Master of Wine: COSTCO’S Latest for Under $20

[@flatlander6734]

Tried this a couple weeks ago with dinner. Was disappointed. But after a couple hrs in the decanter ..... quel differance!!!!! I have always been a believer in areation in general. This confirmed it.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

With the initial impression, I was not thrilled. There was a marked improvement with aeration. We’re aligned! 🍷

[@JanicePaulinski]

Heading to my local Costco tomorrow, thanks for the info!

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Nice, thanks for commenting. 🍷

[@bgsouto]

Bob always on the spot!

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

It’s the burden that I carry each day. 🤣

[@czrs85]

Glad I took a chance on a few. Thank you for the review. You just can't beat Costco pricing.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

The wine is solid. It’s not a domaine bottling. It really does need aeration to bring out the best character, but it’s very good and value is excellent. Cheers. 🍷

[@czrs85]

@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine I hope you stash one so you can compare it to a new vintage in a few years.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

@@czrs85 Done. A bottle stashed away.

[@czrs85]

@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine now I have to wait for the video. 👍🏼

[@artieboy24]

I bought two bottles. Was expecting something more because of the label. Saying its more of a village level wine clarifies things. Still for 20 bucks its a deligghtul wine. And definitley a bargain. Thanks for the video and thanks to Costco for making it available.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Thanks for commenting. 🍷

[@mikaelplaysguitar]

A CdP I was really impressed by was a Château Maucoil 2017 that I drank in 2021. CdP is also the first region I learned the name of, bc of a family story. My parents splurged on a bottle (they didn't have much money) when my sister was around two. But when he got out of the car, juggling a toddler, groceries and wine was too much and the bottle fell and broke on the ground with all wine flowing everywhere. My sister learned quite some swear words that day. She also recounted the event with some of her first words: "Dad drop bottle. Dad angry". Cheers!

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Great story. I've dropped a bottle or two, there's been no shortage of swear words!

[@erinkevinknox]

I agree wholeheartedly that this one benefits from aeration. We decanted and let it sit for about 3 hours and drank half a bottle but the remainder (just corked and kept on the counter) was much better the next day. Will start drinking the other bottles we bought in 2-3 years.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

I kept a partial bottle as well, it was much better the next day. Thanks for commenting. 🍷

[@erinkevinknox]

Thank YOU for the fantastic reviews!

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

@@erinkevinknox I appreciate the kind word. Cheers. 🍷

[@Matt_Bykowski]

Interesting review. Thanks.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

This wine required a bit of work.

[@juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032]

I've had the bottle in my hands a few times, never really got it. I went for the Kirkland Gigondas at a better price and enjoyed it, you know the wine; and for what you've mentioned in the video, it's probably much better value. I may still get the 2022 for the exercise of comparing notes, if it ever arrives in Spain, as I'm pretty sure I've only seen '21. Thanks for the aerating discussion, which is always a touchy topic. Also, I'd encourage you to keep going with these historical references, which are appealing to both the geeky and the public. A good story makes any wine undeniably more interesting!

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

I liked both wines, but I’ll give the nod to the Gigondas. I try to mix up the video format, testing new things. KZbin provides incredible data in near real time. I can track viewer retention as a collective group. If a video gets too geeky, people start to opt out. It’s a fine line, adding enough to fully tell a story, but not going too deep to lose a lot of people.

[@juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032]

@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine it must be tough to keep those elements in balance, also without scripting the thing too much; there's a sense of spontaneity that shouldn't be lost! I've toyed with the idea of starting up a channel, but I realise it's so much work involved behind what the public sees. Besides, talking to a camera is something I don't do well 🤣 I communicate much better while in front of a live audience, strange as it may sound

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

@@juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032 The channel is a massive amount of work, almost like a second full time job, but without the pay! I’m satisfied with the progress and people have broadly been wonderful. It’s been fun, except when it’s not. 🤣

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

As for the live audience bit, I get it. I also find speaking to a large group is easier than a small one. I once spoke to 20K in a sport arena. It was easier than a boardroom meeting with maybe ten people.

