It's back in a new vintage, and that's great news since last year was the inaugural vintage for this stellar addition to the Kirkland wine portfolio.
The second year is always the most important; where we ensure these wines have staying power, and they don't just fall off the map. In this case, we heard rumors a few weeks ago it was out there, and just found this week at our local Costco.
More good news is the price staying the same at $17.99, which is more than fair for a wine like this. We find this one to land somewhere in between "very nice Chianti" and "Brunello" territory.
Not a bad place to be. And that feeling stays through this new 2020 vintage as well.
As we stated last year, Gran Selezione means the wine is made from the estate’s top grapes and aged for 30 months compared to 12 months for Chianti Classico and 24 months for Chianti Classico Riserva.
Tasting notes year to year are pretty similar. And that's good since we gave the 2019 vintage a big 93 point rating.
Getting into the 2020 vintage, it pours a medium ruby in the glass; perfumed nose with ripe red fruit aroma; elegant structure, tannins are integrated, nice acidity; black cherry flavor, cigar box and herbs; lasting finish.
Again, we are so happy to see this back in stores, and hope it continues for future vintages. We're keeping our rating the same at 93 points.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 93 points (a Costco Wine Top Pick)
Costco item number: 1714095
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Dallas, GA)
Alc. 14%
Connie says
I wish I were shopping at your Costco. Most of the wines you review aren't available in Evansville IN. Too bad I would love to try more that you review.
Editor says
Hope you are able to find some, especially good ones like this Chianti. Don't forget to use the new search tool in the app: https://costcowineblog.com/how-to-search-wine-inventory-at-any-costco-store/
Cindy says
It’s available now In Glenview.
C. C. says
It’s available now In Glenview.
H. Scott Hoffmann says
My two cents from the perspective of an American who studied abroad in Florence for a semester during the mid-1970's: I have found Cafaggio to be a consistently reliable, family-operated winery that also operates a restaurant in Florence that is quite favorably reviewed. Their wines are generally good values as are the prices at their restaurant. The 2020 Specializone is balanced with chewy tannins at this point. Not sure if it exceeds the KS Brunello but both are well-made, interesting wines. Italian wines often are leaner in style than Spanish wines, which some may prefer. Personally, I like both styles.
Vijay Vashi says
As always thank you so much for continuing to review Costco wines- I gave them to be most helpful over the several years that I have been following you!
Best Eishes and Happy New Year.
Vijay
Editor says
Cheers Vijay, glad you enjoy the site.
GBH says
Curious how it will compare to the 2019 KS Brunello that costs a mere $2 more.
Editor says
Great comment. We should have included that in the post. We rated them both the same at 93 points. https://costcowineblog.com/2019-kirkland-signature-series-brunello-di-montalcino/
It would be fun to taste side by side.
MK says
I have not tasted but at this point the Spainish red kick the crap out of the Italians. I have yet to find a Italian wine I would buy caseload at Costco, 93 points or not.
David says
@MK,
I love Spanish wines as well, but this wine is the real deal. Try a bottle if you can find it.
Russell says
Thanks for the heads up that this is out there…I was too late last year but as soon as I read your new post I looked on the app ( thank you for that notice too )..and saw that it was at my store and hurried over to buy some. I’m happy tonight !
Editor says
Fantastic. Hope you enjoy it.
Kevin Knox says
Found this wine locally a few days before your review. Agree with everything except it absolutely needs cellaring. Still rippingly tannic after an 8 hour decant, but clearly with everything there for future greatness.
IMOH the same warning should accompany your reviews of the Kirkland Barolo and Brunello, as some readers may not know that all of these wines are intended to be cellared for at least a decade from the vintage and think, based on the review, that they're for immediate consumption.
Steven J Berganini says
I appreciate very much your identification of all these wines. However, I live in the Inland Empire area of Southern California, midway between Ontario and Palm Springs near Interstate 10. I almost never find your wine selections in any of the Costco stores within 45 miles of my home. Your blog seems to favor mostly Costco members in the Atlanta area.
russell says
Hi Steven...i shop at the West Springfield Ma. store....while they always have the kirkland brand wines they only have 1/4-1/5 of the wines on the blog...when i asked my guy there why he said the Atlanta store is huge and has a ton my wine then mine....that said, we get quite a few very nice wines that the Atlanta never sees
GBH says
Nothing wrong with that....We also like fine wines here in metro ATL. Since this is where this indeopendent blogger lives - it only makes sense that they'll review what they can get and not engage in Costoco's inventory or availability nationwide.
Jimmy says
Hi Steven,
Thanks for your work on this site. My local Costco has this wine and will soon be getting in the Kirkland Gigondas you also wrote about.
Can you please tell me if these wines are organic. Some French and Italian varietals will say they are organic. I also believe that for the most part, all or most Euros are organic even if they do not say it. Is this true?
Thanks
Editor says
Hey hard to say for sure. We are independent of Costco so have the same consumer level of info as anyone else.
Looking into who produces the wines for Costco may offer some insight. We’ve been working on a post we hope to publish soon. Cheers.
Jimmy says
Thanks. We love Italian reds, she has some stomach issues and wants to only drink organic wines. Looking forward to seeing what you find out.
Jimmy says
Sent an email to Basilica Cafaggio Sarl. Below is the response.
"Good morning,
we thank you for your interest in our wine.
yes, all our vineyards are organically managed.
Your girlfriend can safely drink and enjoy our wine!"
A greeting
Benedetta Fabiani - Punto Vendita
Basilica Cafaggio Sarl
H. Scott Hoffmann says
My two cents from the perspective of an American who studied abroad in Florence for a semester during the mid-1970's: I have found Cafaggio to be a consistently reliable, family-operated winery that also operates a restaurant in Florence that is quite favorably reviewed. Their wines are generally good values as are the prices at their restaurant. The 2020 Specializone is quite balanced with chewy tannins at this point. Not sure if it exceeds the KS Brunello but both are well-made, interesting wines. Italian wines often are leaner than Spanish wines, which some may prefer. Personally, I like both styles.