I’ve wanted to buy this bottle at Costco for some time, and finally pulled the trigger.  The label is unforgettable, and I heard that Costco’s $26 price was a steal.  Turns out that it is.  If you Google this wine, you’ll see online outfits selling it for closer to $40 with more recent vintages priced more than that.  I was hoping for a nice elegant Rioja with a little age on it, and that’s exactly what I got.  It’s a fantastic buy at this price, tasting almost as good as the La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904s that I love so much and those are priced around $40 at Costco right now.

Pours dark and inky purple; nose of dried flowers, campfire, and dark fruit.  This wine has flavors of red and dark fruit, cherry, dried plum, raisin with a little sweetness; tannins are soft and juicy, a little acidity; finishes dry and chewy, lasting.

This is very enjoyable expression of Rioja, drinking nice right now, or it could easily lay down a bit longer.  I like to taste these Riojas after a good 8-10 years.  Grapes are Tempranillo.  Red wine fans looking for a treat should try to find this one.

CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 90 Points

Costco item number: 405827

Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA