It's been two years since we last tasted and reviewed this bottle. That was the 2019 vintage which we gave 87 points and were impressed at the quality for the very low $6.99 price point.
That puts it right on par with the Kirkland Cotes du Rhone Villages, which is also $6.99, and we've scored very similar over the years, the last vintage coming in at 88 points. That bottle is also a reader favorite that we know many of you are hoping to find again soon.
So while we wait from the new vintage of the Kirkland Rhone to come up (which will be the 2023 vintage), this is a very good alternative for an inexpensive, easy drinking, food friendly, mid week bottle.
We have similar notes as the 2019 vintage we last reviewed. This is classic and straightforward Cotes du Rhone wine. Ruby on the pour, earthy and peppery on the nose; medium plus body with nice acidity; red and dark fruit, with a spicy, dry finish.
Day 2 on this one and we felt it got even better. It's impossible to find good wine priced this low, but this is one of those rare exceptions that we love Costco for bringing to us. We're keeping our rating the same at 87 points.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 87 points
Costco item number: 1634028
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 14.5%
GBH says
I had this (as well as multiple vintages of the Lavau and KS CdR-V) and concur with your review.
I SO WISH that casual dining places (or even mid/fine-level) will take a page from Europe and offer this kind of wine by the glass for $4-$5 or so. That is probably a bottle cost at wholesale, so they can yield 5-6 glasses pour out of a single bottle. Yes, that is not as profitable ($$ wise) as selling a glass of K-J VR chardonnay for $14, but imagine how many more of us will actually order wine if priced attractively and how much better the whole dining experience would be as a result (and consequently - repeat business...). I frequently now order craft beer with casual meals, even though I prefer wine. Markup still ouragous, but still $7 gets you GOOD beer. Shame...
Steve says
I’ll certainly look for this as it’s a crazy price for a fair bottle of CdR. It is disappointing though that it’s got such a high ABV for this style of wine.
Larry says
@Steve,
Totally agree about the higher ABV for the style, which, imo, is an everyday,food complementary wine. I don't think it's that noticeable in this particular wine (I have a few of the 2021 on hand), but also don't know why it really needs to be that high or would detract from the flavor profile if it was, say 14%.
Larry says
@Larry,
To add to my comment about higher abv's, 14.5% does seem to be very common in Cotes du Rhones. This is the abv of the Kirkland CDR's, and, while higher than I might prefer, is acceptable if it balances well and the alcohol does not dominate.
Maria J says
True, but that region is probably the toastiest in France…plus, it’s been getting hotter everywhere with climate change, so finding reasonable ABVs (i.e. under 14%) is getting harder every year. Just one more reason to speak up about climate issues.
Matt says
This might be the best bang for your buck available at Costco....especially if you prefer old world style wines. (Or if like me, you grow tired of overly jammy California fruit bomb red wines)
Joe Roberts says
Another "star of death" review. Pretty much guarantees most of us will never see this wine in our local Costco.
Maria J says
For once, I’ve just seen it at (one of) mine! A brand-new Costco in Chaska MN (a western suburb of Mpls). I’d say there were at least 12 cases there yesterday.