We stumbled upon a Bordeaux (mostly Merlot) this X-mas season that convinced us that we MUST have been really good boys and girls this year because Santa delivered big time (We can’t help but wondering how many cases of this wine is being cellared in the North Pole).
This is a mouth-watering, lip-smacking 2010 Bordeaux priced at $12.79. Unfortunately, the odd pricing suggests that Costco has a limited supply of this wine so you’ve got to move quickly and snap up this wine. What we look for from a value-priced Bordeaux is a smooth, balanced wine that makes food sing and shout "oh YEAH"! This one boasts cherry and pomegranate notes, with lots of dusty and lusty French terrior but smooth as a baby’s bottom. The tannin is very soft but with body and a surprisingly long finish.
We drank it with steak tacos and if Mexico knew about this wine, it would likely jettison its Coronas and Dos Equis and just quaff this wonderful example of affordable French winemaking. It’s ready to drink now – no need to cellar it. We found it to have excellent structure and balance for a wine at this price point. This is one of the most approachable and refined sub-$20 bordeaux that we’ve tasted in a while. Bottom line: it`s a varietal Bordeaux at a good price..
From the best that we can tell, it is not available in the U.S., except through Costco. While not the best value in the world, this is a darn nice Bordeaux at a sub-$15 price. Definitely worth your attention if you are looking for a nice food-pairing wine. Your guests will think you spent $35 for this wine; only you (and Costco) will know the truth.
Rating: 92
Price: $12.79
Costco Item #: 33177
Purchased at Costco in: San Diego, California
crushandgush says
Nice post. Will have to try. Also, amused by your Mexico reference. Think our neighbors to the south are onto something. Budding wine industries in Baja California & Queretaro w/ some pretty affordable quaffers under $15 that even your fans would be impressed with. ¡Salud & feliz año nuevo!
Ray says
Thanks for the tip. I don't think it's possible to find a decent Bordeaux at this price in Canada. A 92 point Bordeaux is a steal in my books. The last 92 point Bordeaux I bought was the 2009 Chateaux Lilian Ladouys for $37 (cdn), which I was very happy with. You are very lucky to have such reasonable wine prices my American amigos. BTW, the 2009 Lilian Ladouys is drinking excellent now after an hour of decanting.
admin says
The Lilian Ladouys is a reader favorite. We reviewed the 2011 here: http://costcowineblog.com//2011-chateau-lilian-ladouys-saint-estephe/
I actually have a 2009 vintage of it I've been sitting on. Glad to hear it's drinking good right now. I might have to crack it soon. We can get those at Costco here for $19.99 so you are definitely right on the reasonable prices.
Ray says
I will see if I can get my hands on a couple bottles of the 2011. I tasted the 2010 four times and it seems to fall short of the 2009 vintage. The 2010 is a balanced wine, but lacks the extra aromatics of the 2009. It was one of my biggest disappointments because this winery was really turning around. Even though 2011 was not a block buster year, I am hoping it is better than the 2010.
I like to point out that several of the bottles I opened had some mold forming on top working it's way down about 1/4 inch into the cork. If you have multiple bottles of 2009 or 2010, keep an eye out for mold.
admin says
Thanks for the insight.
Ela says
But we leave in Diamond Bar,we could't find this wine,would you be having it in Chino Costco,thanks
admin says
We are independent of Costco so do not have any special insight into distribution. It's a moving target. I would call the store and ask if they carry it. I wish there was a better way, but like everything at Costco you never know when it's going to be there, or when it's going to be gone forever.