It seems like the prices keep creeping up on Albarino as word gets out about how good they are. I put Gruner Veltliner in that same bucket. You used to see them under $15, and now that's quite rare, and most are closer to $20. Except at Costco.
This is exactly the kind of white wine we're on the look out for at Costco: something a little different than the usual Chardonnay/SB players, crisp and enjoyable with nearly all cuisine, and a white that tastes as great during the colder months as it does during the summer.
And the price was right too at $11.99, which is pretty hard to match with any other Albarino nowadays. Costco should buy a massive lot of this wine and brand this as a future Kirkland Signature Albarino. We'd love to see that.
The wine is $16 at Total Wine and that looks to be about the best price online. It received 90 points from Wine Enthusiast who lists a retail price of $27. And it also received 93 points from Wine & Spirits. So we're not alone in finding this one interesting.
The wine pours a pale to medium yellow with aromas of citrus fruit and a little butterscotch; it is medium in body, super crisp with balanced acidity; flavors of green apple, apricot, and white peach; finishes really nice. This is just a solid package all around and the price is amazing.
I'd stock up on this one if you like Albarino or if it sounds up your alley after reading this; it drinks better than many of the others we've found at Costco and elsewhere. We're going 90 points and will be adding the wine to our Top Picks list.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 90 points (a Costco Wine Top Pick)
Costco item number: 1634539
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 12.5%
JP says
The glare on the photo makes the price look like $1.99. Now THAT caught my eye 😉
Luigino says
Dear Low-brow Winos,
It would be very,very,very, helpful if you could, would, might include the store locations that carry theses “just-absolutely-fabulous vintages that I am unable to find at the Wine Country, Santa Rosa Costco outlet. Those that I have found-I have found absolutely undrinkable…
I know-I know-I know I should call ahead, but like others I do not plan my shopping ahead of time. I go to Costco when I need gas and then pop-in and spend $200 to $400 cruising the aisles…🤦♂️
dp says
@Luigino,
I think the writer buys in and around Atlanta. For a previous wine I knew I would like, I checked my local store, finding they didn’t have it there. The folks at the customer service desk told me to email the regional buyer. He replied promptly but told me that their market analysis showed that particular wine wouldn’t be a good seller in my area......even though I specifically asked for it. Good luck!
Bill Reynolds says
This Albarino is not my favorite,even if it's only $12. I found it too acidic with not enough fruit to balance it. I bought 3 bottles and I will probably make white Sangria with the last two.