This is a Costco staple that seems to hang around in stores for quite a while, so I hope that many of you are able to find it, especially those looking for a rather simple, every day, affordable red blend, because this one fits the bill.
I thought the 2013 vintage was pretty good, and this one seems very similar, with one early difference being the $1 price increase compared to the prior year (at least in my Costco). This 2014 vintage came in at $13.29, but it's worth the price ($17 at wine.com, more elsewhere online).
The 2014 vintage is comprised of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Merlot, which is similar to years past. The nose has a little slate/mineral component and smelled a bit like a high elevation South American wine. Although the Claret (as these style of wines were historically known in England) is a Bordeaux style blend, this wine is markedly California in character.
Flavors of dark fruit, blackberry, plum, with distinct dark chocolate notes that I also noted in the review of the prior vintage. It's a little chewy in the mouth, dry throughout and finishes pleasantly. Again, for red blend fans, have at it here. Costco's price is great and the wine's pretty good too.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 87 Points (same as 2013)
Costco item number: 211159
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA
Alc. 13.5%
