The 2007 vintage of this wine was an absolute standout when I reviewed it two years ago. For $10, it may have been the best inexpensive red wine I found at Costco during the whole year. I was really excited to see it back in stores now, in the 2009 vintage, and it was even $2 cheaper this time at only $7.99.
This current vintage follows suit to a large degree but I found the flavor a little more muted and reserved than I remember the 2007 vintage being (I wish I still had one of those to compare with). That's not to say this isn't a good wine. I believe it is, and it is a heck of a bargain for the price point.
The nose really hints at great things to come; smells like a more expensive Spanish red, floral with some earth and spice. The wine poured a little clearer than I was expecting yet it felt pretty big in the mouth. The flavor comes through brilliantly. Tons of red fruit, cherry, strawberry, a little cherry Nibs candy flavor as the wine settles in the mouth. Finishes really nice, long and deep like few bottles under $10 do.
Overall, maybe my expectations were a bit high. The wine does feel just a tad watered down to me. But at this price I can't complain too much. It's a great buy for the money, just not as strong as year's past in my opinion. I know this wine is a reader favorite, and seems to be available at Costcos nationwide. Let me know what you think.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 88 Points (down from 90 points in 2007 vintage)
Costco item number: 641243
max says
For my taste quite a bit a degradation from the last year, with the constant $2 off discount ( at the my area ) still probably a good value.
Al says
I actually had a few bottles of the 2007 laying and just finished them before trying this newer vintage. The 2007 was more impressive yes, and even more so after laying the bottles for a little while. This newer vintage still impressed tremendously though, and I'll be keeping a few hidden for consumption in a years time. The 2007 really took on an even more impressive dimension after a bit of storage, so I hope the 2009 rewards a bit of patience as well.
admin says
Thanks for your comments. I'm glad to hear the '07s improved with a little time. I may also stash away a couple of these '09s to see how they develop. At $7 a piece this is a fun and inexpensive experiment.
Bernie Showman says
At my Greenville SC Costco, a couple of months ago this wine was part of the spring wine sale. There were a few 2007 vintage bottles mixed in the stack along with the 2009 bottles. You might want to check some bottles lower in the stack.
admin says
Thanks for the note. That's good to know and I will definitely do some digging next time I'm there.
Chris Strickland says
The 2007 we all loved was a Reserva (I still have one left), and was aged longer. We don't have the 2009 in our Jacksonville Costco yet, and it may be a Crianza. I have seen the 09 Crianza elsewhere in town, and tried it. It wasn't as good as the 07. Are you sure the one at Costco is a Reserva?
admin says
I'm almost positive the one I bought at Costco was the Reserva. But I don't have the bottle anymore so can't be 100% certain. I plan to hit Costco in the next couple of days and will take a look and update my post if needed. Thanks for the email.