Old vines, new price point—now we’re talking. The 2021 Marcello Pelleriti Signature Malbec, sourced from a vineyard planted in 1907 in La Consulta (Uco Valley, Mendoza), recently popped up at Costco for around $13.89. That’s a lot of history, and frankly, a lot of inky purple, for a weekday-friendly budget.
On paper, the specs read like a solid value play: 100% Malbec, 12 months in French oak plus at least 6 months in bottle, vegan-friendly, and 14.5% ABV. Tri-Vin Imports brings it in, and while Wine-Searcher pegs the average closer to $17, Costco keeps flexing those bulk-buy muscles.
“Pours dark and inky in the glass.” — Reverse Wine Snob
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Reverse Wine Snob describes a classic Malbec profile turned up a notch: immediate dark berry aromas, herbal and floral lift, and a touch of cocoa. On the palate, it’s smooth and lush with some tannic bite, plenty of acidity, and a core of very dark, sour-juicy fruit. Day one felt “a bit young and off balance,” but day two showed improvement with a “dry, very long and grippy” finish.
“Ends dry, very long and grippy.” — Reverse Wine Snob
What does that mean for your Tuesday night pour? Two practical tips:
- Decant or double-decant for 30–60 minutes. The extra air should tame the youthful edges and knit the fruit and oak together.
- Give it a food co-star. Those grippy tannins and dark fruit are primed for protein—think grilled skirt steak with chimichurri, lamb burgers, or a mushroom-asado situation if you’re keeping it vegan.
The Uco Valley piece matters, too. La Consulta sits in one of Mendoza’s higher-quality subregions where altitude helps preserve acidity and aromatics. Pair that with vines dating back to 1907 and you’ve got a legit old-vine backbone—often translating into concentration and a little extra character, even at entry-level prices.
Reverse Wine Snob landed at Taste: 8 (89–90 points), Cost: 6, Overall: 7.5 with a “RECOMMENDED BUY.” That tracks for a Costco shelf-find that’s more brawn than ballet on day one but settles nicely with air by day two. If you want plush, polished Malbec right out of the gate, you might look elsewhere. But if you like your reds with structure, a long finish, and the kind of depth that hints at an older root system, this bottle is a savvy snag—especially under $14.
A few more nerd notes you can drop at dinner: it’s 100% varietal (Malbec all the way), raised in French oak for a year (not overdone), and vegan-friendly (no animal-based fining agents). Translation: clarity of fruit, a modern touch, and a clean conscience. The alcohol sits at 14.5%, which you’ll feel in the body, but the acidity keeps it from turning heavy or sweet.
If you’re stocking up, this feels like a buy-two scenario. One to crack now with a good decant and a steak (or a smoky portobello), and the other to revisit in 12–24 months. The sour-juicy note will likely calm, the tannins should mellow, and the whole thing could tilt from assertive to composed. Not every under-$15 Malbec gets better with a night on the counter—this one apparently does.
Bottom line: for fans of big, dark-fruited Malbec with grip and a long tail, this Costco find punches above its price, especially considering the old-vine credentials. If you see it, toss it in the cart between the good olive oil and the absurdly large bag of smoked almonds. Your weeknight just got a little more interesting.
Key Takeaways
- Malbec lovers should take note—this story has implications for your next pour.
- Price points mentioned range from $13.89 to $15, offering options for various budgets.
- Key themes: Malbec, Costco wine finds, Uco Valley—stay informed on these evolving trends.
- The takeaway? Keep exploring, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Source: https://www.reversewinesnob.com/marcello-pelleriti-signature-malbec-costco/
