Kirkland Signature K Vine Chardonnay – High Expectations

$10 Single vineyard Chardonnay from a big name winemaker (Charles Smith), we check out the latest vintage of the Kirkland Signature K Vine Chardonnay.

Chardonnay from the Evergreen Vineyard in Washington State.

This Kirkland Signature wine is available exclusively at Costco for $9.99.

We're big fans of the wines of Charles Smith here at Reverse Wine Snob -- wines like the Substance Cabernet, Kung Fu Girl Riesling and the Boom Boom Syrah – so when the first vintage of this wine came out last year, we were quite excited to try out the new collaboration between his K Brands and Costco. Unfortunately that first vintage left us a bit disappointed. Let's see how this second vintage fares.

The 2020 Kirkland Signature K Vine Chardonnay opens with plenty of lemon, lime, tropical fruit and even a bit of an oily note on the bright nose. It's pleasing but actually a bit Sauvignon Blanc like, which we weren't expecting in a Chardonnay.

Taking a sip reveals tangy tropical fruit plus some apple pie notes and baking spice in this smooth, medium-bodied wine. It's a bit tastier than the previous vintage which we didn't think was anything extraordinary.

It ends dry with good length, a touch of toasty oak and lingering lemon notes.

This is a nice step up from last year's version and quite the deal for just $9.99.

You may also want to check out the other entries in this line, the Kirkland Signature K Vine Rosé and the Kirkland Signature K Vine Cabernet Sauvignon.