[@rickdrake9850]

I have already bought 2 cases of the CdP. We are big fans of Rhone wines. I give it 60 min. In the decanter. For $20 can't be beat.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

I drink Rhône wine more than anything else. Love it. We’re aligned on the need to decant, makes all the difference.

[@Cdnprairieboy68]

Always a big fan of Châteauneuf du Pape. Also like Crozes Hermitage, as a cheaper alternative. Have recently been drinking E. Guigal’s 2018 release. As you would say, it’s a really solid effort! Cheers!

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Plenty of good wines mentioned by you. Cheers. 🍷

[@lauracanna2201]

Hi Bob, is it still the case for irrigation not being allowed in Châteauneuf du Pape? As I read recently that it was allowed in Bordeaux, for the first time, in 2022

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Another blind tasting video is coming soon. 🍷

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Hi Laura, it has been allowed since 2021 (?), used by some, but not others. Some have experimented by irrigating small plots as a test. It’s a very divisive topic. Take excessive heat and a strong wind, the vines essentially shut down. Action must be taken. Viticulture practices will likely change. Some are trying cover crops, different rootstocks or changing the proportions of grape varieties used is being tried.

[@gerardgreen3441]

My favourite CNDP’s: Brunier’s Vieux Telegraph La Crau and the Piedlong and Paul Avril’s Clos des Papes

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Outstanding wines. Vieux Telegraphe was hit hard by the 2022 storms.

[@celer__et__audax]

My Costco has the 2022 Kirkland Vacqueyras for about $11.99. I'd be interested in your assessment of it if it's available near you.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

I’ve not seen the Kirkland Vacqueyras at my Costco. I’ll check again on my next visit. The blend should be similar to the Chateauneuf du Pape, Grenache based. The price seems very reasonable. Generally, Vacqueyras is an excellent value with a bit less concentration versus CDP.

[@瞿开一]

I really have not seen any of these interesting season release at my local Costco in NC, is it possible that these are only available in a metropolitan store?

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

It’s likely more a case of the wines coming in and selling through quickly. I try to focus on national offerings.

[@carlcadregari7768]

Ahhh. The no spaceships in the vineyard is my FAVORITE wine rule 😂😂. Nice sounding drinkable CnP and nice price too! Cheers

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

I’m not so sure, spaceships in the vineyards could be a good thing! It’s a solid red value. 🛸

[@jfsauer42]

I tried this one. Gonna go back and pick up a case.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

That’s good news! 🍷

[@robrussell5329]

I buy the Kirkland Cote du Rhone Villages at $6.99. It pairs with anything. But that's the extent of my Rhone drinking. I think of a good CdP for strong gamey food, which I never make. So I keep looking past it at Costco. From your review, it sounds more like a good table wine than a serious CdP..

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

I’m a fan of the Kirkland CDRV, great value. The CDP is very good, but not a top level wine for its type. Cheers. 🍷

[@timherbert3955]

We just bought this yesterday!

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

The old saying is timing is everything! Be sure to aerate the wine, it makes all the difference. Cheers. 🍷

[@rnjbond]

I definitely want to try this one! Sounds like a good deal

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

I hope you can find it. 🍷

[@뽕빵구-r1d]

This wine was also sold at Costco in Korea, so I bought it right away

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

That’s good to know. Let me know your thoughts on the wine. 🍷

[@muzaaaaak]

Any aversion to a wine aerator instead of the multiple pour overs?

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

I’m not a fan of wine aerators, I prefer splash decanting the entire bottle. But use whatever you like as long as it gets plenty of oxygen.

[@muzaaaaak]

@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine thanks. we do both. i enjoy a heavy splash and rest when i remember to prepare ahead of time. otherwise i am forced to use the aerator which does help open up a single serving glass, or two. thanks for the insight of this bottle. i will grab a few and enjoy them over time and see how they develop. for $20, i am sure i've bought lesser quality wine(s).

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

@@muzaaaaak The introduction of oxygen is needed, no matter how it gets done. Thanks for commenting.

[@robrussell5329]

My sister and her husband use an aerator on Yellow Tail.

[@muzaaaaak]

@@robrussell5329 that's rich.

