When I first noticed this wine in my local Costco club, I read the name and immediately pictured Josh Brolin's face. You may remember that he played an antagonist in the Revisionist Western Film by the Cohen Brothers, True Grit. I can’t say for sure if the wine and the movie are related, but I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed both.
This is a “Reserve” Cabernet from Mendocino that has been aged for around one year in oak barrels, 30% of which are new French Oak. A minute amount of Petit Verdot (2%) was added, likely to boost the color of the wine.
On the nose I picked up vanilla, blue fruits, cola, and cedar. The palate was full and rich with baking spice, black cherries, and a subtle hint of black pepper. There was a good balance in the body of sugar to alcohol while the oak tannins were prominent in this younger wine. You can always detect oak tannins when the area under your upper lip feels like sandpaper against your two front teeth (grape tannins are felt more on the back of the tongue). I think that in a few years these tannins will mellow a bit.
This wine is currently a $12.99 super-value in the Costco stores that I have seen it (many stores are currently carrying the '14 vintage too). Vivino users report an average price of around $20 and the wine is listed at even higher than that when ordered directly from the Parducci Website. While Vivino subscribers give it an average rating of 3.7, Wine Enthusiast designated it a “Cellar Selection” and gave it a score of 91. I give this wine an 89. At this price point, I will definitely be lassoing another bottle before it’s all sold out.
14.5% ABV
CostcoWineBlog.com rating: 89 points
Costco SKU #: 1029458
This wine was received as a sample for the purpose of writing this review. All reviews are written at the discretion of the individual reviewer. Opinions of the reviewer do not necessarily reflect those of CostcoWineBlog.com as a whole, and reviewers are not paid for their reviews by wineries or their affiliated distributors. We at CostcoWineBlog.com believe that wine preferences and opinions are often subjective and highly individualistic. Our scores are based on our individual perception of a wine and how well it reflects the area in which the grapes are grown, the expression of the grapes, and also the quality of the finished product. We remind readers that we are 100% independent of Costco Wholesale Corporation, and are simply of a group of Costco wine fans looking to try new wines and share our favorites with this community.
John says
Maybe I am wrong but I think it was the 2013 vintage that got the 91 points, not the 2015
Erin says
Hi John,
I was actually referring to the 2014 vintage that got the 91 points from Wine Enthusiast. This is the vintage that is currently available in most Costco clubs. The 2013 also got 91 points, you are correct, and a "Cellar Selection" designation as well, the same as the '14.
David says
Frequently I look for the ones the wines you review in my Costco (AZ).
They are mostly delisted, according to Costco, including this one. I usually try within one week of your article. Wondering if you tried these some time ago & just reviewing now or?
Editor says
Hi David, we try to review the wines as soon as we get them. This one in particular is still around at least three stores near us in Atlanta. Unfortunately Costco moves inventory so quickly that wines, like everything else at Costco can be in one day, gone the next. I hope you have luck finding the wines we review near you and if there are bottles you find to recommend, please let us know.
John Williamson says
Scored a few of these and although I thought is was interesting, the SO wasn't impressed. A bit on the sweet side and the Cabernet doesn't come thru like I thought it would, given its pedigree. Just a hint of pepper.
I'd rate it 88-89 as well.