As we are still waiting for the latest vintage (2020) of the Kirkland Cotes du Rhone Villages to appear in stores around us, this one showed up as a nice surprise and possible replacement.
The price is the same as the Kirkland bottle at only $6.99. I poked around online and noticed that the wine has four out of five starts on Vivino, with a retail price of around $15. Suckling went 91 points on the wine.
The blend as indicated on the back of the label is 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah. I did see some online reviews indicate the blend included Mourvedre, but I think they were mistaken, at least about this vintage of the wine.
So I was excited to taste this one, and it definitely met expectations. It pours a pale ruby in the glass, with earthy aromas; it is medium in body, not too heavy at all but packed with flavor. There's a nice combo of red berry and black fruit, fleshy tannins, pepper and spice in the finish.
Not a bad buy at all, and a good value find for $7. The last vintage (2019) of the Kirkland Cotes du Rhone we went 89 points on, which is pretty high. This one is a little step below in my opinion, but is still a solid choice.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 87 points
Costco item number: 1634028
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 15%
Rick says
The 2020 Kirkland CdR Villages has come and gone in Phoenix. This vintage has a screw cap closure. We love the Kirkland CdR and usually by several cases each vintage. They have all been pretty good quality and at $7 a No-brainer.
Ted Ryan says
This message is not about a particular wine or vintage. I have noticed that the Costco in Scottsdale, AZ store has significantly reduced their bins and wine selections (# of lines) in favor of more wines in stacks. This means less selection but more bottles in the area. There is significantly less selection of Chilean, NZ(except Kim Crawford), CA Pinot, Australian, etc, just to name a few. I spoke to the local merchandise manager and she more or less confirmed this as a directive out of Kirkland, WA. This is very disappointing. I am finding that with a little homework and paying attention to the offers/coupons I am getting better selection in the same price range at Total Wine & Beverage. Would like to hear others opinions. Thanks
srh says
@Ted Ryan, Sadly I've noticed precisely the same phenomenon @ the 2 San Diego area stores I've checked, one having DRASTICALLY cut back on their bins. 😕
John says
The Latour Rhône is also pretty darn good. Not as cheap as this one tho
John says
I meant the Lavau not Latour in prior comment
Stefan says
Dear Andrew:
I don't really trust any scores given by James Suckling. He over rates almost every wine by 3 or 4 points above the big three. It is my belief that he rates wines based on contracts he has with the wineries in question. I can't say this for sure. The rating on the Cote Du Rhone is a good example. He was 4 points over your score.
I trust your score over his every time.
I work part time doing wine promotions for Entouragecp at three of the local COSTCO's on the north side of 285. I also assist customers with selecting the right wines in general.
Regards
Stefan Pollack
Ted Ryan says
@Stefan, right on!
Completely agree!
GBH-ATL says
@Ted Ryan & @Stephan,
"Suckling-5" is usually a fair conversion rate. I wish for any self-respecting critic and wine merchants to cease using his ratings, even as a reference. I'd add Luca Maroni, Decanter & James Halladay to this list. They should NOT be encouraged....
jmangano says
@Stefan, thank you for adding "it is my belief" when you mentioned Mr. Suckling having any contracts with wineries. Otherwise, that is quite a defamation of character. Having contracts with wineries would put him in a disqualifying position, as a wine critic.
Brent says
I just bought some at the same Kennesaw Costco and I must say, this is a great wine for the Price.
Gerry McElligott says
The Costco 2019 Gigondas is extremely disappointing. I bought 3 of them in the Honolulu Costco and sad to report after tasting I poured all of them down the drain. Must confess it was the first time I have bought a bad wine from Costco