[@macsaeki]

Other than the great explanation of Chateaunuef du Pape in terms of grapes and style, is this region known for great wine and producers? I'm just getting into Rhone wines and it seems like Chateaunuef du Pape is a big deal? Is it like if Kirkland came out with wines from Vosne-Romanee?

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Thank you. CdP has a good reputation for whites, but not much is produced. I had one from Chateau La Nerthe that was outstanding, but pricey. CdP rouge is a big deal, consistently among the top wines of the region. The Kirkland bottling is not an estate bottled wine. This helps to drive a better price. Costco often has domaine CdP as well. It could be a good point of comparison for you. The total volume production of CdP is much greater than Vosne- Romanee.

[@KALVINKOOL]

Have you ever tried a latte milk frother?

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

I have and I’ve also tried a blender. It’s called hyper decanting. Seems a bit aggressive. With entry level wines, it’s seems to soften the wine. With better wines, I’m not convinced. What are you thought?

[@KALVINKOOL]

I use one at times and have learned to use it gingerly. I picked one up on Amazon for $10 and believe it helps

[@vacantlandportfolio]

Nice Vid Bob, for a $20, seems like a winner

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

I’m glad you liked the video. It’s a good deal.

[@FastCholo]

Which glass are you using

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

In this video, it’s my go to red wine glass, the Schott Zwiesel Bordeaux.

[@debbieelkington1643]

Great info! Never knew why Le Cigare Volant had UFO label until now🛸

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

A tidbit of info. 🍷

[@isabelab6851]

This is a great wine…but not available in mine

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Not available? Maybe it’s just a late arrival. Might worth checking again.

[@robinazzo]

Trader Joe’s has a really good CDP for around the same price

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

I saw that. I need to pick it up. Thanks.

[@briand2614]

I only bought 2 bottles, and drank one. To be fair I just can't justify buying more wine. Need to drink what I have. 😅

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

I’m overloaded as well. Kind of feels good. 🍷

[@onsidelegal1002]

are you sure composite cork is acceptable from a consumer standpoint? what material binds the cork particles? and how do you know whatever binder is used wont affect the flavor, or otherwise expose the drinker to nasty chemicals. i remember when synthetic (plasticky) corks were common but those seem to be phased out in favor of these, probably bc alcoholic beverages tend to leach out chemicals, something i notice when drinking out of plastic cups, even if they are well rinsed prior.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

It’s bound by a food grade adhesive. This specific closure has a full natural cork disk on either end. The wine is only in contact with natural cork. I’ve read research papers on this method. For me, it’s a trusted closure. Also, the agglomerate portion is nearly 100% TCA free. I welcome your thoughts.

[@onsidelegal1002]

@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine thank you. im always willing to risk TCA as it seems to only affect 1/100 bottles (if that) and most retailers are good about returns on flawed product. the natural cork disc is nice to have but i find them very rare in composite corks. i wish i could trust "food grade" but those regulations are done by the FDA who think seed oils (and covid shots) are safe just bc industry research says so (this is not a rebuttal to your research, i just know enough about "experts" who often manipulate studies to get favorable results for the people who hire them; see for EG monsantos claim that glyphosate is safe). the older i get the more concerned i am about exposure to toxins that regulatory agencies are content to expose us to. but simply from an enjoyment standpoint, real cork is worth a premium that id happily pay for; i just wish other "corks" werent hidden behind foil caps and labelled so people like me could vote with our wallets.

[@eddiefalcon8316]

Post less Costco vids. I’m running out of room in my wine fridge 😂

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

I feel awful about that! 😂

[@eddiefalcon8316]

@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine I have to figure out how to drink more Lol.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

@@eddiefalcon8316Sounds like a good problem! 🍷

[@ReginaldWilson-og8uk]

😂

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

@@ReginaldWilson-og8ukCheers! 🍷

[@UncleHoCM]

🙂

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

😊👍

[@dr7246]

It’s funny. There are a few grape that- even when produced at very high quality- have characteristics that, when in the forefront or vinified alone, that I struggle to love. Grenache is one. Sémillon, in dry wines, is another. In botrytis effected wines, by contrast, I love sémillon’s contribution. I’m very cognizant that my preferences here are unrelated to actual quality

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

The good thing is there are plenty of options. For me, I’m a fan of Grenache and Semillon as well.