Chateau Haut-Blanville Élégante 2016
Fantastic Red Blend from Languedoc – $14.99 at Costco
The Languedoc wine region in the South of France is the source of many outstanding Best Buy wines. Seventy-five percent of the Languedoc wines are red, and the rest a mix of white and Rosé. The region is a huge source of grapes with more vineyard acres than any other wine region of France. The Languedoc, once best-known for jug or table wines, is now a respected producer of quality wines. The Chateau Haut-Blanville Élégante is an example of a great wine from the Languedoc.
Chateau Haut-Blanville Élégante 2013
Do you like Rhone-style wines? If so, you must give the Chateau Haut-Blanville Élégante 2013 a try. The blend is 80% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre, and 5% Carignan. The Wine Spectator says only 1000 cases were made, and Costco has ended up with many of these. I shop at the Foster City Costco, and I hope there are many bottles of this wine left when I return on my next shopping trip. I love this wine.
The Syrah jumps out of the wine, sending intense meaty flavors, plus prune and plum. Throw in some earthiness, and you have an amazingly complex wine. The vineyard environment is one of mixed herb plants including thyme and fennel. The aftertaste and finish exhibit these herbal characteristics. The finish is long and lingering.
The aroma, the taste, and the finish are all beautiful. I rate it at 91 Points. The Wine Spectator agrees with also a 91-point score. The Chateau Haut-Blanville Élégante 2013 will love meat dishes of all types.
Chateau Haut BlanvielleÉlégante 2013 Back Label
Is Costco becoming an upscale wine shop?
My local Costco is in Foster City. This past month I have found many exciting wines at Costco. The California labels are many, and mostly the usual suspects. Imported wines have improved by leaps and bounds in recent months. From bargains to expensive, there are many more choices of imported wines. I purchased a mixed case of imported wine ranging in price from $10 to $19.
My selection of Costco under $20 imports
I also heard from the wine steward that the nearby Total Wines (Bridgepoint) in San Mateo has made Costco reduce their wine prices. They were already at rock-bottom prices. This is great for the consumer. The beauty of Costco is that folks can shop groceries, clothes, electronics, and good wine.
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Scotto Brut and Scotto Brut Rosé Sparkling Wines
I received samples of two sparkling wines from Scotto Cellars, the Scotto Brut and the Scotto Rosé. The Scotto Family has been making wines in Lodi since 1883, but never a sparkling wine until now. The suggested retail price is $15 but I suspect they will be selling for much less. If you see the Scotto sparkling wines for around $10 to $12, they are worth a try. The wines are dry and lively and hold up to sparkling wines like Domaine Chandon and Gloria Ferrer.
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