This is an unbelievable buy at Costco if you can still find it. This wine was held back by the producer to age for 10 years and is making its way through stores now. But don't expect it to last. Robert Parker rated the wine 96 points and it can be scored at Costco for $39.99. I'm going to suck it up and buy 3-4 on my next visit if they are still around.
This wine starts with toasted oak aromas, very Tuscan; you could easily think you are getting into a Super Tuscan or Brunello, not a Spanish Rioja. Then the wine gets a little herbal as it begins to open up in the mouth, leading to dark fruit flavor, heavy blackberry with smoky tobacco and campfire notes on the finish. It's a super complex wine that develops across multiple layers. A real treat to enjoy over a few hours to taste the changes. Finish is super long and sticky. A real gem, and maybe one of the best values I've found at Costco this year.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 93 Points
Costco item number: 11321
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Caroline says
What?! I just bought 2 bottles of this, a 1998 and the 2001 at my local wine shop for closer to $50 each. This is a great wine!! I didn't see it at my Costco (MN) tonight 🙁
Can you review a Zinfandel soon? My Costco just got in the Tortoise Creek Lodi Zinfandel which I'm enjoying tonight!
admin says
The price at Costco on this one is fantastic. I hope you are able to find it.
And I'll be sure to drop in some Zins on my next trip. It's been a while since I reviewed one.
Ruben P. says
I was at a Costco today in Mtn View, CA and noticed that magnum and 3L bottles of red wines are showing up, maybe because of the holidays. What do you think about the 2013 Coppola Claret 3.0L, Black Diamond collection?
admin says
Funny, I was just visiting my Costco and noticed all the big bottles too. I posted this photo earlier today: https://twitter.com/CostcoWine/status/661982229518749696
Regarding the Coppola Black Diamonds, I haven't tasted one in quite a while. I probably should buy one here soon. The last time I tried one it was the 2008 vintage and I wrote this up: http://costcowineblog.com//2008-francis-coppola-diamond-series-black-label-claret/
In general, I've always been a fan of Coppola's wines, particularly those made by his Inglenook brand.