Costco

A family visit to Virginia last weekend took us by a Costco where of course I had to check out the wines. Three of their standbys as compared to our prices:
1. Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label -- $42.99, $4 (8.5%) less than in PA.
2. Jadot Beaujolais-Villages -- $8.99, $3 (25%!) less than in PA.
3. Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages '04 -- $55.99, $14 (33%!) MORE than our CS price.

For years they've had the Cinq Cepages for virtually the same as our CS price so I was surprised to see it hiked up so high (relatively speaking).

Was also surprised to see that they had Altair Sideral '03, same as our current CS, for $15.99 or $1 (5.8%) less.

Mark

VA is surprisingly inconsistent with their prices. Visited Richmond 4-6 times/yr since '05 & got to know one of the wine store owners. He comes to PA regularly to buy CS from our stores! One wine he specified was the Cinq Cepages.

On the higher end their selections are excellent. If you find an upscale neighborhood store there will be a lot of nice stuff, including first-growth Bordeaux. Those who feel $100 is reasonable for good wine will love VA.

Costco & Sam's in reasonable states are always good stops for bargains (e. g. Glenlivet for $22)

Just stopped in at the same Costco in Virginia. In addition to their usual selection, among the Champagne they had two small discreet piles of "pickup slips." One said Chateau Mouton Rothschild for $159.99 and the other Cheval Blanc for $149.99 (I may have those prices reversed). No vintage listed for either. So I went to the front and asked, harboring a fantasy that either one would be 2005. The guy had to go into "the locker" to check. Next to the digital cameras etc. he dug up a bottle of each, both were 2004. My wife simply asked "Are you gonna buy it?" Maybe that's why I love her! I'm not in the market for a $149.99 92 point wine but their pricing is still relatively amazing given that the lowest wine-searcher price for each is >$200.