OK, this might be the most ridiculous Kirkland wine buy that we've ever tasted. The Kirkland CDR Villages just keeps getting better and better every year.
Last year around this same time, I reviewed the 2017 vintage and bumped it up to 88 points, from a previous 87. This year there is no doubt that I'm bumping it up again to a very well deserved 89 points.
This wine is flat out ridiculous for the price, which I'm so grateful has remained the same at $6.99. I was thrilled to see it hit my Costco store and as I was in the process of moving six bottles into the wine box in my cart, another Costco member noticed and asked me if it was a good wine.
My reply, "If you like red wine, yes, it's one of the best buys in the store right now." Then I thought to myself that it might even be better than the value you can get from rotisserie chickens, Dubliner cheese and Kirkland olive oil. But I digress...
I've noted in the past, that access to wines like this justify the Costco membership fee almost by themselves. If you like Rhone wines, stock up while you can.
The wine is dark on the pour; spicy and perfume on nose; excellent in the mouth, medium plus in body, mostly dark fruit, blueberry, blackberry, pepper and spice in the finish that lingers for a while.
An unbelievable wine for the money. And a good one even if it was priced at $20, which is common with many comparable Cotes du Rhone Villages bottles.
If I walked into a Costco with $30 in my pocket, I would get absolutely nothing. Just kidding...if I walked into a Costco with $30 in my pocket to buy wine, I would buy this CDR Villages and precede it in the night with the Kirkland Champagne for $20. If you do that, you just drank pretty awesomely for your money. That might be my plan for many nights in the future.
Although this one isn't quite at the 90 point threshold that I usually reserve for Top Pick wines, I'm going to put it on the list, because of the insane value to be had here. Stock up as this one might not last long once the word gets out.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 89 points (a CostcoWineBlog Top Pick)
Costco item number: 887774
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA
Alc. 14%
Sammi says
Can the 2018 cotes du Rhone be laid down for any amount of time for improvement?
Editor says
No, it probably won’t evolve much further. Not one that’s built for aging, more a drink it now bottle.
Kevin Knox says
I respectfully disagree. It's pretty tight right now as one can see from how it improves with airing for an hour and should continue to drink well for a couple of years. Wines from this area have been my specialty for a couple of decades now and my wife and are fortunate to have spent a couple of months living in the Southern Rhone, hiking and visiting many vineyards. And I agree with you wholeheartedly that this wine, year after year, pays for a Costco membership (though I could say the same about their Toscano Extra Virgin olive oil and Reggiano parmesan).
Just hoping the price doesn't go up 25% next year due to tariffs!
Editor says
Thanks for sharing Kevin.
I’m not liking those proposed tariffs either. Champagne is a favorite.
Tom Newton says
So I went out and bought a couple bottles as I consistently look when fiercely positive reviews of Kirkland wines come out on this blog. This was far and away the best bottle of Kirkland wine I have had at any price point. Seriously. It was fresh, vibrant, had great red fruit but was layered with earthy notes on the finish. Very impressed. You were spot on with this review. And I agree, not for aging, but for drinking now, with a big smile on your face.
Editor says
Love to hear it Tom. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing.
Neil says
My wife and I have found the Chateau Les Grands Marechaux to be a wonderful find at a very affordable price-your thoughts please.
Editor says
Hi Neil, thanks for the suggestion. I’ve heard of that wine, and heard all good things. Haven’t tasted though. I’ll definitely try it if I see it.
lana says
This was far and away the best bottle of Kirkland wine I have had at any price point. Seriously. It was fresh, vibrant, had great red fruit but was layered with earthy notes on the finish. Very impressed. You were spot on with this review. And I agree, not for aging, but for drinking now, with a big smile on your face.
Editor says
Thanks for writing in and sharing your thoughts. I agree