The Kirkland Malbec hasn't been one of our favorites historically, although it's hard to argue against a wine that only costs $6.99, as it does again this year in the current vintage.
And I actually found this vintage to be a nice step in the right direction. I gave the 2017 85 points, noting it was just ok and a decent buy for only $7, considering what else you can buy for that price.
I found the 2018 that is in stores now to be more enjoyable. The wine is again produced by Broquel in Mendoza, who we've noted in the past, sells Malbecs like this for around $12-$13. So we're getting a good wine for half the price this time around.
The wine pours a medium purple color with a nose of perfume and black cherry scents; medium plus in body; flavors of red and dark fruit, cherry, boysenberry and plum; much more pronounced fruit profile than in year's past. The wine has a nice lingering finish.
This is a nice buy at this price and a perfect wine for your everyday meal or pizza night. I'm more impressed than I expected, so perhaps will pick up a couple more on my next trip. Let us know in the comments below if you've tasted this one, and how you like it, especially if you've tried previous vintages.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 87 points
Costco item number: 1239144
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA
Alc. 13.5%
Bob Drake says
Just finished a bottle of this, we found it unenjoyable. For only $3 more the Cerro Anon is MUCH better, life is too short to drink mediocre wine!
Editor says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Allan Raymond says
Had just tried this last week before your recommendation. We thought it was a good buy for the price, but not a Malbec we needed to stock up on. Have only been getting your blogs for a few months, but you have put us on to some wines we might not have tried. The Kirkland Cote de Rhone (2 cases) & their Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (1 case, but we will buy more-Tallahassee is a good place for good, inexpensive whites in the summer.) Thanks for what you do. Best Al Raymond
Talmadge Steele says
I would be interested in how you arrive at your point total, or is it just an arbitrary number that you assign based on personal like or dislike?
Thank you.
Editor says
I try to tie my score to how the wine expresses the varietal and the region. But personal preference no doubt comes into play a bit. Sometimes I’ll add a point for a super value price and note it in the review too.
A Brian Cain says
Not sure it matters considering the context, but I forgot to put the word MALBEC after Kirkland, Kirkland Signature and Domaine Bousquet. Considering that is what the chat is about, people will figure it out, but, if you do publish my comments, you might just add the word MALBEC after those wines to avoid any confusion.
Thanks,
Brian, the Michigan Vintner
Tony Mojica says
I agree with your assessment of the 2017 vintage of this Malbec. Kirkland Signature Malbec used to be pretty consistent year after year but I stopped buying it because of the 2017 vintage. I may try to 2018 based on your notes. It would be nice to see a listing of your ratings of this wine for the past several years. I’ve been following you for many years now. Thank you for all that you do!
A Brian Cain says
Not available in Wyoming/Grandville MI Costco. I went to the service desk and it shows as no longer in their purchasing system (if it ever was). Normally, this store is a good place to find stuff because I don't think too many in this neighborhood read your blog. But, it also has a much more limited selection.
Larry Hill, San Francisco says
I really like the '18 Malbec. In fact, I see it as the best under $10 red in the place. I've been, and continue to be, a fan of the Kirkland Rioja for $6.99, but I think this is quite a bit more drinkable.
A Brian Cain says
Being that neither Kirkland nor Kirkland Signature are in the Wyoming/Grandville MI store, I tried the 2018 Domaine Bousquet. Though I liked it's very fresh lively fruit flavors, I think it will be a lot better with even a year or two of cellaring. It just needs a little time to settle down and spread out in the mouth. While there, I bought a bottle of the 2018 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Cab (South Africa) for old time's sake. Though way more complex and starting to show finesse, it really needs time and quite a bit of it. It will be a gorgeous wine some day. For the full review of these and other wines go to https://www.michiganvintner.com and scroll down to "Brian's Cryin's"