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%
Kevin Knox
Saturday 4th of January 2025
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.
Russell
Thursday 2nd of January 2025
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
Thursday 2nd of January 2025
Fantastic. Hope you enjoy it.
MK
Wednesday 1st of January 2025
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
Wednesday 1st of January 2025
@MK, I love Spanish wines as well, but this wine is the real deal. Try a bottle if you can find it.
GBH
Wednesday 1st of January 2025
Curious how it will compare to the 2019 KS Brunello that costs a mere $2 more.
Editor
Wednesday 1st of January 2025
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.
Vijay Vashi
Wednesday 1st of January 2025
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
Wednesday 1st of January 2025
Cheers Vijay, glad you enjoy the site.