This is a really interesting wine that was recommended by a reader and I got lucky and found it on my next visit to Costco. The label is very distinct, so super easy to find when you know what you’re looking for. I had to do some digging around online to learn more this one, as I was curious about the 94 points from Parker (sticker is front and center on the neck of the bottle) as well as the varietal makeup in this Spanish (La Mancha) red blend.
Turns out, yes, this is a 94 point Parker wine that Costco is selling for $11.99. I come across wines with that ‘score to price ratio’ maybe once a year, or once every other year. But depending on how much weight you give to Parker points, that might not mean much (I usually find it as a driver of interest, not so much a guarantee of what I’ll find). So here’s what we have: this is a blend made from a burgeoning Spanish producer in an awesome region that is comprised of 30% Syrah, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Verdot. And it is outstanding, no doubt, maybe not 94 points for me, but definitely a super solid buy for $11.99.
Right now, (Aug, 2016) is a nice time to enjoy this wine as it has a little age on it, but it could run for a while longer. I gave it a nice decant since the small sample taste I poured from the bottle was pretty closed. But once this wine got some air on it, it started to show what it’s made of.
Nose is dried dark fruit, some smoke, dried flowers, tobacco; in the mouth flavors of black fruit, blackberry, plum, dark chocolate and anise; finishes forever it seems. After a second glass that had a little more air time, I’m liking this one even more, and starting to think about stocking up. This might be a case buy. Thanks for the recommendation ‘srh.” Keep ’em coming.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 92 Points
Costco item number: 1014982
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA
Alc. 13.5%
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Robert Ambrose
Friday 2nd of September 2016
I bought this both at the Costco by SeaTac and at the one in Gig Harbor, WA. Never appeared in my local (smaller) Costco.
Though what did appear, one pallet only, is 2014 Hazaña Viñas Viejas Rioja. At $7.99 this is a great deal and a case buy.
Oshin
Sunday 28th of August 2016
Available at the Costco in Issaquah, WA.
srh
Sunday 21st of August 2016
I'm duly flattered, & you're VERY welcome! As, somewhat unusually, our COSTCOs DON'T refer to the Parker 94 sticker on the neck, I was a BIT leery. However, after much searching, I found it, & it IS legit. [If anyone wants it, let me know on Cellartracker so I can send it to you as an e-mail attachment.]
Although I've yet to enter "formal" notes anywhere, my/our (I commonly taste with 2 relatives) evaluation is almost PRECISELY the same as yours: **DEFINITELY** 90+ pts on ANY scale -- & with at LEAST 18 mos more of GOOD drinkability, very likely more. "Los Alijibes" translates as cistern, which this wine CLEARLY **is** in the relative desert, if you will, of wines in its price range.
Other "interesting" info: This is Los Alijibes's TOP of the line bottling -- & they do SKIP vintages when it doesn't meet THEIR expectations.
Finally, some thoughts/info on availability. Since this was bottled Los Alijibes has apparently had at least 2 different importers/distributors, which COULD well explain how a wine which was INTENDED to be sold in the $60+ range is able to be sold by COSTCO @ $11.99. One of those importers, http://www.casaventuraimports.com/wine.php?id=85 , claims there were only 4,000 bottle of the '08 produced, if that serves as ANY indication re the amount of '07. Also, here in San Diego, at least 2 of the 3 COSTCOs I check are stocking this, one with quite a few VISIBLE cases. Nonetheless, SHOULD folks actually TRY this under the radar "steal"...
Alanpacbch
Thursday 15th of September 2016
I would like to read the RP review on this one. I think it was for another vintage.
Len Everlund
Friday 19th of August 2016
I'm out here in Washington state what are the chances of seeing this wine?
Mark
Monday 22nd of August 2016
I did find the 2007 Bodega Los Aljibes Selectus on 8/20/16 at the only Costco location in Colorado that sells alcohol, which is the Littleton, CO location on South Wadsworth. Got to love Colorado's archaic liquor laws. This store is a special trip for me but well worth the drive to be able to purchase this delicious wine for only $11.99. I'll definitely be making another trip soon to make a case purchase.
Editor
Friday 19th of August 2016
Sorry, no idea. Since we are independent of Costco we don't have any insight into the distribution of the wines. I wish we did. But if any readers find this at their store, please post the location here for everyone. That's going to be the best way. Thanks.