This popular Kirkland wine usually appears in Q4, so we were a little late finding it around us, although we did hear from several readers who found it last month.
But here it is, and it's back with the same $19.99 price tag we love. You just can't beat scoring a good Brunello at that price. As we've noted before, the price has climbed as high as $27 in previous vintages so it's good to see it settling right in at $20.
Pretty solid scores from us over the years, dipping down a little bit in those older vintages but the last 4-5 years have been solid including the most recent 2017 vintage that we scored 90 points.
2010 – 92-93 points
2011 – 86 points
2012 – 87 points
2013 – 88 points
2014 – 88 points
2015 – 89 points
2016 – 91 points
2017 - 90 points
We also have a few bottles from some of these vintages in the cellar to see how they age. This new 2018 might fall in that bucket; it is very good now, but built to go for a few years where it might get even more interesting over time.
In the glass the wine pours a medium ruby with garnet around the edges; red fruit and spice on nose, the wine is medium in body; flavors of cherry, plum and pomegranate; dusty, dry and lasting in the finish.
This remains a solid wine at a fantastic price, perfect for Italian wine fans especially Chianti lovers who don't always explore the world of Brunello. It's a great food wine too.
We picked up a few to enjoy soon, and popped one in the cellar that we will probably revisit and review in five or so years.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 91 points (a Costco Wine Top Pick)
Costco item number: 1472194
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 14%
Henry says
Interesting that the Atlanta area is just getting this wine in now. In NoVA I want to say November (not completely sure) is when I found it in the local stores. It seems at one point you were receiving wines in advance of our location but perhaps the timings of regional east coast distribution has shifted in the past year.
Also thanks for the aging suggestions.
Pat says
@Henry, On a similar note, last year I read the review of the Kirkland Signature Chablis Premier Cru in January. I immediately went to the store closest to me (Strongsville, OH) -- and was told that they were completely out. They had gotten the wine in December! This year (Dec. 2023) I started going every week. Sure enough, the Chablis was there (my receipt is dated 12/7). Not sure what's going on, but it is frustrating. I like seeing a review before I buy.
Bob says
29.99 in Ohio, a bit too pricy at that point.
Dave says
Not a good Brunello. Extremely light lacking any body, with little finish. I love Brunellos and had to buy at this price. But it was truly too good to be true.
Tom says
I didn't care for this wine. Should of been an under $10 wine.