The best value in all of the Costco Kirkland Signature wines? We check out the latest vintage of the Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone Villages.
A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre from Cotes du Rhone Villages, France.
The Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone Villages is available exclusively at Costco, but the price is now up 50 cents to $7.49. This current 2021 vintage continues with the screwcap that was introduced with the 2020 vintage. It is imported by DC Flynt MW Domaines & Estates.
Want to get an email reminder of the Kirkland Signature wines to watch for each month?
Only one-fifth of the wine produced in Southern Rhone's Cotes du Rhone qualifies for the superior designation of Cotes du Rhone Villages. Vintner Patrick Lesec is recognized among the top winemakers in the region, and his wines are among the finest in France. He brings decades of experience in the Rhone to this Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone Villages.
Grenache adds balanced harmony, warmth and fruit-forward notes of black plum and blackberry. Syrah delivers the deep black fruit concentration and smooth chocolate. Mourvedre gives the sense of sweet earth to this classic blend from the Rhone. - Patrick Lesec, Winemaker.
14% Alcohol
Today we're revisiting a wine we've recommended many times in the past. Finding consistently good wines can be a challenge under $10. Variations in grape pricing, weather, economic conditions and more can end up having a big impact because, let's face it, at only $7 there isn't really room to absorb any cost increases without affecting the price. (Which is also likely why this vintage is up to $7.49.)
When we find a wine priced this low, that is impressive year after year, we can't help but sing its praises. While we thought the 2020 vintage was quite good, it wasn't quite up to the excellent standard of previous vintages. Let's check out the 2021 to see how it compares.
The 2021 Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone Villages begins with intriguing aromas of deep, dark fruit, spice, black pepper, licorice and light earthy notes -- much more than you would expect to find on your typical $7 wine.
Tasting reveals dark, ripe fruit, a bit on the tart side, with some continuing light earthy notes. Licorice, oak and spice round things out in this nicely balanced wine.
It ends dry, oaky and grippy on the long finish. It was pretty similar on day 2.
Overall, we found it to be similar in quality to the 2020, maybe just slightly better but not enough to push up the rating. Given the price, it's still one of the best Kirkland Signature values.
2021 Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone Villages
And here's our review of the $6.99 2020 vintage if you still have a few bottles left to consume:
The 2020 Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone Villages begins with intriguing aromas of deep, dark fruit, spice, licorice and excellent earthy notes -- much more than you would expect to find on your typical $7 wine.
Tasting reveals dark, ripe fruit, a bit on the tart side, with some light earthy notes. Licorice, oak and spice round things out.
It ends dry, oaky and a bit grippy on the long finish.
We didn't find this 2020 vintage to offer quite the complexity of the previous bottlings we have reviewed (2019, 2018, 2015, 2013 and 2011). That said it is definitely still tasty and easy to drink at $7, it's just a bit simpler this time around in our opinion. It does get better as it has some air though so give it some time to breathe.
2020 Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone Villages
You can also find more of our favorite wines from France here!
