Antinori is one of the biggest names in Italian wine, and they offer many different levels of wine with some of their bottles running up into the several hundreds of dollars. This is one of their lower priced offerings (the lowest perhaps), and with that Antinori name behind it, the wine is a standout in its price range.
I have a special place for Antinori in my wine history as I was lucky enough to taste the 1998 Antinori Solaia several years ago, which went down as one of the most delicious and special wines I had ever had. Granted it’s worth a few hundred bucks (and even more now), but it was worth every penny and it raised my bar for fine wine. I have sought out Antinori wines ever since.
This entry level Antinori is only $12.99 at Costco, and hits stores right on the cusp of the Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre, another fantastic Italian bargain buy at Costco for the same price. Between the two you really can’t go wrong, but I may prefer the Allegrini by a hair.
This wine starts with a musty, very Italian wine nose, which we typically refer to as “library book.” It’s a simple wine in the mouth, yet satisfying for the price. Medium plus in body with good acidity, the wine is ready to be enjoyed right now. Cherry, red fruit, Nibs flavor with peppery spice into an ultra dry finish.
This bottle clearly drinks above its pay grade. Costco’s price is really good too. It’s on Wine.com for $25 but closer to $15-$16 elsewhere online. I think this is a tremendous value buy and one I plan to stock up on. Great wine for pizza night or mid week meals. Chianti fans will love it. Plus 90+ point ratings from the critics just about every year.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 89 points
Costco item number: 799299
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA
Alc. 13.5%
Marc
Saturday 15th of February 2020
I am a frequent Costco shopper for many years and just found this site the other day. I wish I had found it long ago!
I found the 2016 VILLA ANTINORI TOSCANA today in Costco North Ft Worth/Alliance Texas. $12.99. Grabbed a bottle and will give it a try!
Regarding availability, I suspect wine is no different than many other products at Costco. It just depends on the store. I usually shop at two Costco stores, Southlake, TX and Ft Worth/Alliance. The stores are probably less than 20 miles apart, but there are things I can get at one store and not the other (including wines). I would recommend checking with the management of your local store and seeing who is in charge of their wines and get to know that person.
John Slater
Monday 27th of January 2020
Just joined your blog. My biggest complaint about Costco involves their Kirkland wines. I'll see a good rating in Wine Spectator but the wine is not available at my Costco store in Hudson, Ohio. Is their any rhyme or reason as to when Kirkland wines become available. Any suggestions about how I can get these Kirkland wines.
Editor
Monday 27th of January 2020
Hi John. It’s really hit or miss on the Kirkland wines. I usually look at our older reviews here: https://costcowineblog.com/category/kirkland-wines/ Whenever we posted the review is likely when that wine hit Costco stores. And then we hope that they stay on the same schedule, which they often times do. Then again I saw the ‘15 Kirkland Chianti reappear at my store this weekend and we last saw it (same vintage) last July. So you never know... Hope that helps. We also try to report on the latest Kirkland wines too as soon as we see or hear about them.
David Mallonee
Thursday 23rd of January 2020
Got excited because this one of my favorites. Ran to local Costco (Brookfield, CT) but it was priced at the normal $17.99
Editor
Thursday 23rd of January 2020
That’s a bummer. Not quite the same buy.
Mark
Wednesday 22nd of January 2020
I have "sought" out, not "seeked" out......
Editor
Thursday 23rd of January 2020
Thanks, updated.