The Moment It Hooked Me
I found this bottle during a random Costco run—one of those quick stops where you swear you’re only getting two things, but somehow you leave with a cart heavy enough to tilt a fishing boat. The price caught my eye first: $21.99 for a Ribera del Duero Reserva? That’s already a steal, but then I noticed the 92-point Wine Advocate rating on the card. High scores don’t sway me much, but they do make me curious. And curiosity has cost me more money than I’d like to admit.
The label is clean, modern, and a little mysterious—matte black with copper lettering and a crest embossed into the background like a knight hiding in the shadows. It’s the kind of bottle you bring to a dinner party when you want people to think you spent more than you did.
Opening the Bottle Last Night in Norton Shores
I poured a glass while watching the evening settle over the backyard. The nose was exactly what I hoped for: dark cherry, a little vanilla, a little smoke, and something earthy—kind of like when you’re walking through the woods near Hoffmaster after a rainstorm. It’s grounding, almost calming.
First sip? Smooth. Fuller-bodied for sure, but balanced—like a good tennis player who never leans too heavily on one stroke. There’s cherry jam, but not sweet. There’s toasty oak, but not overdone. And there’s a long, warm finish that reminds me of the way the Lakeshore breeze lingers after sunset.
The tannins are noticeable but not aggressive—think firm handshake, not a rugby scrum. You can drink this solo or pair it with half the things you grill in West Michigan: pork, beef, lamb, smoked meats, hard cheeses, even pizza if you want to get casual with it.
Why This Wine Surprised Me
Most Reservas at this price feel rushed. They taste good, but not complete. This one feels thoughtfully put together. Ribera del Duero has always been the more muscular cousin to Rioja, but sometimes that muscle gets overworked. Not here.
The 2021 12 Linajes Reserva has finesse. And finesse is what makes a wine age-worthy.
The card at Costco mentioned “mineral notes,” “roasted aromas,” and a “fat finish with candied notes.” I don’t know about “fat finish” (always a strange phrase), but it does have weight. The finish is broad, warm, and smooth—like settling into an oversized leather chair after a long shift at D&W.
Would I Buy It Again? Absolutely.
In fact, if you see it at your Costco, get a few bottles, because Costco inventory rotates faster than the wind shifts on Lake Michigan. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
At $21.99, this drinks like a $35–$40 bottle. For wine lovers along the Lakeshore, this is exactly the kind of bottle I’d bring to friends in Holland or Saugatuck when we’re grilling or sitting around a fire pit swapping stories.
What It Reminds Me Of
If you like:
- Pesquera Reserva
- Arzuaga Crianza/Reserva
- Muga Selección Especial (different region but similar weight)
Then you’re absolutely going to enjoy this.
It hits the middle ground between power and polish.
Practical Takeaways
– If you like smooth, bold reds → this is your play.
– If you enjoy wines that pair well with grilled or smoked foods → buy more than one.
– If you’re stocking up for winter dinner parties → this is a crowd-pleaser.
– If you want something that feels expensive but isn’t → jackpot.
And if you’re like me—always chasing that bottle that offers more than it costs—this is one you don’t walk past.
