Joseph Phelps is one of my top ten wine producers from California, and it is a nice surprise to see their Freestone Pinor Noir from the Sonoma Coast hit Costco shelves. 

You’ve probably seen their high-end red blend, the Joseph Phelps Insignia, hanging around stores too for $200, which is a very good price on one of Napa’s top bottlings.

This Pinot Noir is also not an inexpensive wine at Costco for $33.99, but that is a huge discount considering retail price is $60, and online it is around $50, even at K&L Wines who is always among the most competitive online.

This wine pours a pale ruby in the glass with grape jam on the nose; nice mouthfeel, medium in body, this wine is just classy all around.  Flavors of cherry and blueberry with lingering dark chocolate notes and a little spice.  Wraps up with a perfect, lasting finish.

This bottle is pure elegance in Pinot Noir and I just couldn’t get enough.  It also scored big with the mainstream wine critics, including receiving a huge 96 points from Wine Enthusiast.

If your wine budget allows you to extend to the $30 price range, this is a perfect pick, and nice choice for a special dinner or occasion.  Costco did a great job bringing this one to us for almost half of retail.

CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 93 points (a Costco Wine Top Pick)

Costco item number: 394681

Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Perimeter) Alc. 14%