Banshee is known for delivering quality wines at great prices so it was a no-brainer to scoop this one up when we saw it at Costco for $17.89.
This is the first time tasting their Pinot from Sonoma County, and we were pleasantly surprised. This is one of those sub $20 Pinots that is very drinkable and enjoyable; not always an easy find nowadays.
Costco's price could be more competitive though. We see this bottle at Total Wine for $15.99, a rare case where Costco is more expensive, especially with the price ending in $.89, which usually indicates a special discounted price.
We do see K&L selling this bottle for $19.99, and they are usually quite competitive. Some low 90s ratings for this bottle too as indicated on the Costco placard.
Getting into our tasting, this wine has nice raspberry and strawberry flavors with slight dark fruit notes as well; underlying vanilla, medium in body, good dose of acidity, with touch of spice in the finish.
Pretty solid all around and among the better Pinot Noir you will find in this price range. 89 points from us.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 89 points
Costco item number: 1214478
Availability: We buy our wine in Costco warehouses around the Atlanta area. The best way to locate wines near you is by using the new Costco mobile app and searching with the Costco item number we listed above.
Alcohol: 13.9%
Don Woods says
Once again, you go out of your way delighting in pointing out a price variance at Costco!
Editor says
Not sure I understand your comment Don.
I feel it’s important to point out when Costco’s price is not the best around, especially when it ends in .89, indicating a special discount.
This helps readers gauge whether they should really stock up or not at this price and also helps readers find the bottle at a good price if it’s not available at a Costco near them.
Mike says
The reply by another critic must be from a Costco employee.
Clearly, your blog is about value. Price is a component which everybody should be able to understand. But… not all are skilled at comprehension.
Thanks for a full comparison.
Don Woods says
I just left Total Wine and confirmed price was $16.99 not $15.99 and Total Wine web site also lists $16.99. Costco stocks 2023 vintage, Total Wine has 2022 vintage. Sloppy on facts!
Patrick says
Not sloppy on facts at all. Clearly stated that he shops Costco in the Atlanta area. TW too, I’m sure. Prices and certainly selection vary by area. FIY - Banshee in NVa is $14.99. That does not make yours or his facts sloppy.
Don Woods says
Well, would you concede that shopping for a 2022 vintage vs a 2023 vintage is not comparing apples to apples? That is exactly what he did!
Mike says
Why not point out price variance?
The point here is value and price is part of equation.
Apparently you work for Costco.
Don Woods says
I don’t work for Costco but comparing prices for a 2022 vs 2023 is not fair to Costco!
David says
Why are the scores always 89??!!
EngProf says
Hmmm ... vintage is an important factor. I appreciate this website's write-ups and also tend to go by WS ratings. One can find WS' (general) ratings for respective vintages here:
https://www.winespectator.com/vintage-charts
And vintages for California Pinot here:
https://www.winespectator.com/vintage-charts/region/california-pinot-noir
The ratings suggest that the 2023 (Costco) is better than the 2022 vintage by six points; that is not a marginal difference.
But as always, it may be a personal preference, which is why I would not recommend "stocking up" unless one tries it first - buy one bottle, if you like it, then go back and stock up.
Vintage is an important factor and likely explains the price of the 2022 at Total Wine.
BTW,I have not tried these Pinot wines and won't; I only drink my acquired taste: cab or tempranillo.