Spiral Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay Review | Trader Joe’s Wine

Spiral Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay | Trader Joe’s Wine

Spiral Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay Review

Despite all of the international and intriguing worldly white wine options available to us as consumers, good old Chardonnay is still easily number one. Much like popular but often looked down upon Merlot, arguably some of the greatest wines in the world are made from Chardonnay. Yet it often gets a bad rap as being too oaky, too, buttery, or just plain boring.

Despite this negativity it seems that it’s still Chardonnay, usually Napa Chardonnay, that consumers want. And if the level of searches I receive to from just the Spiral Cellars wines are any indication, this is a very popular choice that I needed to try. So if it’s Napa Chardonnay you want, it’s the Spiral Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay 2012 I’ll give you!

Spiral Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay 2012

Appearance: Pale yellow gold

Nose: Rich, ripe and tropical with guava, lychee, buttercream and vanilla notes balanced by a streak of lemon zest.

On the palate: The Spiral Cellars Chardonnay is medium to full in body with a somewhat creamy, buttery mouthfeel. The copious tropical fruit flavors lead to orange peel, vanilla and ginger notes. It is ripe and round yet maintains a good balance and never feels heavy or overly oaky.

Varietal Composition: Chardonnay

Vintage: 2012

Origin: Napa Valley, California

Value Rating:  5 / 5

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

Price: $7.99

Score: 90

Should you buy? Absolutely. If you like your Chardonnay’s ripe and tropical then the Spiral Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay is tough to beat. It offers a lot of personality and sheer drinking pleasure for it’s modest price. Find it in the Trader Joe’s Wine Section.

Spiral Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay 2012

Value Proposition – Spiral Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay 2012

I myself am a big fan of Chardonnay, especially cool-climate offerings like the Gary Farrell Russian River Chardonnay I recently reviewed. But I also love the riper options from warmer Napa Valley, with all of their ripe tropical fruit and creamy textures. But it isn’t often you come across Napa Chardonnay at under $8!

Relative to many of the cool climate Sonoma Chardonnay’s which favor a more old-world style, this is big and rich. But relative to many of the powerful, oaky, buttery Napa Chardonnay’s the Spiral Cellars Chardonnay is a great middle of the road option offering lots of Napa Chardonnay character at a bargain price.

I think the a good bit of the criticism with Chardonnay is just that… Many consumers are always choosing Chardonnay. Instead of always choosing what could be a ‘safe option’, try that Verdejo or Albarino. You might just be pleasantly surprised that you did. And when you’re in the mood for Chardonnay, the Spiral Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay 2012 is a terrific bargain available in your Trader Joe’s Wine Section.


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10 thoughts on “Spiral Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay Review | Trader Joe’s Wine

  1. Pingback: Guide to Trader Joes Wine Prices With Top Selections - The Fermented Fruit

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  3. tyler petersen

    The first few bottles I enjoyed at the $10 price point but just had one with an acetaldehyde taint. Not sure if its an aberration or poor oxidation vigilance. If its tca ill give it another chance but no excuse for oxidation taint.

    Reply
  4. Mary Lou Morrissette

    Am trying to buy Spiral Cellars Chardonnay and can’t find it locally. I really like it.
    Does Trader Joe’s sell it in the Sarsota, FL. store? I live in Englewood, FLk 34224 if you know of anyother place that sells it.
    Thank you, Mary Lou Morrissette

    Reply
    1. The Fermented Fruit Post author

      Hi Mary Lou,

      I do not know for sure if they sell it but there is a good chance that they do, as the Spiral Cellars Chardonnay is a popular pick. You might want to call around and ask a few locations if they stock it.

      Reply
  5. Pingback: Guide to Trader Joe's Wine | Prices & Top Selections - The Fermented Fruit

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