Happy to see the '16 of this one arrive in stores since historically the Kirkland Cotes du Rhone Villages appears to have skipped a few vintages of the years, which I documented in this review of the 2015 vintage.
It also arrives right on the heels of another favorite Kirkland wine, but perhaps most importantly, it retains the same, almost ridiculously, low price point of $6.99 as in year's past. I bought a six pack right away and after tasting it, will probably go back and stock up on a few more.
There are just few truly drinkable wines priced this low that I can say I really enjoy, especially when you're just looking for a simple mid week sipper to have with some dinner.
And let's add in one more bonus - a star winemaker. This is one of the few Kirkland wines that proudly discusses its origins on the back of the bottle. Likely the reason why is the chance to mention it was produced by Patrick Lesec, who is well recognized for many of his Rhone wines including those from nearby Chateauneuf-du-pape (more here for the curious).
So we have a lot of elements leaning in the right direction here. Let's get into the wine.
Spicy, peppery, earthy on the nose, pretty vibrant as it's young and juicy; in the mouth it's a large wine, packed with flavor, notably blueberry with hints of dark chocolate. Finishes spicy and lasting.
This is a versatile, food friendly wine that is just too good of a bargain to pass up. The varietal makeup is standard GSM Rhone - Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. I'm going to stay right in line with our previous reviews and go 87 points on this wine.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 87 Points
Costco item number: 887774
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
John Hnatek says
I so enjoyed a bottle of Picinni Tuscanny Chianti 2009 tat I uncovered in my wine collection and I was hoping the winemaker would make a reappearance in Costco's luscious wine section. It's an everyday wine but it sure goes well with pasta red sauces. Wishing in San Diego!
John Williamson says
2016 Kirkland Cotes du Rhone Villages: Pretty average, didn't see anything that would say "go out and buy this".
Rick says
We have been a big fans of the Kirkland CdR Villages wines. My wife and I are strong on Southern Rhône wines. The 2016 vintage is somewhat disappointing. All the previous vintages we bought were much better. Some of the previous ones were so good we bought numerous cases, particularly the 2013. I think we bought 10 cases! We just opened the 2016 as I am writing this and I will admit it is getting a little better as it breathes, but it will still be a pass for us for any volume, maybe a few bottles at most. We still have some 2013 bottles and this doesn't compare. Costco has too many better options, albeit not at $6.99 though. Patrick Lesec has created a lot of good wines that we have had.
John Williamson says
Totally agree,2016 is definately not up to par.