Here's another '09 Rioja Reserva that slightly more expensive than the recently reviewed Montecillo, but this wine brings a bit more complexity and dimension that I think is worth the extra $8. Either way, these Riojas are incredible buys at the warehouse right now, delivering tons of flavor and fine tuned, elegant delivery at bargain prices. If you see any more Riojas at your store that you enjoy, please let us know in the comments below. I'm convinced Spanish wine is where it's at right now.
This Rioja is a dark purple on the pour with spicy balsamic aromas. It's full bodied with red and dark fruit, blackberry, cherry, mocha, chocolate with some tobacco and oak on the finish. Wraps up pretty dry and lasting. As the wine saw a little more time in the glass the flavors became even more pronounced. I'd give this wine a decant upon opening.
At $18.99, this is another good Spanish wine value if you see it. If you haven't dabbled with Riojas, this wine would be a really good safe starting point too. Pair with any of your standard full bodied red wine friendly dishes.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 92 Points
Costco item number: 414259
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA
Alc. 14%
Glen Johnson says
Couldn't agree more about this wine and Rioja in general. Rioja provides great value and mimics many of the characteristics of Bordeaux, at a fraction of the price. Once you acquire (a appreciate) the flavor of Rioja, try the Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2004 and 2007. A complex and elegant classic! Hard to find but a treasure...
Caroline Houghton says
I'm jealous of the different selection of Spanish wines you are finding in your area! In Minnesota I haven't seen much of anything from Rioja for quite awhile (since the Kirkland Rioja reserva). We however have a couple really nice selections from Ribera del Duero that for me rival with the wines from Rioja. If you can find them at your Costco, there is one called Ardal from Ribera that's a mix of Tempranillo and Cabernet, and another called Vizcarra that's a Tempranillo from Ribera. Both are excellent and complex wines and a great value at the $20 price range
Editor says
Thanks for the comment. I love Ribera wines but I don't see them too often. I will definitely review the ones you mention if I find them. I did find a nice Toro wine that I plan to review soon.
Kind of funny but one of my very first wine reviews when I started this site was Vizcarra: http://costcowineblog.com//2006-vizcarra-roble-ribera-del-duero/
Sounds like I enjoyed it Back then.
Bill Oliveri says
Found the 2010 Ardal Reserva in Sterling VA. 94 WS points at $20. Seemed a like a "try" so though I bought a few, have yet to try them.
Caroline Houghton says
Yes! The Ardal is one I open up for friends who really enjoy wine but don't know much about it or how to buy it. They are usually very surprised that a wine so good can be found in that price range.
Daniel Thompson says
In the Northern VA area we got a pallet of Faustino VII Tempranillo at 6.99! Great flavor for the price.
Carl Christie says
My Costco only has the 2010, which I have found to be an excellent wine. I recently bought last bottles of the Four Graces Pinot Noir at my local Costco (another excellent recommendation) and there was an asterisk in the right hand corner of the price/descriptive information. I was told that the asterisk is like a snowflake...what you see on display is the extent of the product remaining and it won't be restocked. Once it melts, it's gone forever!
Editor says
Awesome, glad you liked the Four Graces. I thought that was a really enjoyable Pinot. And you're right about the asterisk. I wrote a story about that and a few other Costco wine shopping secrets, you might like: http://www.thedailymeal.com/drink/8-secrets-scoring-wine-deals-costco