European wine deals at Costco, late Feb 2010

Two from France, and a Tokaj.

1) Another Costco screamer is the Domaine Pichot 2008 Vouvray (WS 90, $13).

Vouvray wine is from the Loire Valley in France in the region of Touraine. It uses the much abused chenin blanc grape, which in previous decades has been the term used for bulk white box or jug wine. In this region, chenin blanc is used to make wonderful wines, from dry to sweet, even botyrized, that can age for decades. Costco has carried previous vintages of this in the past, but the 2008 got 90 points, finally! :), and being in the midst of a wine class that just covered the Loire, I bought 6 bottles.

Pale yellow. Good acidity (aka "racy"), with a gentle nose of unripe peach, citrus and mineral. Off dry and a similar palate with some grapefruit peel coming in, and the acidity coming through at the end. Well balanced. Hard not to like. My score: 90.

2) A solid CdR (Cote du Rhone) for under $10. The Perrin & Fils 2007 Cote du Rhone Villages (WS 90, $9.59 CC). This 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah was flavorful, with good intensity, but nothing exceptional. A good example of a CdR. From memory, my score: 88.

3) The landmark sweet white Tokaj from Hungary, centuries ago considered one of the greatest wines on earth, the Royal Tokaji 2005 Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos (WS 94, $26). I had a taste of this sweet botrytized rich white about 3 months ago and it takes some getting used to. Imagine a Sauterne with iodine and briny notes. I wasn't really in the mood after a long and filling dinner, but it was still noteworthy. But really now, this can age for 15-20 years easy, and it's a classic for $26. Why not explore a unique part of the wine world? My score: 90 (now) but could be a lot more a decade later.