I finally found it at my Costco – the Kirkland Rioja that so many readers have been raving about. I’m a little late to the ball game on this one, and several readers have posted tasting notes on this wine in the comments sections of our other reviews. And I’m thrilled to finally be able to chime in on the dialogue and we can use this post to discuss the wine further in the comments below.
The beauty here, in my opinion, is really that this wine cost only $6.99 at Costco, and at that price it’s an insanely good deal. This is a real Rioja (Rioja cork), and it’s big, juicy, loaded with flavor, even aged a bit so it’s soft and fluffy in the mouth – clearly a wine that you would pay at least double this price for. Earthy and oaky on the nose; red cherry, licorice and strawberry flavors, followed by a touch of that signature Rioja vanilla and then finishing spicy and herbal with a lingering rosemary note.
It’s hard to believe that this wine is only $6.99. No wonder everyone has been writing in about buying this by the case. This is a case buy wine that red wine fans will adore. I’ll be going back for more, and am hoping it doesn’t disappear too fast.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 88 Points
Costco item number: 917056
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Dwight
Monday 25th of January 2016
The kirkland Brunello may be the best buy in some time for a kirkland labeled wine,it is terrific in taste,character and certainly length,it will lie down for a long time and is wonderful now,don't miss it.
Editor
Monday 25th of January 2016
Dwight, thanks for the heads up. We actually just enjoyed the KS Brunello last night. It finally arrived at a Costco near me and I agree 100% with your comments. My review is posting this week and I plan to head back and pick up a couple more to cellar for a few years...
Caroline
Saturday 23rd of January 2016
Thanks for posting this one! I've found it one other time at my MN Costco and stocked up but recently ran out. As soon as I saw your post I headed to Costco and sure enough there was a pallet of it in the entry of the liquor store. This is such am amazing price for a reserve! I forgot to notice, is this a newer vintage than the last time they had it at costco?
Editor
Saturday 23rd of January 2016
It is an amazing price and I'm glad you found it. The '10 is the most recent vintage of this wine as far as I've seen. I know they had a '09 before but not sure prior to that.
Michael Shames
Wednesday 20th of January 2016
We tried this Rioja and quite enjoyed it immediately upon opening. It had a depth and smoothness to it that you don't often find in $7 bottles. However, the next day, that wine had turned quite flat and we didn't care for it as much. It may be one of those wines designed for immediate consumption....24 hours seemed to have diminished its shine.
Caroline
Saturday 23rd of January 2016
If I'm not mistaken, I think that is common for a wine that has been aged longer, such as a reserva Rioja. They are deliciously smooth upon opening and breathing a bit but I like to save them for when I have guests and can consume the whole bottle (or that night where my toddler has given me a run for my money and I know I'm going to need a few glasses ;) )
Joe Roberts
Thursday 21st of January 2016
Unless you use some kind of preservation technique, most wines will "turn quite flat" in 24 hours. The technical term for this phenomenon is flatulence. It has nothing to do with the initial quality of the wine.
Humor aside, last week's Wall Street Journal in their Saturday Lifestyle edition (by Lettie Teague) had an excellent article on the different methods that can be used for quality preservation in wines. But make no mistake---- most wines we show significant deterioration in quality without some countervailing effort. Halfway sticking the cork back in and leaving it on the table doesn't work in most cases---- even with the finest Bordeauxs.
Mark MacIntyre
Monday 18th of January 2016
I also picked up a bottle of 2010 Margaux Bordeaux for $24.99 that I just saw at a major wine chain store here in the Seattle area retailing for $59.99!!!!
Editor
Tuesday 19th of January 2016
Awesome. Who was the producer?
Mark MacIntyre
Monday 18th of January 2016
Do you know if there's a way I can post label pix using DISQUS? I was going to post some label pix but can't attac or cut n' paste
Editor
Monday 18th of January 2016
Sorry, I'm not familiar with that.