So much wine, so little time. We’re getting backed up a bit here on great wine finds so here’s a Fast Friday update for three wines to look for at Costco this weekend. Each one is yours for $12.99 and each is a really, really good value.
Fast facts:
- 2015 Gloria Ferrer Estate Carneros Pinot Noir, California
($12.99 @Costco; California, Product # 121009) - 2017 Kirkland Signature Russian River Valley Chardonnay, California ($12.99@Costco; California, Product # 789895)
- 2016 DeLoach Vineyards Russian River Valley Sonoma County Pinot Noir, California ($12.99 @Costco; California, Product # 369836)
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes tend to grow well in the same places, and in some of the most famous wine regions in the world. In France that includes Burgundy and Champagne. In the U.S. it includes Carneros and the Russian River Valley. One of these wines is from the former, and two are from the latter.
As we often say in these posts, fine wine begins by planting the right grapes, in the right places. These three wines all qualify.
From Left to Right, Our Tasting Notes:
2015 Gloria Ferrer Carneros Estate Pinot Noir – This producer is best known as a sparkling wine house and they own acres and acres of rolling estate vineyards in Carneros. They are owned by a European company, so perhaps it comes as no surprise that this is a more restrained, Burgundian style of Pinot Noir.
It features aromas of intense deep black fruit, spice box and bramble. The mouth is full, silky and loaded with concentrated blackberry and black cherry with spice and some earthy and leathery notes. There is just enough sweet oak to support the fruit and the acidity is bright enough to hold it all together. Nine months in French Oak impart a mocha toast note to the silky finish. The wine would pair nicely with grilled or roasted meat, even a burger on the grill.
Note that this wine is sold on the winery’s website for $27. Costco normally sells it for $17.99, but is currently lopping $5.00 off of that to bring it down to $12.99.
2017 Kirkland Signature Russian River Valley Chardonnay – I am not a fan of big, buttery California Chardonnays. So it says something that I really liked this wine. The winemaker clearly was trying to strike a balance between the old and new world styles and succeeds nicely.
The back label is pretty spot on when it says the wine features “bright aromas of lemon blossom, citrus, and stone fruit. Flavors of green apple, pear and fig while French Oak contributes exotic spice notes…” It finishes with a hint of vanilla from its time resting in those expensive French casks. Pair with just about any kind of seafood.
It is rare to find Russian River Valley Chardonnays for $12.99. This wine is a bargain, just like its neighbor from DeLoach Vineyards…
2016 DeLoach Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – last but not least. This was – by far – my favorite wine of the trio. Maybe it’s because most days it costs over $20. You see, Costco normally sells it for $20.99 – but they are currently discounting it by $8.00 (!) at the register. I like the size of the discount almost as much as the wine.
This is a ripe, sensuous “new world” style of Pinot. It has a beautiful nose of toast, plums and black cherry and opened up nicely once the cork was pulled. Light bodied, it exhibits flavors of raspberries, vanilla, cocoa powder and light smooth tannins. I would pair it with grilled chicken or Salmon.
At $12.99, this wine is only $3 more than the Kirkland Signature Carneros Pinot Noir we have reviewed previously at $9.99. The Russian River Valley wine from DeLoach is 30% more costly, but 2-3 times as good.
That’s all for now. Enjoy your weekend, and enjoy your wines.
Cheers!