It's been 30 days since we were alerted to the existence of this new wine in the Kirkland Portfolio.
During that time we have driven to five different Costco stores around Atlanta (multiple times) looking for it, and finally found it last night, thanks to reader JJ for giving us a heads up that it arrived in the Kennesaw location.
What an exciting release. Rhone fans will instantly know the Vacqueyras region in southern France. It's situated right next to Gigondas, which is the source of another popular Kirkland wine we frequently rate in the high 80's, low 90's. It's also not far from Cotes du Rhone.
We are happy with Costco's price of $11.49. Vacqueyras wines typically cost more, which is validated with a quick online search of Total Wine showing bottles from the region starting at $19.99 and going up to $39.99.
So like most other Kirkland wines, we are getting quality juice at a very good price.
The varietal makeup is 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre, a classic GSM blend as you would expect from this area.
Getting into the wine, it pours a medium ruby in the glass with aromas of herbs, earth and red fruit; medium plus in body with good acidity and velvety tannins; flavors of cherry and black fruit; peppery in the finish.
As others have commented, the wine needs a little air to show its true self. We'd recommend a 30 minute decant for sure.
But very nice overall; not quite the Chateauneuf or Gigondas level, but it's a nice little brother to those wines. Being a 2022 vintage drinking in July of 2024, we are curious how this might evolve over just another year or two. We bought three bottles, so may lay one down for a bit to revisit.
We're going a solid 88 points, and hope we see future vintages of this exciting new addition. We also hope that Costco corporate wine buyers continue to explore more Rhone wines including Rasteau, Ventoux, or even better, Northern Rhone, like Hermitage, Cornas, St Joseph and Cote Rotie. That would get really interesting.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 88 points
Costco item number: 5296766
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 14.5%
Bill says
I rate this a 90. I’ve had several bottles and it’s a real winner of a GSM blend. I hope to stash a half case or more. It’s that good.
Susan says
Found it in McKinney TX, and picked up three bottles. Thanks for the recommendation .
Donna says
Just bought this very wine at our local Virginia Costco yesterday, as it happens. Great wine!
SherlockWine says
A bit of research via the name on the cork leads me to believe this is the wine / winery:
http://www.guillaumegonnet.com/wine.php?wine=lesauvage
Even the Vacqueyras keys on the bottle match!
Excellent juice at a truly remarkable price since I'm seeing the "original" listed @ $26.
Another winner from Kirkland wine!
LB says
@SherlockWine, I bought a case of this wine; it is that good! Plus, I have enjoyed Guillame Gonnet wines over the years - Recognizable for the birds on the label and delicious rhones!
Larry says
Pooped the cork on our first one tonight. I guess I'm on the outside looking in with this wine, but both I and my wife found it lacking in that next level of flavor we were hoping for. Certainly nothing wrong with the wine, as such - reasonably balanced with expected regional characteristics - just not very captivating or interesting. Relatively average. Each to his own as is said though.
Larry says
@Larry, That obviously should have read "popped" a cork, ha
Mike says
Picked up a couple bottles in Appleton WI and am even more positive on this than the 88 pts review above. Grenache-forward so get ready for more than a hint of licorice. Crazy price for a Vacueyras. I’m going back for more.