabernet’s. Then there’s the Costco Wine Section which sells the always dependable Hess Select Cabernet for under $13. Having said that, if you must have Napa Valley Cabernet and need to spend under $10, the Spiral Cellars Cabernet is still a good option.