Next up is another Pinot Noir, and this is one that I had high hopes for. I've seen this bottle at Costco before, but it wasn't until I turned it over and read the back label that I realized this wine is produced by the Drouhin family, known for superior Oregon and French Pinot.
Costco's price is right on the money too at $14.99; retail looks closer to $20. And then further research showed a string on 90+ point reviews on previous vintages. I was really curious what we might have here while at the same time, kicking myself for not having purchased this wine sooner.
The wine looks great in the glass, a nice pale ruby; a bit of crushed flowers on the nose; flavors of black cherry, blackberry mixed with a little cranberry even; the finish is pleasant all around.
Overall, I found this to be a nice little Pinot. It's fairly simple, straightforward and well presented, meeting my expectation of an affordable, entry level bottling from a well known producer.
We've reviewed a string of Costco Pinot Noir recently, ranging in price from $11 to $20, and I was trying to find what might be the best buy. And this bottle might be the one. I'm going 89 points as a rating, which matches the RouteStock and Baileyana, we tasted recently and enjoyed.
But with a price tag a bit lower, this Cloudline is a solid choice. Definitely a step up from the similarly priced Erath, and lower priced Cline. This is the perfect table wine for summer drinking. I plan to keep a few on hand.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 89 points
Costco item number: 244389
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Woodstock)
Alc. 14.0%
john says
Oregon Pinot Noir are remarkable and put up a good fight with Central Coast of California for top notch pinots. And one of the nicest aspects--NO sales tax. For us Washingtonians that a 10.3% discount off the top. Hillsboro, Oregon Costco is the near the epicenter of the state's wine region and has an expanded wine selection including many local ones.
Sactown says
Has anyone seen this wine in the Sacramento, CA area or did I miss it?