Ok, this one is straight up a personal pick. There's lots of words in the title above but the key ones are "Costieres-de-Nimes." This is a great area of Rhone that is frequently overlooked, and I was pumped to see one of these bottles hit Costco stores, potentially for the first time that we've ever seen.
Costieres-de-Nimes is best known for its red and rose wines, although a tiny amount of white wine is also produced there. The red varietals are primarily Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, which you would expect from a Rhone wine. This bottle is 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache.
Costco's price on this bottle was $13.99, which is fair for such a tasty wine, but users on Vivino reported an average purchase price of $12.99. So perhaps Costco is a little high on this one.
But that's ok, it's still a solid buy for Rhone fans, and others interested in trying what might be a new region for them. Note also on the placard that Decanter gave this wine 96 points, which is pretty wild and clearly really high, but a nice accolade nonetheless.
The wine pours a medium purple with dark fruit, spice and earth on the nose; it is medium plus in body with good acidity, finishes dry; flavors are a nice contrast of red and dark fruit led by black cherry, raspberry and blackberry; some dark chocolate and herbal notes closer to the finish.
This is a nice presentation of the varietals, and a solid Rhone wine. Whether you've had wines from Costieres-de-Nimes before or this is your first one, this is a reminder not to forget about exploring this great region on your wine journey. Kudos to Costco for bringing this one in.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 88 points
Costco item number: 1649971
Alc 15%
simon says
I think vivino prices include world-wide reports, so if this wine is sold in France, they are certainly paying much less for it.
That is especially pronounced with Spanish wines.
David says
Thanks for pointing this one out! I found it at my local Costco in Apex, NC yesterday and picked up a bottle, based on your article. I have not tried it yet though. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find the KS Premier Cru Chablis!
Ken says
WHAT!! No rating?? Can’t challenge that 96?
Tucker says
@Ken, he rated it 88 look at the bottom
Don Donaldson says
I saw this wine at the Raleigh Costco. I was intrigued because I love wines from the Rhone. It was lucious! I paired it with a recipe for Osso Buco we tried for the first time and it was perfect. The tannin were deliciously firm, with just the right hint of white pepper, leather, and a hint of lavender. For the price point, it was superb! Give it a try, you will love it!
Diane says
@Don Donaldson,