The new Kirkland Cotes du Rhone Villages started hitting stores a couple weeks ago, right on schedule for an October release. We went to a few stores to track it down, but didn't find it until the other day.
First thing we wanted to see is that nice $6.99 price tag continue with this next vintage. That remains about as low as you'll see for a wine from this area, and even better for a highly drinkable one.
Over the years, our scores have wavered on this bottle, falling as low as 85 points in 2020, and then rebounding to 88 points last vintage. Here are our scores going all the way back to the 2015 vintage..
2015 87 points
2016 87 points
2017 88 points
2018 89 points
2019 89 points
2020 85 points
2021 88 points
As we get into the new 2022 vintage, this wine continues to be made by the same winemaker who has been making it for years, Patrick Lesec. And we found this latest release to most closely resemble the 2021.
In the glass it pours a medium ruby; earthy and spicy on the nose; flavors of dark fruit, blackberry, black cherry; toasty in the finish with more pepper and spice. Pleasant finish.
A few readers wrote in that they felt the new 2022 vintage was a little thin. The wine is medium bodied so feels lighter in the mouth, but it's packed with pretty solid flavor. For those who liked the previous 2021 vintage, we think this will be right up your alley once again.
We had another Cotes du Rhone Village wine to taste alongside the Kirkland one. It was a 2021 vintage from Les Combelles, and we ended up preferring the Kirkland bottle. It was fresher with more spice and was more complex all around.
We remain impressed with this bottle, and the price is just ridiculous. Stock up for the winter months, and pair this wine with just about anything.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 88 points
Costco item number: 887774
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Dallas, GA)
Alc. 14.5%
William Seefeld says
Why do your wines you advertise not reach the states of Connecticut or Massachusetts
R. Corning says
Cote Du Rhone Village 2022 @ Costco, Waterbury CT. is $7.39.
Craig Oldenettel says
The Kirkland Cotes Du Rhône Villages is consistently good from year to year. The Costco wine buyers do a great job with this one. The price makes it one of the best table wine values out there.
Jj says
I just tried it. Naw for me.
Mike McGinity says
Any thoughts about it improving a bit after one has had it in the wine rack or cellar for a month or more?
Editor says
Probably not worth it. Drinking good right now IMO
Vince Lake says
@Editor, I tried that a few years back just because I couldn’t get through my head that some wines are meant to enjoy at a very young age . Cheers 🥂
ATM says
@Mike McGinity,
Won't matter. GSM Rhone blends, unless they are the very high end Chateauneuf-du-Pape don't really benefit from bottle age.
I have some of the 2021's left and they are just as good as when I bought them, not better.
Bill Bigham says
Will Chateau Gloria be avaliable at the Santa Barbara Costco & when?
H.E. says
Would this benefit from decanting, and if so for how long would you recommend?
Editor says
Might not be necessary but can’t hurt. Give it a shot and see what you think. Maybe 15-30 min.
George says
This couldn't have had much time in a barrel. Any idea if it had any? Regardless it's delicious and will be our house red for a while since we bought 2 cases.
russ says
just sooo good....bought 18 before it was gone...very happy with my stock...a little smaller now though....would easily have given it an 89...i think the very low price can alter our grading appreciation...right now as i sip ...could say 90....
Marcus says
Finally got my hands on this yesterday in Niles, IL. Had trouble finding elsewhere. It’s a cracking CDR for the money - very enjoyable. Going back for a few cases today.
Martin Basson says
Every year I wait for this wine to appear in South Florida. Can’t find a better wine at this price point, $7.39 down here. Will stock up before all of it disappears from stores as it
is a favorite of the French Canadians who are down here for the winter….they know a good deal!
Tammy Jones says
I bought a bottle this week and opened it last night. It's fizzy? I want to return it....
Sean says
@Tammy Jones, don’t . Not fizzy. about $7 , come on! Wish I bought another case. My store is out.