Wait, what? There’s another Costco wine advent calendar? That's right. Add one more boozy way to ride into the holidays with this new gift box.
This box is unique in that it features all red wines, all Cabernet in fact. Just 12 bottles in this box, still 375ml in size. I know a lot of readers will be excited about this, because I heard quite a few comments that people wanted more red than white wines this time of the year.
The Costco wine advent “Big Box” called the Wine Advent-ure Calendar has an assortment of 24 reds, whites, rosé and a bubbly, also in 375ml bottles (price $99.99). We reported on that one here, and it remains on the most popular posts on our site to date.
Last year, we had a second Wine Advent Calendar appear but that one also featured an array of different reds, whites, rosé and bubblies. There were sightings last year of an all bubbly wine advent calendar at Costco too but that seemed to only be available in Canada.
Costco’s price on this 12 half bottle box of Cabernet is $59.99, which equates to $4.99 per half bottle. In this new box we have wines from South Africa, Italy, Moldova, Bulgaria, Spain and France – a nice tour of European wine countries (+1 South Africa).
Here's the complete list of the wines included and their country of origin.
- A Seaworthy Tale Cabernet, South Africa
- Castagno Rubicone Cabernet, Italy
- Crowned Beast Cabernet, Comté de Toloson, France
- Eight Point Crown Cabernet, Pays d’Oc, France
- Horizon de Lynch Medoc Cabernet, France*
- Les Champs d’Or Cabernet, Bordeaux, France
- Moderne Cabernet, Thracian Lowlands, Bulgaria
- Prendere le Ali Cabernet, Tre Venezie, Italy
- The Butchery Cabernet, Stefan Voda, Moldova
- The Main Event Cabernet, La Mancha, Spain
- Tru Reign Cabernet, Tierra De Castilla, Spain
- Vol Royal Cabernet, Bordeaux, France
*The Horizon de Lynch was actually included in last year’s Wine Advent Calendar #2.
The wines are mostly from the 2020 vintage, with two 2019 and one 2017 (Bulgaria).
I of course had to dig into my box to review a couple of wines to see what we thought. I picked the following two bottles at random.
2020 Prendere le Ali Cabernet, Tre Venezie, Italy
This wine pours a deep ruby in glass and has fresh red fruit on the nose; good acidity; cherry and red fruit flavor. This wine is young but drinking nicely and it was pleasant throughout. This was perhaps one of the better wines from the boxed sets that I've tasted. I'd probably go 87 points. 12% alc.
2020 The Butchery Cabernet, Stefan Voda, Moldova
This wine also pours a deep ruby, and was very interesting right from the get go. At times meaty. At times vegetable garden. Spicy tomato, earthy, bell pepper flavors. I actually really enjoy Moldova wines but this one is a little different and that's what these boxes are all about - trying different wines. Needs air to show itself. I'm going to rate this around 85 points. 12.5% alc.
The producers of the box have a handy website that includes detailed information on each of the bottles in the set.
All in all, I'm looking forward to digging into this one a bit further. I'm a fan of all the regions represented, love seeing all the Bordeaux and Spanish wines. And it's all curated and assembled in a nice little box for you. I think this one is worth a look.
And if readers pull the corks on any of these wines and want to report back their tasting notes and thoughts, please share in the comments below.
Costco item number: 1515756
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Cheryl Bradley-Stone says
I am disappointed. According to my Chicago South Loop warehouse, they are not set up for it as a seasonal offering and so it will not be carried this year. This may apply to other Midwest stores.
Eva says
@Cheryl Bradley-Stone, they are in store in southern ca. maybe you can order it
Steven Dale says
This collection is very good. Where can we get full bottles? Or will Costco be selling them individually in the future
Francesca says
I have not been able to find the 12 days of cabernet at the Portland, Or store. Is it going to be available in Vancouver or Seattle?
John Prentice says
@Francesca, nor could I find it in Vancouver WA. In fact, the Costco number does not even show up in their system! I was told something about “different suppliers in different regions”
But I will be keeping my eyes open. The 24 bottle Advent Calendar mad it here!
Willie Colon says
FWIW, I purchased the "12 Days" in Avon, MA on 10/30/2021
Wineman says
These wines were disappointing to say the least. All were very young and lacking any depth for a case called Big Bold Cabs, they were anything but.
Jillian says
@Wineman, True story. Underwhelming. After opening 5 bottles we gave up.
Joe says
@Jillian and Wineman, These are $5 half bottles! They are young, but enjoyable and fun. They’re not snooty nor do they present themselves as such. What were you expecting? If you only like expensive high value wines, why did you buy these? This is a fun, enjoyable box of varied Cabernet wines. The bold characterization is up to the drinker, but I’m enjoying them. Thanks Costco!
Aime says
Vol Royale was first out of my box, and I loved it! My husband checked to see how many cartons were in stock, thinking he would pick up another for me if the other cabs were as good ....
Kiara says
@Aime, omg it was my first as well and I loved it. I’m trying to find it in full size but nothings coming up online 🙁 I also opened the South African cab and it’s also delicious.
Julie says
@Aime, that was also my favorite one.
Kiara says
Omg so obsessed with this box. I never get assorted wine boxes like this because they Are usually from the same maker or same region and most of them are just no good in my opinion. This assortment caught my eye since it was from all over the world. I am so excited so far, I’ve opened the Bordeaux from France and the South African cab, they are both delicious. I’m going to get a few more boxes LOL. such a good value. I thought the wines are really good so far. If anyone finds any in full size please post or let me know!!
Edward says
Nearly Christmas, saw this on sale for $9.97. For 12 half bottles!
Skeptical but intrigued so I bought one and tried a few that night. While not great, certainly worth $0.75/bottle! And then some.
Went back first thing the next morning.
About half their stock was gone but I bought half of the remainder.
In addition to being good, workaday wine,
they work nicely in gift baskets.
David says
I am far from a sommelier, but the 6 or so that I tried were ALL horrible. I gave up and threw out