It’s already that time of the year again. It seems like just yesterday when we posted our 2020 Thanksgiving picks. So here we are for another go around, and I tried to freshen these up this year, sprinkling in some oldies but goodies.
I know not everyone will be able to find these wines, so I went for a broad selection of wines we enjoy, and photographed on a trip to Costco just last night.
I hope some of these are available near you, but as you know, this is really hit or miss. You can always call your Costco and ask if they carry the item number which is pictured on the Costco placard signs.
Overall for Thanksgiving, our motto is typically anything goes. There are so many different types of food and flavors you really can’t find a one-bottle homerun.
Rather, we like to try some different styles and varietals, having fun with the wine and the food without a lot of structure.
So let’s get into it.
Elk Cove Pinot Noir
We’re going to kick this off with a Pinot Noir, which might be among the more versatile wines you can choose. We reviewed and loved the Pinot Blanc from Elk Cove a little while back, and their Pinot Noir is equally strong and a solid buy for $22.
Erath Pinot Noir
We’ll stick with the Pinot for a second, and highlight the Erath Pinot from Oregon, which is always a solid Costco pick for around $15. Read our review.
Stag’s Leap Cellars Karia Chardonnay
It’s been a while since we’ve reviewed this wine too, but it’s nice to see it back at Costco. This is a really delicious Chardonnay that we used to be able to score for $19.99, but the price has been slowly creeping up. Still worth it. Our last review.
Far Niente Chardonnay
While we’re on Chardonnay, we might as well throw out a big one. Here’s the bottle to bring when you’re trying to impress, and impress you will. This is really delicious wine.
I was almost certain we had posted a review about this bottle, but I can’t find it. Regardless, this is a special special treat. Price is creeping up here too; this used to be $49.99. But again, still worth it.
Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir
The Drouhin Family has been making wine in France’s Burgundy region since 1880. As you can imagine, they know a little bit about Pinot Noir and this Dundee Hills Oregon bottling is a super solid pick.
This is a good choice to impress your wine nerd friends. Value seekers: keep an eye out for their Cloudline Pinot Noir which Costco also carries for $14.99.
Kirkland Signature K Vine Rosé
This was an exciting new offering on the Kirkland Signature side of things created together with Charles Smith, who makes the Wines of Substance CS Cabernet that is widely available at Costco that we always love.
A lot of mainstream wine writers are talking about rosé this Thanksgiving, so that could be a popular choice for before, during or after the meal. You can really crack rosé anytime. This is a fun one for $10, made with Syrah.
Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a really solid Cabernet for the money that we’ve tasted several times and also enjoyed. Keep an eye out too as sometimes around this time of the year Costco will carry this in the 1.5L big bottle which is awesome. I still have some ’14s in my cellar I plan to open this season.
Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne Yellow Label
You can’t beat the Veuve. And you can’t beat this cool little insulated bag Costco is selling it in right now. We reviewed this wine earlier this year, mostly to see how it stacked up to other Champagne we were tasting and the answer is that it stood up very well.
This is just pure class. I don’t think anyone would complain with you showing up with this for Thanksgiving. Last weekend, my friend JP brought a bottle over for a gathering at our place and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Our last review.
And now it’s up to you to share your picks. What are you drinking for Thanksgiving? Any interesting pairings? Please share in the comments below.
And don’t forget you can find all of our recent Recommended wines here (good link to bookmark in your mobile browser).
Thanks for following us and have a great Thanksgiving. Cheers, Andrew
Don Woods
Saturday 20th of November 2021
I think the Best Value at Costco is the 2017 Bogle Old Vines Zinfandel. I just bought my second case. I have shared it with friends and they could not believe the quality for under $10.00
greg
Wednesday 17th of November 2021
Several listings are missing review links eg. Elk Cove
Navin
Wednesday 17th of November 2021
Have you tried the 2019 Kirkland Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon? I see your review for the 2018. I picked up several bottles today, hoping they will live up to your past reviews. Did say on the Costco sign, that it won some Gold Medal at a tasting. š¤š¼
Robert Frank
Saturday 20th of November 2021
@Navin, there are so many wine tasting events, and thus medals, that almost every wine entered wins a medal at some time. As a wine judge in several countries, I'm often strongly pressured to be easy on wines and award medals easily, including gold. If wineries don't get medals, they don't enter. And entry fees is how most wine fairs make their money.
Laura
Wednesday 17th of November 2021
@Navin, We bought a bottle and loved it. Went back and bought six more. Lol
Editor
Wednesday 17th of November 2021
Awesome to hear the ā19 is out there. Always a wine we enjoy and Iām excited to try the new vintage. If you open one soon let us know how it is.
Stefan Pollack
Wednesday 17th of November 2021
Your picks are great. All wines I love.
John Kingsbury
Wednesday 17th of November 2021
Both Kirkland and Helfrich sparkling are remarkable values.