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
Tim says
Purchased this Contador entry wine November 2014 @ San Diego, CA Costco for $19.00. Where have they had this stashed for a year and a half?