One of the highest value red wines in the Kirkland portfolio is making its way back into stores with the new 2017 vintage. We could only be talking about the Rioja Reserva.
This marks the 7th vintage of this wine that we’ve tasted and reviewed. Here’s a quick look at our historical ratings for this wine.
2010 Kirkland Rioja: 88 points
2012 Kirkland Rioja: 87 points
2013 Kirkland Rioja: 88 points
2014 Kirkland Rioja: 88 points
2015 Kirkland Rioja: 88 points
2016 Kirkland Rioja: 88 points
As you can see this one lands in the high 80’s every time for us (Suckling went 90 points on the past two vintages as you can see here on the placard). It’s consistently that good, and really an amazing buy for only $8, which is thankfully the same this year.
Digging into this new vintage, it pours a medium ruby in the glass with smoky, earthy, dried dark fruit aromas on the nose; the wine is medium plus to full bodied with flavors of black cherry, plum, boysenberry and anise; chalky in the finish
A little different than year’s past, but we actually enjoyed it a hair more, bumping the rating up to 89 points. This is your perfect little go to red wine, and the price is right. We’re big fans.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 89 points
Costco item number: 917056
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 13.5%
Julia says
I was so sad when the 2016 suddenly disappeared last year! Excited to see the 2017 in stock and have already enjoyed a couple bottles. Great review!
Stacy Goff says
Yes, I agree that the 2017 is a bit better than the last few years. And, those who want to enjoy it should move quickly; the 2016 sold out or our local Costco stores very quickly!
Tony says
SW Ohio price is $9.59; still worth it?
Editor says
Yep
Steve says
I have drank this one probably since 2000 and 7 or maybe a little later. I have hundreds of bottles of Spanish temper in the Years and I always have a bottle or two of this around to show people just how good a $7 bottle of wine can be. It's a dollar cheaper in California. I have kept some of this wine till it's 10 years old and of course it gets better. It's not my primary go to Rioja because I have enough money that I can drink much better wines but it is a standout and bats far but the average in that price range. I also feel that way about the Kirkland Rhone wines that sell for $7 a bottle here oh, but I don't like Rhone wines much so I never buy it but the few times I have I've been impressed.
Mark MacIntyre says
Andrew: I just opened a bottle of the 2010 vintage that I had squirreled away! It is really TASTY! Glad I have more! Some bottle age really suits it!
Mark MacIntyre
Editor says
i bet it was good Mark. Thanks for sharing.
Henry says
I was quite pleased to find this today at the local NoVA Costco ($7.99). Still have 3 of the 2016 from last year and others have mentioned, that vintage went fast so scooped up another 3 of the 2017. To my surprise, it turned out to be a Kirkland wine "bonanza" today:
2020 Carneros Pinot Noir - $ 9.99 (almost missed it due to new label)
2019 Barolo - $19.99
2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape - $19.99
And some $7.99 sparkling Prosecco to boot! I never get out of there with less than a case! When it rains it pours, and I'll be looking forward to pouring each of these at some time in the future.
Editor says
Nice haul. And thanks for posting that these other wines are out there. Exciting for sure and we’ll get some reviews and tasting notes up as soon as we can find them.
Steve L. says
I usually find the ratings here very close to the mark, so I'm surprised to find myself, a longtime Rioja drinker, in such disagreement here. After several bottles, with plenty of air etc., it still seems like this one just doesn't come together or deliver anything more than the basic Rioja flavor note. Fortunately, at this price, one can't really complain. It's perfectly okay for pizza night.
Editor says
Steve, thanks for the comments. This is a totally open forum so appreciate you sharing your thoughts.