We weren't sure what to expect here but had a sneaking suspicion that this might be an under the radar winner. And we were spot on.
Languedoc is a region in Southern France, in between the Mediterranean and Rhone Valley, and you can see the Rhone influence in the varietal blend here which is 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache.
It's a region also known for good values, as this one is the perfect case in point. Only $12.99 at Costco. So we knew right away if it tasted as we hoped, we were going back in for more. The placard notes a nice big 91 point score from Wine Advocate too.
On the pour this is a medium purple with dark fruit, earth and herbs on the nose; flavors of blackberry, blueberry and plum with some dark chocolate in the finish. Elegant and subtle.
We really like this one and the style is right up our alley. Definitely plan to buy a few more if they’re still around. But word might get out fast among French wine fans that this is a bargain not to be missed.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 90 points (a Costco Wine Top Pick)
Costco item number: 1694900
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 13.5%
Also, if you are interested in French wine and want a super easy to read primer on the key varietals, regions, and styles, check out our book Decoding French Wine.
Henry says
This sounds yummy! Interesting that Syrah is the dominant varietal in the mix. I'm sure you and readers have seen many Rhone styles of the GSM mix - Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. I found that the higher percentages of Syrah are more suitable to this palate. This offering from Languedoc sounds right up my alley, and the price is right as well. Good find! I'll be on the lookout in my local VA Costco.
Sam says
So the day you first published this find my wife and I visited our Irmo SC area store and on the end display of the first wine row were three Devois bottles left. I bought them. Folks must have been reading your blog. Later that afternoon I opened a bottle and it tasted harsh and tight. Not what I expected. So I let it sit. After maybe 30 minutes of opening it to the air, the taste changed considerably. Still not terrific but drinkable, if you know what I mean. I later corked what became half of the bottle and opened the next evening. Wow! It was very good. Lots of flavors. You described them and it was smooth and delicious. I have experienced this need to let some wines breathe before but never so much as this nice inexpensive French baby. So decanter this wine for sure. Maybe aerate it. But give it some time. It is worth the wait.
Andy says
Excellent wine !
Easy to drink, perfect match with a good steak
Good catch Costco !!
Michael says
I found the wine to be worthy of its $12.99 price tag and that's about it. It definitely did not drink above the bar and if it were priced any higher, I'm certain that 91 point rating would be closer to 86-88 points. I found it to be flabby and it lacked structure and acidity...virtually nothing on the back. Even though the Syrah was dominant, it was hard to discern any of the typical characteristics that the grape normally offers. I had hoped to enjoy it so much that I would return to buy a case but I'm glad I didn't buy any more than just the one bottle.
Liz says
Sweet briar fruit with soft tannins and a creamy texture, I like it.
It will be on my table for Thanksgiving !