I've tasted three or four past vintages of this wine, and this one might be my favorite. At only $12.99 at Costco, which is a few bucks less than I've seen anywhere else, this is an insanely good buy for people who like their reds big and rich, but nicely balanced.
Since I've been working on a book about Spanish wines for the last year, I've tasted quite a few awesome bargain buys, but I quite frankly can't believe you can buy a wine like this for only $12.99. It's just that good. At least, that's how it's hitting me tonight with a little pepperoni pizza and a nice unexpectedly semi-cool Atlanta evening.
This wine really has a bit of everything, sprinkled together in an easy going package that I bet will please most red wine fans, even during these warmer months. There's an herbal element throughout, carrying through from the aromatic nose. Same with the spice, hitting you ont he nose right away and popping up mid palate and through the finish.
It's super dark on the pour and absolutely full bodied. Softer mouthfeel though, especially after a little air, that would normally lead me to believe it might be a few years more mature than a '14. As such, the wine is in a perfect drinking window right now.
Not much else to say here. An easy addition to our recommended wine list. Super curious if readers have tasted this wine (and this particular vintage of it), and then have any others from Costco in the same price range you recommend. Definitely let us know in the comments below.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 91 points
Costco item number: 967359
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA
Alc. 15%
Andrew Jacobs says
I've also tasted previous vintages ('11 and '12, I believe) and found them to be tremendous QPR wines. If memory serves I paid around $15 which is already a great value for such a nuanced and balanced wine. At $12.99, and from what you're considering a superior vintage, this is pretty much a no-brainer. Most casual wine drinkers are likely unfamiliar with Monastrell, so this would be a fantastic introduction to what I've always felt is an underappreciated grape.
Thanks for taking the time to write your review!
Editor says
Couldn't agree more. Thanks for the note.
srh says
Does the Juan Gil family touch ANYTHING that *isn't* special?
Though I've not seen it @ COSTCO, his '15 Bodegas Atalaya "Almansa" Laya is a knockout in the $6 range! [The '14 is equally marvelous, if anyone still has access to that vintage.]
Bern says
I have tasted this wine as well, my cousin happens to work for the local Northern CA distributor and he's brought it to multiple family gatherings. It's fantastic all the more so sub $20 however I've only seen regularly at my Whole Foods never at my Costco.
Recent Spanish reds I've gotten in my San Francisco Costco are a Rosado $8.99 (now gone) and Reserva Unica $19.99 from Sierra Cantabria (just bought yesterday). I had been familiar with this winemaker after having their Reserva Tempranillo at the Aria in Las Vegas several years back. Last year found their Crianza at Bevmo which I was thrilled but can't wait to try the Unica asap. Rare for my Costco the put the wine on the floor in the wooden boxes and I only counted 5
Editor says
Thanks for the note. Totally agree on Santa Cantabria (regular and reserve). Consistently great wine at really good prices.