We’ve come across a particularly nice Chardonnay value in the Costco aisle offered by the Washington wine powerhouse, Chateau Ste. Michelle. This is not a boutique wine: CSM is the state’s oldest (and one of its largest) wineries. The winemakers at CSM know winemaking (especially riesling and chardonnay). This particular chardonnay wine is from their Indian Wells vineyard and is one of their “premium wines”. Currently on sale for $9.99, it is an excellent value proposition. (According to Cellartracker.com, the same wine goes for $13-17 per bottle). So the Costco buyers have secured a decent discount.
There’s a lot to like here for $9.99. Light straw gold in color, Butterscotch and pineapple on the nose; echoed on the rich palate. It is close to, but not quite, the California buttery style of Chardonnay. Its acidity is medium minus, but good for rich "white wine" foods. It has a pleasant warm oaky nose, buttery and tasty on the palate, some citrus notes. We call this a Goldilocks wine, as it doesn’t have too much of anything – just a very balanced, lighter style of chardonnay that’s very easy to drink and would be a safe recommendation to about any chardonnay fan. This is a very nice wine, currently at an excellent price point, that is produced by a winery that knows how to produce a reliable and tasty product.
-- Reviewed by Michael S
Rating: 88
Price: $9.99
Costco Item #: 449644
San Diego, California
Joe Roberts says
I have been stocking up on the sibling of this wine, the Indian Wells Red Blend that contains 8 varietals led by Merlot and Syrah. Nice complexity and decent heft for the price-- a touch tannic but just means it will improve with a little cellar time. It is also discounted for the next week or so and I have been grabbing 2 or 3 every time I'm in the wine department (which is all too often!!). Thanks for the reminder and I need to grab some of the Chardo too. Even at regular pricing the CStM wines are a steal, and with a discount like this, they move to a felony offense.
admin says
Awesome. Thanks for the note
Shawn says
Hi. I love reading your blog. You give your opinion (which is usually spot on with mine) but you also give great reasons (price being one of them which is great). I saw the Kirkland signature Brunello di Montalcino for $25 at my local Costco today. Know anything about this wine? I usually don't like to go above $20 but if the wine is worth it I will. Anyways keep up the great work you do! Happy new year!
admin says
Appreciate the kind words and I'm glad you enjoy the site. I have not tried the Kirkland Brunello because I haven't found it at my Costco stores yet. But there have been several comments posted about it on other reviews, and the consensus is very positive. It's top of my list to find. Hope I do soon, and in the meantime if you want to send in your opinion, I'm sure others would love to hear about it.