This red blend from Washington State is a Costco staple, and a wine that we've reviewed and enjoyed in the past. It landed in Costco stores for $11.99, which is well below the retail price of $20, and a good 10-20% below other outlets where I've seen it.
In years past this wine has gone for closer to $14 at Costco, often times with a discount down to $11, so it looks like this year they're just going with a standard low price on it, which is great.
It's a heck of a blend, and one that I don't think anyone could guess all the varietals but I found it online. This wine consists of 52% Syrah, 29% Merlot, 8% Malbec , 5% Grenache, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Mourvedre, and 2% Petit Verdot. The fruit was sourced from a few different Chateau Ste. Michelle vineyards including Indian Wells, Cold Creek and Canoe Ridge Estate vineyards.
It all comes together surprisingly well. Cinnamon, nutmeg and some oak on the nose; flavors of jammy dark fruit, blueberry, vanilla; juicy finish; definitely a Syrah driven blend, and clearly a food friendly wine although it's easy drinking enough to enjoy on its own.
At only $12 this is a strong value buy for sure. The straight varietal offerings from Chateau Ste. Michelle all also typically very good buys, including the Chardonnay we reviewed last year around this time.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 88 points
Costco item number: 708779
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA
Alc. 14.5%
Joe Roberts says
This blend is my favorite of the various "Indian Wells" offerings from CSM---- though all of them rate high on the price/pleasure continuum. Perhaps because we are located near to the state that is the source of the product, these Indian Wells estate wines usually get discounted in December to $9.99---- smokin' good deal, and time to stock up.