If you’ve been to a Costco in the last two weeks then you’re probably already aware of the latest explosion of sale wines. “Cheap Seats,” as I call them. I love all wine- let’s be honest, but cabernet sauvignon has a special place in my heart, and South American ones are usually great values. I picked up a bottle of this $6.99 (regularly $8.99) Colchagua Valley, Chilean cab, half-expecting a watered-down adult fruit punch. I decant almost everything, and as I poured this down the neck of my decanter, I was pleasantly surprised by the dark opaqueness of it.
The nose brings cassis & cedar with a syrah-like smoky white pepper aroma. On the palate, the wine is dry & juicy. It’s not a fruit bomb, and it’s not a scorched balsamic miss. It’s quite Old World tasting, I think; reminiscent of a nice Languedoc table wine. Bordeaux lovers will settle for this any night. My favorite wine app gives it a 3.6 out of 5 with an average price of $8.98 per bottle. The most popular wine store in my area, boasting unbeatable prices, offers it for $12.29 online. I would say that for $6.99 a bottle until November 27th, pick up at least one to try. Or six.
I give it an 86.
-- Review by Erin Hayes
Purchased in Cumming, Georgia.
13.5% ABV
Steven says
Buy a Vinturi, and you will not have to decant. Do you need another reviewer. I represented Montes, Flora Spings, ZD, Dry Creek, and many others. Have been drinking good wines for over 45 years.
Joe Roberts says
Sure hope this shows up in my Costco stores..... I will be grabbing a case or two. Had the opportunity to visit the winery in the Colchagua Valley south of Santiago last year. Memorable winery tour with a fabulous tasting. A few years ago Costco around here was offering case lots of Montes Alpha, the reserve version of the wine reviewed here, at about $10 a bottle as I recall (had to buy the case though). Grabbed a 2010 out of my cellar last week and really enjoyed it----- definitely lip smackin'. Tremendous values coming out of Chile, and for reds the appellation of Colchagua Valley is a sure bet. BTW, don't use your North American phonetics to pronounce "Colchagua" because they won't know what you are talking about. Hint: the "g" is soft to the point of practically disappearing.
A Claybrook says
Really appreciate your wine recommendations, although have found some of the wines you can buy in GA are not offered at my store south of Nashville.
I would be interested in wine apps, and more info. on those you and your contributors find useful. Thanks!
Damien* says
After reading this, I raced off to Costco to pick some up. Dangit: I keep forgetting, we're not at the top of the food chain up here in Anchorage. What does one do when at Costco on a Saturday just short of noon? (besides checking my sanity at the door...) I bought a case of a broader selection of cheap(er) seats and a couple of mid-tier quaffs.
Walked away unscathed having tendered less than $100 for 12 bottles. That's always a happy thing around these parts given the incredible level of alcohol taxation we suffer in AK. Caio!