The Kirkland Rioja is always a favorite, and this year the new vintage is arriving a little late, at least around the Atlanta area. Last year, we saw it hit stores in April, so we've been on the look out, and finally it's here.
Costco wine fans might notice a little change this year to the wine. Yes, the label is brand new and a touch classier than before. But this year's wine arrived with a small price hike, up from $6.99 to $7.99. Not a huge deal because it is still a delicious wine, but many of our favorite Kirkland bottles seem to be seeing price increases this year.
Regardless, we're still talking about an $8 wine that is an absolute steal. Rioja is such a good place to find value in the wine world, and red wine fans would being doing themselves a disservice to not properly explore the region and its wines. Plus, these Tempranillo based wines drink great in the summer time since they're not too heavy.
Let's start by taking a look at our reviews of the prior vintages as it's telling as to we're going to end up on this one.
2010 Kirkland Rioja: 88 points
2012 Kirkland Rioja: 87 points
2013 Kirkland Rioja: 88 points
2014 Kirkland Rioja: 88 points
Looking over these older reviews, it doesn't seem like we can stray too far from the 88 point mark, and that's where we're going to put this new 2015 vintage. Let's dig in.
The wine pours a medium ruby in the glass; dried red fruit, rose petal on the nose; in the mouth the wine is medium in body, nice spicy cherry, strawberry licorice with subtle oak and vanilla notes in the finish.
Very similar tasting notes as prior vintages. This remains a solid pick among the Kirkland Signature family of wines. It's price tag is ridiculous even if it is up $1 from before. But when you're looking for a good solid inexpensive table wine that can match with about any occasion, whether it's summertime or winter, whether it's easy or difficult wine fansyou aim to please, this is your bottle.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 88 points
Costco item number: 917056
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 13.5%
Miguel Escudero says
I am glad it is only $1 increase. Thank the administration for imposing a 25% tariff late last year.
Like every year, I will buy a few cases.
Thomas Blackwell says
Buy two cases every year. A steal. 100% Tempranillo , 30 months in oak. Bottle costs less than a beer at most restaurants. Might have to sneak back for more cases without the wife finding out.
Jon Lindskoog says
You are so right that this is one of those you better grab a case while it's there. You won't beat this value in a well oaked rioja. Love it!
Dan says
Just got back from my Seattle store. By the way, it's Store #1... that's right, the first ever Costco.4th Ave South. Anyway, bought the Rioja and whole heartedly agree, it's a steal. Simply on it's own it's really tasty but I bet it will make a great sangria addition. Thanks for the review.
Editor says
Cool. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. And sangria is a great call.
Art Antonio says
Costco use to have a 2015 Napa Beringer Cabernet white label with a 15.2% alcohol. This is the best tasting wine ive had in 2019. Any chance of getting anymore please. Thanks for listening. Art2d2
Andrew Jacobs says
I think 88 points is a fair score. This is an excellent value for a solid (if not spectacular) wine that with a different label on the bottle would cost at minimum $5 more. No shame in using this as your "house wine" for as long as you want! Tasting notes were spot on in my opinion. I got a bit heavier rose petal/perfume note upon opening, but that leveled out with some air. The finish offered a more oak and vanilla than this review stated, but that's just my personal palette. Also, unless you're breaking out the Coravin for this one (don't waste the Argon!), note that after day 2 this wine pretty much falls off a cliff. I used my trusty Private Preserve which typically gets me 4-5 days out of a good bottle.
On a side note, I'm finding the KS wines to be of especially consistent quality this year. Not all are as much of a steal as this Rioja, but nearly every one of them punches above its weight.
Jon Lindskoog says
This wine is one of those I tend to sip and think about and swirl and sniff and sip again and swallow and think. I cannot put this glass down. Pure pleasure! For 8 dollars it's unbelievably good. Where do you find 30 months of oak on a 2015 vintage tempranillo that is lively, multi-layered, complex, and truly satisfying! At this price level, I can't think of a better value in a medium body, well aged bottle at Costco. Superb!