I've had quite a few readers write in to inquire about this new Kirkland offering and was anxious to taste it and report back. Good news too, we thought this was a delicious Oregon Pinot at a fantastic Costco price ($14.99).
The back label gives us a little insight into how the wine was made. I like that we're seeing that more and more on the Kirkland offerings so we can do a little sluething and find out where these wines are originating from, and who's behind them.
In this case the winemaker is listed as Sarah Cabot, who a quick Google search will tell you is the winemaker at Precept Wine, and who has a history in Oregon making top quality Pinot. Here's a great little background story that I found on her that's worth a read. Finding this wine for $15 from her seems like a bargain.
The wine pours a pale ruby in color, subtle nose with notes of spicy black cherry; this is a juicy wine in the mouth, medium in body and nicely assembled; flavors of cherry, licorice and Dr. Pepper; very elegant overall, especially considering the moderate price tag. Finishes up dry and lasting.
This is a solid Pinot Noir for the money, and a great Kirkland wine offering. Perfect for almost any cuisine or occasion. I'd considering picking up a few of these if you're a Pinot lover, especially an Oregon Pinot lover like I tend to be, as I think these might move fast.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 89 points
Costco item number: 975274
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA
Alc. 12.5%
Sunny says
How does this compare to the Shea Wine Pinot on sale
Editor says
Hi Sunny
I can’t say for sure since I haven’t tasted the Shea recently but here’s our last review on it if you want to check out our tasting notes.
https://costcowineblog.com//2013-shea-wine-cellars-estate-pinot-noir/
Josh says
The Shea is different. It starts tame, with a great nose, and you expect the cherry to blossom (expand/bloom), but really doesn't. It's a good wine, but since the 2012 vintage, I've found the new ones fall flat after opening for an hour to two. Might be a little rich at $24.99, but regular price is a huge stretch.
re: Willamette - please don't buy it all - it's exceptional. People are actually hiding cases of it at my area Costcos...
steven ball says
This is by far The WORST Wine I have had in a very long time. Not that it tasted bad, it had no taste at all. Very thin and watered down. And the 14.99 price just added to the insult. This is barely 2 buck chuck worthy. Avoid this wine. The Kirkland Russian RIver Piont Noir is also light but at least has some pleasant fruit flavors.
Diane says
I agree completely! Seemed so thin, so light in color and had no flavor. I'm shocked to see how people are loving this. I was disappointed.
jimenos says
Having once worked for a large winery for 3 years I am beginning to suspect that this wine saw several different bottlings of this wine that were indeed different. At my local Costco this is probably the worse bottle of pinot noir I have ever tasted. It was thin, tasteless and not even close to the glowing praise some of the commenters are lavishing upon it. I have seen this happen before and it casts some question on the quality control of this winery.
Dean Patterson says
Saw Raymond reserve Napa Valley Cabernet 2017 today at Carlsbad, CA.....seems underpriced@ $31.99
Josh says
Carlsbad (across from Legoland) is a gem. I’ve never seen such quality and diversity at a Costco.
With that said, walking with a case across Palomar Airport Rd was painful
Freddie K says
I like this wine for the price. A budget Willamette Valley pinot noir. In this price range I have had others from Oregon, California, France and New Zealand. In my opinion at this price range this is a good wine. It's not a first label but that's not what you are paying for. You have to try it and see what you think. It's a different style. Not that I would use this criteria for judging any wine but I find that this is one on the more popular wines at my local Costco. If I see it and wait very long and go back it is sold out. I have a friend that goes to Willamette Valley once a year with some other folks to do wine tasting. I get a few bottles from him. This is not as good as the more expensive offerings but for the money I think it's decent.
Peter says
I oftentimes can't find what's recommended at my Costco store. I found this once, tried a bottle when this article first came out, and can't seem to find it again. My particular sample wasn't bad for $14.99, so I wanted to try another. Is there any way to see what's stocked at a particular store, at any given time? It's frustrating to having to look everywhere for a recommended wine, at several different Costco's...
Editor says
Unfortunately there is not, at least that I’m aware of. Really wish there was too.