Costco Wine Picks: Feb. 23, 2015

FIND THESE JONES IS THIRSTY-APPROVED GEMS IN THE COSTCO WINE DEPARTMENT:

• 2009 Altamira de los Andes, Reserve Malbec, Argentina $20

(Tanzer 91 pt., This rich Malbec from the Andes foothills is totally worth the splurge…and particularly tasty when paired with, say, braised short ribs—just sayin’.)

• 2011, Gérard Bertrand, Syrah/Grenache Blend, France $10

(WS 90 pt., The 201o was one of my top under $12 picks last year, and the 2011 edition is setting up to be just as good. Grab a rack of barbecue ribs, kick back and relax.)

• 2009, Carmine, Monastrell, Spain $10

(WA 90 pt., The Monastrell grape is also known as Mourvèdre in France, where it’s often found in Rhône Valley red blends. The full-bodied gem is made for roasted/grilled lamb chops or a juicy ribeye steak.)

• 2012, Domaine A’Dair, Sancerre, France $15

(100% Sauvignon Blanc from France’s Loire Valley. One of my favorite wines with raw oysters, boiled shrimp and crab salad.)