As I write this right now, I have no idea how much I paid for this wine. It was part of a mass buy made sometime during the holiday season because as we all know Costco is a great place to stock up on wine, especially in large quantities.
The story here is that I pulled the cork, poured a small glass to see where it was and poured the rest in a decanter.
I talked to my Amazon Echo and said "play music by Ella Fitzgerald" then sniffed the wine which was a little stinky. But then with that first taste I actually said "wow" out loud, and it wasn't just because of the music.
This is a fantastic wine, and towards the end of this review when I upload the image and look at my notes, I'll realize how much I paid. But it almost doesn't matter. This is Rioja done right, drinking in a perfect window right now.
So that Bordeaux-esque "dirty diaper" or barnyard smell didn't diminish right away on the nose, but once in the mouth it's completely a different wine.
Go with a decant for sure even if you usually don't decant when we recommend it. It needs it to balance out.
But once there you are presented with a lovely wine that feels great in the mouth and is expressive as could be. Massive flavor and depth of profile. Just luscious to a point where it's hard to stop drinking. Dark fruit, blackberry, anise, dry, sticky in the finish. So much to like here.
I'm buying at least two more to cellar as this is a score and a half. I just looked at my receipt and I paid $14.99. I might buy more than two.
A quick google search gives you a Wine Enthusiast score of 93 points and a retail price of $30. It's hard to believe at Costco's price and that rating that these are still hanging around. Regardless, this is a clear Costco must buy wine. I hope that you are able to find this one at warehouses near you.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 92 points (a CostcoWineBlog Recommended Wine)
Costco item number: 1160660
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA
Alc. 14%
Maria Jette says
What a tantalizing review...and it's only 14% ABV!?!? that's even more tempting to those of us who prefer not to be blasted by a single glass. 😉
Ted Crofford says
I find that only occasionally (at best) can I find the wines you review at my Costco. Hints? Help?
Editor says
You bring up a common comment from readers. Unfortunately Costco’s distribution plan is a mystery to all of us. Sometimes I have readers in FL not able to find wines I buy in Atlanta but then I’ll hear somebody found the same wine at a Costco in Tokyo.
It’s really hit or miss.
There used to be a tool on Costco.com that allowed you to search warehouses for inventory of products including wine which was awesome but they removed it a few years ago which is a bummer.
Hope some of them turn up for you soon though, especially this Rioja. Wish we could help more.
Andrew
Mark says
I know you mean well, but... I almost NEVER find wines you put up on the website at either of the Denver Costco wine stores. While that is not your fault or problem, it is exasperating enough that I'm starting to delete your missives without perusing them. The blog is of almost no utility. Sorry.
Mark
Editor says
Sorry to hear that Mark. Wish there was something we could do as you are not alone. Appreciate you giving it a shot.
Jay says
Intriguing. I thought that I was the only one who thought “dirty diaper” on some of the Bordeaux that I’ve tried! I’m glad that it not me…
I have the same problem with finding some of the reviewed wines up here in the Pacific Northwest. However, I do get side tracked with what I find when looking for a particular wine, whether at Costco or at Total Wine.
Keep up the good work and thank you for your reviews.