Old School Pinot from Costco – Is this a Good Thing?

Fast facts:

• 2020 Acacia Pinot Noir, Carneros, California ($14.99 @ Costco, California – Item #58889)

In their review of this wine, the critics at Wine Enthusiast called this a “1980’s style Pinot”.  One could take this as a compliment, or a dismissal of the juice.  But since they also gave it 93 points, it signals that it was the former.

Fact is, in the 80’s (while grooving to Flock of Seagulls on your radio) you could readily find good Pinot Noir for under $20.  The best versions hemmed close to the French wines from Burgundy (red burgundy is made from Pinot Noir) and they were comparatively light colored with delicate flavors. 

Where Cabernet Sauvignon is a big, brutish affair, Pinot should be, in a word: sensual.

Unfortuately (in my opinion) searching for sub $20 Pinot Noir in the era of auto tune is to swim in a sea of wines that bear very little resemblance to pre-Sideways versions.  The aforementioned film, released in 2004, literally changed the demand for Pinot Noir overnight. Damn you, Sideways.

Tasting Notes:

Hallelujah for this old school Pinot Noir under $20. (Well under if your local Costco has this wine on special as mine did). Garnet color in the glass, maybe a bit more opaque than I would like, but that’s nit picking. Seductive aromas of anise, mint, forest and light wood smoke on the nose.  Promising!  This is a complex and delicious with wine with all the “right” flavors  of  ripe black cherry, dark plum and black-tea. A full body and moderate tannins give it just enough balance. Pair with seared ahi and/or grilled salmon. ABV = 14.7%

 

Need More Wine Picks from Costco – or Trader Joe’s Even?

If your wine shopping excursions land you in Costco, prepare by grazing our most recent reviews of Costco wines here in our Lucky 13 list.

And if your shopping finds you at Trader Joe’s, you can find our Lucky 13 list of TJ’s wine here.

Happy hunting.

Cheers!