Costco Reds (October 2021)

We received a lot of great comments from readers about our Costco picks (Red and White) back in January. This got us thinking, wonder what’s currently in those bins of joy? I happened to be at Costco today, so I took a stroll through the reds. Definitely some amazing juice. Here are a few great picks that are in stock and fabulously priced. As you’ll see, I’m floored by the value coming out of Argentina. I couldn’t help myself and included a red blend, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon from the region. Also found a sub $6 from Lodi, California that garnered 92 points from Wine Enthusiast. That’s just insane. Happy Hunting!

Bodega Norton Privada 2017 (Mendoza, Argentina)

James Suckling 95 Points

Enticing roasted spices, peppermint and cocoa powder oozing from the glass, knitting the ripe, lustrous black fruit. Rich and full-bodied, but not jammy. Good density of flavors to chew on with a solid, velvety tannin structure. Lots of verve. Lengthy finish. Serious stuff. A blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon and merlot.

Catena Malbec 2017 (Mendoza, Argentina)

James Suckling 94 Points

Lots of blackberry and blueberry character with a black-tea undertone. Turns to flowers. Medium to full body, fresh acidity and a long and gorgeous finish. Vivid and bright. Transparent.

Chateau Bouscasse Madiran Red Blend 2017 (Madiran, France)

Wine Enthusiast 94 Points

From the home estate of Madiran’s guru Alain Brumont, the wine is a rich blend of Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Still so young but with great potential, it is a ripe, black fruit and spice flavored wine, a fine summation of greatness in Madiran. The tannins are still dense and the wine needs plenty of time. Drink from 2024.

Concha Y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Puente Alto, Chile)

James Suckling 100 Points

This is amazing. The vibrancy and energy in this wine is stunning. The complexity of aromas are breathtaking with flowers, blackcurrants, raspberries and peaches. Full-bodied, yet ever so refined and polished with impeccable texture and beauty. The length is marvelous. This is a testimony to balance, harmony and transparency in a great red. Drink after 2023

Conundrum 2019 (10th Anniversary Label) (California Blend)

Sourced from premier California winegrowing regions, Conundrum Red features dark red varietals including Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is serious yet lighthearted, complex and approachable. With lavish flavors of cherries and baking chocolate, this wine has granular tannins that provide a smooth and grippy character. Be daring and drink slightly chilled to enhance the fruit profile and enjoy any time of year.

Tolaini Legit Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Tuscany, Italy)

Wine Spectator 95 Points

An impressive red of breadth and depth, featuring black cherry, plum, leather, earth, iron and cedar aromas and flavors. This is solidly built and well-balanced, with finely honed tannins and lively acidity providing backbone. Best from 2021 through 2040.

Loveblock Pinot Noir 2018 (Central Otago, New Zealand)

Wine Spectator 93 Points

This displays an impressive presence, smooth and succulent, with vibrant cherry, raspberry and apricot notes and touches of white pepper, anise seed and toasted cumin. The texture is smooth, with firm tannins that add an appealing traction on the finish. Drink now through 2033.

DAOU Vineyards Pessimist 2018 (Paso Robles, California)

Wine Advocate 92 Points

The 2018 Pessimist is a barrel sample blend of 62% Petite Sirah, 19% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah and 2% Lagrein. It is expected to age for 11 months in 50% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple, it offers up tar, chargrill, turned black earth and blackcurrants with wafts of blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate, smoked meats and crushed red cherries. The medium to full-bodied palate has lifted flavor layers, a firm, grainy frame and long, spicy, fresh finish.

Tapiz Alta Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Uco Valley, Argentina)

James Suckling 95 Points

The black currants and blueberries pop out of the glass on the nose. Full-bodied, yet tight and reserved with fine, creamy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Shows tension and focus. Drinkable now, but can improve with age.

Hook or Crook Cellars Reserve Field Blend 2018 (Lodi, California)

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points

Excellent depth and concentration give this full-bodied wine a richness that is expressed in beautiful flavors of blackberry, blueberry and chocolate. All that lushness is wrapped in a blanket of fine-grained tannins that creates a velvety texture. Best through 2026.