Thanksgiving is always an interesting holiday to me when it comes to wine picks. A typical Thanksgiving meal has many different flavors going on and it's really hard to zero in on one style of wine that can handle them all.
As I think about this more now, having done a few yearly Thanksgiving picks, I think people should go with whatever wine they enjoy drinking the most, almost regardless of the varietal or region. Red or white, young or old, Old World or New World, it might not be perfect, but it might be enjoyable to you, and that's what counts in this wine journey we are all on. Have fun this year, and try some new wines. And of course let us know what you think in the comments below.
I'll share a few picks that we've reviewed recently because that will increase the likelihood that the wines are still available in stores. But at the rate Costco moves wine, you never know....
2014 Cave du Roi Dagobert Riesling Racines et Terroirs
Excellent dry Riesling from a great area that was $11.99; my rating 88 points
2007 Bodega Los Aljibes Selectus
One of the best buys in the warehouse today; Parker rated 94 points; 30% Syrah, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Verdot; only $12
2014 Seghesio Zinfandel
Big, bold, jammy flavor that would be great with a Thanksgiving feast; consistently great wines from a top producer; Costco price is $19.59 and I gave it 90 points
2012 Metz Road Monterey Pinot Noir
Reviewed by our contributor Josh, a Pinot lover, who went 91 points on this $16.99 bottle
2013 Ferrari-Carano Merlot
I really enjoyed this one, especially with a $6 off Costco discount on the already solid $18.99 price tag. Loads of fruit and friendly for all types of wine drinkers.
Have a great holiday, and please let us know in the comments below what wine you're enjoying with your family and friends next week.
- Andrew, Editor
BONUS READ
If you're interested in learning more about emerging wines from Moldova, I published the following story this week on the Huffington Post: "7 Remarkable Facts About Moldovan Wine That Will Surprise (And Entice) Wine Lovers"
Mike Massengill says
Hi. Thanks for your blog. I just subscribed yesterday after finding and buying the Los Aljibes Selectus at our local Costco in Washington State. Your site was one of several I read while trying to figure out what's up with this wine at Costco. Here's what puzzles me:
Before I bought a case, I looked up the Parker review on my phone (I subscribe) to confirm the list price and review. Found it, so I felt comfortable with the purchase. Drank a bottle last night and we thought it a very good wine for $12. However, it didn't exactly live up to the description in the review. So I searched to see what more I could find out. Los Aljibes says they produce about 400 cases in the years they make it. Yet, I'm seeing references in your blog and elsewhere to pallets of cases of the 2007 Selectus being sold in Costcos all over the country in the past 3 months. Even without considering the fact that it has clearly been for sale in other wine shops in the US, and I assume Spain and I assume for several years, those 400 cases should have been long gone by now. Could they have simply been producing thousands of 2007 Selectus labels, but putting other wine in the bottles? Surely Costco would have vetted the authenticity of such a large purchase. But what explains the discrepancy between the amount produced and the amount being sold?
Editor says
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the note, and you piqued my curiosity. I clicked around but didn't find any new information. I hope that by posting this comment to the site that maybe someone else can chime in, but I really don't think Costco would, or let any of their suppliers, misrepresent what wine is in the bottle. There has to be another explanation if in fact there is more of this out there than the 400 cases, and I don't disagree that it seems like there is.
Mike Massengill says
Thanks Andrew. I wrote to Costco corporate, asking that my question be directed to whomever is in charge of their national wine buying. I'll let you know if I hear back.
Editor says
Sounds good, thanks
Julie Boardman says
I definitely believe that Mike is on to something and I am glad to know that he contacted corporate office. I have had the very same experience.
I couldn't give you any precise details because it was over a year ago but I very vividly remember that I bought a wine (pretty sure it was Spanish) and read the info about it - had a good review 90-92 probably and the outside label was a 2004 or 2005. When I opened the bottle it said 2011 on the cork. I had intentions on telling Costco about this but I did not follow through. I wish I had. I definitely believe there are misrepresentations happening. I'm not sure which link in the chain is responsible but Costco has definitely been duped - and unfortunately passed to customers. I look forward to hearing how this works out and hope someone does some intense probing.
Joe Roberts says
I too was underwhelmed by this wine and immediately began to question its "provenance". This ought to be a blockbuster wine and it just isn't. Parker has been duped before---- they taste him a great wine at the winery, but who knows what ends up in a bottle in the U.S. many months later. When I began to have suspicions about this wine and started asking questions about it, one thing that jumped out at me was the cork. There is very little depth of color from the wine on it, suggesting that it was bottled recently. It would be impossible for a nearly ten-year old red wine to have a cork that pale and showing very little color saturation. I think this wine is as phony as a three dollar bill.
Mike Massengill says
Agreed. I noticed that about the cork, as well, though on occasion I pull a fairly pristine cork from a 10 year-old bottle. This was supposedly bottled about 7-8 years ago. (18 months in wood.) I also checked to see if there was a date on the cork, but there wasn't, which doesn't mean much either way. I've heard back from someone at Costco corporate who said she was routing the query to the appropriate person or people to reply. Will be interesting. Will let you know.
Brenda says
Did I see a magnum of Prisoner wine at Costco for $78.00??
Editor says
I have not seen that near me but it would be a fun one at a good price.
Navin says
Yes. I too saw several of the Prisoner magnums at our local Costco, Henrico, VA. But I have one from a couple years ago, so did not buy. Also, I had heard that Orin Swift has either sold the name or mass produces. It is a lot easier to buy Prisoner now, than a few years ago when they made their reputation. Plenty of bottles at Whole Foods, Costco, etc.
Bob K says
The St Louis, MN Costco has entire display pallet of the 2007 Selectus Red Blend right as you enter the store.