This is an absolute steal at Costco right now; another killer Rioja buy right on the heels of the amazing 2012 Hidalgo Tradicion H Rioja we just reviewed.
That wine was only $15 and I went 92 points, and this one is slightly more at $21.49 but I might have to move beyond 92 points as it really is that exceptional.
2010 was a great vintage in Europe, and being a Gran Reserva this wine spent at least 2 years in oak and 3 years in the bottle before being released. I’ve mentioned before how I love to grab these already aged wines where the winery did everything for you.
This wine is drinking nicely now and could go for a bit longer but it’s a real treat to just walk up to the bin at Costco and drop this in your cart for just over $20 without having to think about a thing. Prices online range from $30, to $38, so Costco again comes in way below the going price.
So what’s in the bottle? I get big time cigar box on the nose and throughout, cedar toward the beginning and more oak towards the finish. In the middle this wine is medium in body, with tannins settling in gently, leading to a soft, elegant mouthfeel. Flavors are predominantly dark fruit, blackberry with black cherry, anise, and a little vegetal component towards the very dry finish.
So well done for the money it’s hard to compare to other $20 bottles from anywhere else in the world. I’m afraid to review more bottles moving forward after this as I feel like I’m going to be disappointed.
Lots to love here everyone. Let’s just hope they hang around long enough, and are distributed wide enough, for you all to find. Let me know what you think if you have a chance to try it.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 93 points (a CostcoWineBlog Recommended Wine)
Costco item number: 1215883
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 14%