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%
Gerry McElligott
Saturday 22nd of January 2022
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
Brent
Thursday 20th of January 2022
I just bought some at the same Kennesaw Costco and I must say, this is a great wine for the Price.
Stefan
Tuesday 18th of January 2022
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
jmangano
Tuesday 8th of March 2022
@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.
GBH-ATL
Wednesday 19th of January 2022
@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....
Ted Ryan
Tuesday 18th of January 2022
@Stefan, right on! Completely agree!
John
Sunday 16th of January 2022
I meant the Lavau not Latour in prior comment
John
Saturday 15th of January 2022
The Latour Rhône is also pretty darn good. Not as cheap as this one tho