Bodegas Olarra puts quite a few different wines into Costco stores and they always turn out to be solid values.
This Gran Reserva may be among the best of the best for only $15.99, which is about as low as you’ll find a Gran Reserva bottle.
We found a retail price listed at $40, and Vivino was showing $22. So we’re looking at a nice Costco discount and a very low price for a wine like this. And there’s a 93 point rating from Wine Enthusiast, which we feel is pretty right on.
We love Rioja, especially the Gran Reservas that bring a little extra age already built in. This is a perfect example where a lot of the work has been done for you. You could let it run a little longer, but it’s also super enjoyable today.
In the glass the wine is a pale ruby, leaning toward garnet with light rust starting around edges. It is earthy, peppery, with black cherry on the nose; medium body with soft tannins that have started to settle in.
The wine is packed with flavors of black cherry, plum and raspberry; it is light and delicate in the finish that lingers for a bit.
This is a delicious wine at a fantastic price. We’re huge fans and imagine you will be too. Buy a few of these if you see it.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 92 points (a Costco Wine Top Pick)
Costco item number: 1729733
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Cumberland)
Alc. 13.5%
wayne carmack says
What is the story about how costco sets their wine prices around the country? I always believed they tried to price about 20% below local competition for the same wines. Recently I priced the Kirkland Suscol (you quoted a $16.99 around Atlanta) but my Colorado Springs costco is selling at $17.99. Since no local wine stores carry Kirkland wines, why is there a price difference? By definition there is no local competition for the wine! Your feedback will be very much appreciated. Thanks.
Editor says
Hard to say for sure since we are consumers just like you. But it seems to change regionally on occasion. This Suscol bottle is a perfect example. Not clear on which levers are driving it though and when.