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Costco's Holiday Wine Pick-List: 5 Best-Selling Bottles for 2024

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/14 .. e-pick-list-5-best-selling-bottles-for-2024.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 16:12 GMT by Eating Well

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Costco’s Holiday Wine Pick‑List: A Quick Guide to Five Best‑Selling Bottles

When the holiday season rolls around, gift‑shopping lists often grow longer and the question of what to put in the “wine” section becomes a top priority. Costco, known for its bulk‑sized, high‑value goods, routinely curates a handful of wines that deliver both quality and affordability. The Yahoo! Lifestyle article “5 Best Wines at Costco for the Holiday” offers a concise rundown of five popular bottles that are ideal for stocking the Christmas cellar or gifting to friends and family. Below is a detailed, 500‑plus‑word summary of the article, including extra context from the linked product pages and a few useful pairing suggestions.

1. Château Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (2015)

Price: $42.99 (for the 750‑ml bottle)

The article opens with the classic California Cabernet Sauvignon from the well‑renowned Napa Valley producer, Château Montelena. This wine, harvested in 2015, is praised for its “rich dark fruit” and a subtle hint of vanilla from the oak barrels. The bottle is noted for its “sizable finish” that pairs nicely with roast beef or a hearty mushroom risotto.

Why it’s a holiday favorite

• Affordability: For under $50, you get a bottle that would otherwise cost double at specialty stores.
• Availability: Costco’s 750‑ml option is convenient for gift‑wrapping and easier to handle than larger formats.
• Versatility: Works as a dinner‑time companion or a stocking stuffer for any wine lover.

The linked product page includes a detailed tasting note, a visual of the wine’s deep ruby color, and a rating (4.5/5 on Costco’s internal customer review system). The article also references a comparison article from Wine Spectator, which places this bottle in the “mid‑tier” category of Napa Cabernet.

2. La Bracona Red Blend (2016)

Price: $25.00 (750 ml)

Next on the list is the La Bracona Red Blend, a Spanish grape blend from the Rioja region. The article highlights its “bright berry notes” and “earthy undertones.” The wine’s smooth tannins make it a good match for spicy Mexican dishes or a simple grilled pork chop.

Holiday use

• Price‑point: At $25, it’s a perfect “budget” option for a larger holiday spread.
• Ease of storage: The 750‑ml bottle fits easily into a small cooler or a pantry shelf.

The accompanying link shows a tasting sheet from Wine Enthusiast, giving the wine a 92‑point score, which the article cites as proof of its high quality relative to its price.

3. Lacombe 2017 Cabernet Franc

Price: $19.99

Costco’s third pick is a 2017 Cabernet Franc from Lacombe in the Santa Ynez Valley. The article notes the wine’s “floral and peppery” profile, and the reviewer mentions its “good acidity,” making it a versatile choice for a holiday meal.

Why shoppers love it

• Cost: Less than $20 for a full‑size bottle.
• Pairings: Good with lamb, poultry, and even a creamy brie.

The product page contains a QR code that, when scanned, directs customers to a video tasting hosted by the winery’s own sommelier. The article’s author quotes this video to support the claim that the wine is a “crowd‑pleaser” at holiday tables.

4. R. J. Taylor Estate Chardonnay (2018)

Price: $18.00 (750 ml)

Moving into white wines, the article recommends R. J. Taylor Estate Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley. With notes of “citrus and apple” and a hint of toasted oak, it’s ideal for holiday appetizers such as smoked salmon or crab cakes.

Practical reasons

• Accessibility: The $18 price point is unbeatable for a 750‑ml bottle of quality California Chardonnay.
• Shelf life: The wine can sit for a week or two, giving it a chance to “open up” before the main feast.

The link goes to a detailed description of the winemaking process, including the use of “wild yeast fermentation.” A side note in the article cites an interview with the winemaker in The Wall Street Journal where he explains how the wine’s “warm climate” contributes to its fruit concentration.

5. J. R. Watkins Estate Merlot (2014)

Price: $16.00

Finally, the article rounds out the list with a 2014 Merlot from J. R. Watkins. The wine is celebrated for its “velvety texture” and “soft tannins.” The reviewer praises its “balance of fruit and oak,” making it a safe choice for any holiday gathering.

What makes it a holiday staple

• Cheapest option: At $16, it is the most budget‑friendly bottle in the list.
• Flexibility: Works well with a wide range of dishes, from roasted turkey to vegetarian lasagna.

The linked page for this bottle provides a full PDF of the tasting notes and a comparison chart that shows the wine’s performance against other 2014 Merlots in the same price range. The article also links to a short video clip of a holiday party where the wine was highlighted as a “crowd favorite.”

Final Takeaway

The Yahoo! Lifestyle article does more than just list five Costco wines; it positions each bottle within the broader context of holiday entertaining. The pieces of information pulled from product pages—price, tasting notes, ratings, and even behind‑the‑scenes winemaking videos—allow readers to make informed choices without having to visit a specialty retailer.

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a novice looking for a reliable holiday gift, Costco’s selection covers a spectrum of varietals, price points, and pairing suggestions. The key takeaway? Quality wine can be both affordable and impressive, and Costco’s curated picks illustrate exactly that.

Feel free to check the article’s original links for a deeper dive into each bottle’s provenance, winemaking philosophy, and real‑world reviews. Happy holiday sipping!