2009 Antano Rioja Reserva

This is a “go to Costco now and stock up” wine.  Only $8.49 and tastes like a $20 Rioja.  I’m frankly floored at how good of a buy this is, perhaps one of the best values I’ve encountered at Costco in some time.  And of course it’s from Spain, where I believe some of the best overall wine values can be found.  Rioja in particular is a hotbed for these inexpensive wines that taste like they cost much more.

Ruby red in the glass, with edges starting to show very early signs of age.  The nose is spicy, dried fruit, dusty library book.  In the glass this is a medium bodied wine with soft tannins, gentle mouthfeel and a little acidic bite.  Flavors of dried red fruit, cherry with vanilla, herbs and cedar on the finish.  The wine is sticky and lasting in the mouth.  Great food choice as it could go with about anything.  Grape varietals are 80% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo and 5% Garnacha.

If you like red wine in any fashion and see this at your store, do yourself a favor and drop it in the cart.  I’m going to put a few away in the cellar if I find it again.  This is also a perfect wine to bring to a dinner party, as it will please wine lovers of all sorts.

CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 90 Points

Costco item number: 1002629

Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA