We thought this one might overdeliver and it does. This is a great Costco wine find. We're big Bordeaux fans, and for $20, this is a score.
Online the price seems to be closer to the $28 range, so it appears Costco's bringing it in at a competitive buy. Suckling has gone in the low 90's on some of the prior vintages. And as far as Bordeaux vintages go, 2018 is one of our favorites.
Since this wine hails from the right bank of Bordeaux (Saint Emilion) it will be Merlot dominated as indicated on the back label. Likely smaller parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The more we taste this one, the more boxes it checks. The wine starts with lovely aromas of dark fruit, herbs and spice; it is medium plus in body with good acidity; flavors of cherry, plum, and vanilla notes; dusty and dry in the finish.
The first word that comes to mind in summarizing this one is elegant. It's just a delicate, well made, well balanced Bordeaux that we can really get behind. 91 points from us with a big thumbs up.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 91 points (a Costco Wine top pick)
Costco item number: 1422690
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 14.5%
Dave says
Tried this wine and loved it. Went back to get a case and my Costco was charging $50 a bottle!
Super annoyed.
Deb says
@Dave, may I ask what state you live in?
Tim says
Warm year. And Bordeaux at over 14% ABV is a crime! Like most from Napa, these are over extracted, over fruited wines made for early consumption in general. And Merlot in warmer years shows this more than Cab Sauv. Oh, longing for the days of herbaceous, pencilly, earthy, long lived 12.5% to 13% ABV Napa Cabernets and Bordeaux. It’s why I switched to Oregon Pinot Noir. Cabs made for earlier drinking, fatter, and hotter are going down the same road that they pushed Zinfandel down in the 80s and 90s ruining that grape.
For an interesting read, look up an article about the recent tasting at BV in Napa featuring a run of BV Georges de Latour Cabs made by Andre Telischeff (sp?) in the late 60s thru late 70s.
Toma says
@Tim,
Totally agree on the high alcohol fiasco; I only buy 13.5% and lower, so that I can actually taste what's going on.
Joe Roberts says
I occasionally shop at a Costco store in another town with a larger wine selection and I had noticed this wine last time I was there (It's not in my local Costco.) So the other day while in that town I bought a couple bottles, and was glad I did. For the $20 it's a damn nice Bordeaux. I'm tempted to buy 6 bottles and put them in the cellar, bringing one out each year for the next six. That would be a treat---- thanks for your recommendation!
Leo says
@Joe Roberts,
Man turns his back on his Bordeaux, he ain't no good.
Leo
Rick says
Many of the wines featured are not available at any of the local Costco’s in my area (Twin Cities. I’ve asked a number of times). Too bad as I’ve had to revert to another Big Box Retailer to buy.
Todd Ross says
It's quite disappointing, but NONE of the wines on your blog appear in my local San Diego Costco. I wish you could cover more regional area than just Augusta, GA.
Joe says
Looks like a very nice wine. None of the Costco's my area, Western Massachusetts + Northern Connecticut have it or could say if would ever be available. I couldn't even find it online.
Marc says
Just found this at my local Costco (sioux falls, sd) for 9.97. I might have to go back next weekend for a half case if it's still there.
Ian says
@Marc, I found this wine at my local Costco in La Vista NE but it's the normal price there.