What makes a good wine an even more unbelievable buy? When Costco works their magic, and knocks a whopping $7 off a bottle that was already fairly priced. This is that wine.
Here it is at Wine.com on sale for $28, marked down from $35. I picked it up at Costco for only $15.99 with the $7 off the original price of $22.99, which lasts through 4/8/18 (at least at my Costco, and I hope yours too).
After the first taste, I knew I would have paid full pop for this wine. Regular readers know I love these Gran Reservas and anything under $25 is worth exploring.
Note: the wines on both sides of this Rioja are also excellent buys, particularly the Perrin Cotes du Rhone for only $8 on sale. That is a steal on the base wine from a famed Rhone winemaker (same one that makes Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape, my favorite)
The key to these Gran Reserva Riojas is the aging. It’s already taken care of for you Sure, this one could go a bit longer, but what you’re getting is a wine that already has two years of oak aging, and another three in the bottle, likely in mostly stellar conditions at the winery, delivered right to your Costco. A sweet deal in my opinion.
Right out of the bottle on the first taste, I could tell we had a winner, but after chilling out with some air it really started to get in line. It pours semi dark although you can see through in some areas; the nose is a joy, super floral, peppery and herbal.
But in the mouth is where this one really shines. Elegance all around; the result of aging good grapes and enjoying the wine in a great drinking window. Soft and smooth, with dark fruit, blackberry, black licorice flavors with dark chocolate notes and a spicy earthy and dry finish.
This is a really an unbelievable package at this price point, and I hate to say it, but a quality of wine that is really hard to find at this price almost anywhere else in the world. This is the reason why we’re only months out on publishing a book about the awesome value priced wines of Spain. Stay tuned for that, and in the meantime, prime the pump with this wine if you can find it. I’m a huge fan.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 90 points
Costco item number: 33878
Alc. 13.5%
SuzieQ
Thursday 7th of June 2018
I can’t find this in my Costco. Which store did you find this in? Such a great price!!! Thanks for the tip!!!
Editor
Thursday 7th of June 2018
Yes it is. I hope you can find it. I found this one at Costco in Atlanta (Cumberland or Kennesaw I think). Sorry I didn’t include in the review. We usually do.
Matt
Wednesday 14th of March 2018
Been following you for over a year now. Thanks for the reviews as I roam the wines of Costco every week. I live on the West Coast and some of the wines you review never make it over here. In your picture, right next to the Monticello, is a crate of La Montessa. I had the La Montessa a few years ago and liked it. I have not seen either the Monticello or La Montessa in the Bay Area. If the La Montessa is still around for you, could you review it?
Thanks,
Matt C
Editor
Wednesday 14th of March 2018
Hi Matt, thanks for writing in and thanks for following the site. We did review the ‘13 of the La Montesa (Erin reviewed it and went 91 points) https://costcowineblog.com//2013-palacios-remondo-la-montesa-rioja-crianza/ I’m not sure if it’s the same vintage that’s out near us right now but given how much she enjoyed the last one we’re definitely interested. Let us know if you see it pop up again near you and get a chance to taste it.
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Saturday 10th of March 2018
So was this a recommended wine, it read that way but did not have the recommended in the label.
Editor
Saturday 10th of March 2018
You are right. Thanks for letting me know. Forgot to add it to the list but will fix. Yes, definitely a recommended one.