This is always a welcome sight in the Costco wine aisles as it has consistently proven to be a very nice California Cabernet for a reasonable price.
I'm also happy to see it arrive at the same price as last year, $13.99 which is a healthy discount to most other outlets that sell this wine for closer to $20.
As we mentioned in our review of the prior vintage, one thing that really stands out here is the producer, Tuck Beckstoffer, known for being behind some of California's most sought after wines. This has to be among the lowest priced offerings that carries the Beckstoffer name.
My tasting notes on the new 2018 vintage are similar to the 2017 vintage, and my scores fell right in line too. The wine pours a nice medium ruby color; floral and peppery on the nose; it is a full bodied, big wine that is nicely assembled.
Loads of juicy red fruit, cherry, cranberry, pomegranate, a touch of leather and cedar towards the finish. Alcohol was up slightly this year at 14.5%, from 13.8% last year.
Overall, this remains a very nice buy at this price for a CA Cabernet. We continue to be big fans of this and any other bottles that bear the Beckstoffer name.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 89 points
Costco item number: 241276
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA
Alc. 14.5%
David Brassard says
I think I’m already a subscriber to your newsletter ( because I get daily emails ? ) although I keep getting asked to sign up ...l I suggest adding language to ignore this suggestion if you’re already a “ subscriber “ or , better yet , revise your software program to have this suggestion stop appearing to current subscribers .
Editor says
Thanks for the suggestion and for letting me know. I’ll see what I can with the program to fix this.
Michael Maletta says
Costco usually does a very good job on wine info price tags. however this one is misinformed, Est 75 tag says Napa Valley $13.99.
the bottle label says California.
Drink well, stay safe!
Editor says
You’re right. Good catch.
Frederick John says
I have enjoyed your wine blog although you continue to recommend wines that are average at best and priced accordingly. I fortunately live in the California wine country and shop at two Costco stores -both Santa Rosa and Novato have an excellent selection of 90+ point wines that are mostly priced below $20/bottle.
There are many wines available from all parts of the globe that represent great value. Certainly there must be such wines that you have tasted and can recommend. Several years ago a Sonoma winery ran an ad campaign stating "life is too short to drink mediocre wines". That was true then and is also today.
Bill Kastner says
Woodstock GA Costco has a screaming deal on 2016 Buried Cane Columbia Valley Cabernet. It appears that normal retail is around 16 bucks. Must get it by the case for only $54.99. A very decent cab. Probably on par with something like the lower end Columbia Crest or Chateau St. Michelle. Good one to have around the house for a while.
Lucia says
I bought a case of the Buried Cane and enjoyed it a lot! It would be great to know about good deals like that in Brookhaven, GA.