Here’s one of those fun affordable Bordeaux finds that pop up occasionally in Costco. This one actually appeared in the wooden boxes as opposed to the “cheap seats” (stacks of wine aisle) where the sub $20 ones often are found.
You’ll notice the word Gloria in the name, and a quick Google search tells us that Chateau Bel Air is part of Domaines Henri Martin, which also owns Chateau Gloria in Saint-Julien. Just kind of an interesting side note. We’ve tasted several vintages of Chateau Gloria and have enjoyed them. They are among the more reasonably priced bottles you can find from Saint Julien.
This wine is from Haut-Medoc and has the Cru Bourgeois classification, which means the wine meets higher quality standards. And it does indeed meet high quality standards in our opinion.
Wine Enthusiast agrees too awarding this wine 93 points. Costco’s price is really good at $15.99, considering retail is around $25; Wine Enthusiast listed it highest at $35.
On the pour the wine is a medium to dark ruby, classic Bordeaux aromas, stinky barnyard, pencil shavings; the wine is medium plus in body and really well balanced. Good acidity with savory flavors of dark cherry, plum and blackberry.
All around this is a strong Bordeaux buy and the price is perfect. You’d be hard pressed to find better reds for $15, especially if you enjoy Bordeaux and other old world wines. We’re big fans.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 92 points (a Costco Wine Top Pick)
Costco item number: 1572710
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 13.5%
Tom says
“Stinky barnyard”? LMAO…but will try it…if I can find it.
Dave says
@Tom, that's the description of brett, short for Brettanomyces, a yeast that can find a home in wine barrels. Low levels of it can be a positive thing, especially for Bordeaux wines. See Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brettanomyces
kevin mahon says
I strongly disagree with this review; it was a major disappointment.
I bought six bottles based on the review and hopefully I can bring to
wine parties along with the review.
Stinky barnyard was a very accurate description!