We always look forward to tasting the latest vintage of the Kirkland Chianti Classico, but remain a little reserved as it's historically not been one of our preferred wines in the Kirkland portfolio.
Last year the price jumped up $1 to $8.99, and at least it didn't go any higher with this vintage. Still can't believe Suckling is going 92 points on these wines (2019). We just don't see it.
If you look over our reviews of previous vintages, we keep this pretty average at around 87 points.
2013: 88 points
2014: 88 points
2015: 88 points
2016: 87 points
2017: 86 points
2018: 87 points
2019: 87 points
This new vintage was a little rough on the initial pour. Just thin and disjointed. I will say it improved significantly with some air (1 hour plus), but it started at such a low point that even significant improvement couldn't get it to a place where we wanted.
In the glass this wine is a pale ruby; there's subtle red fruit on the nose; flavors are mostly cherry and raspberry; good acidity, quick finish. Overall, just light, thin and not super interesting.
It's a drinkable Chianti, perfect for an easy pizza night that won't break the bank. But for just a few bucks more you can do a lot better in a Chianti and other Italian reds.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 85 points
Costco item number: 944010
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw, GA)
Alc. 13.5%
Kevin Knox says
I have to agree with you despite initially being enthusiastic about it when I first tasted it. The aroma was more promising than in previous vintages but it tasted tight so I decanted it, but in the end it fell apart rather than opening up. It's a mystery to me why Costco's obviously-capable buyers can't just source a good everyday generic Sangiovese to offer at this price point rather than a Chianti Classico Riserva that consistently underperforms.
And yeah - I always deduct 3-5 points from any James Suckling rating and this wine shows why that's a good idea. Your ratings on the other hand are consistently fair and realistic, for which I'm grateful.
John says
@Kevin Knox, I go the solid -5 on any Suckling (pay me to put the sticker on the bottle) rating. I have found his ratings so inflated that I often just pass on any wine with his stickers.
Allen Summers says
@John, totally agree with you. Suckling would give 95 points to the water in your radiator expansion tank, or the bilge dumped from your RV's black water tank. His ratings aren't just meaningless, to me they are a reason to not buy any wine that only have his ratings affixed to it.
Cindy Carlson says
What do suggest in a Chianti from Costco for a few dollars more? We love Chianti!
Editor says
This is one of favorites from Costco in recent times. Probably sold through most places but we are hoping for the next vintage to arrive: http://costcowineblog.com//2019-cecchi-chianti-classico/
We also list all our Italian reviews here:http://costcowineblog.com//category/italian/
We will keep an eye out on our next trip too. Cheers
Glen says
@Editor,
Suckling, unfortunately is just another suck-up wine reviewer in it for the money & free vino. They all start out with a subjective opinion that after their name becomes synonymous with sellers & buyers fast turns to sour grapes. What we need are more tastings!
Kevin Mahon says
When I see Suckling, I automatically reduce the review by a minimum of 25%! I have been so disappointed by his high scores; I suspect he is a well paid grower shill!
Mark says
Chiantis are always light as with most old world reds, save French Syrah. The 2016 vintage was a joy, the 2017 was not quite austere and just opened the 2020. I did not find it very tight. As expected there is little up front fruit with some on the back end. I think this Chianti would hold up to any $25 bottle and would age well. Dollar for dollar most of the Kirkland imports are fabulous. Recently I found a 2010 Kirkland Rioja in my wine frig, it was stunning.
Ian says
I think I can still find the 2019 version only an hour away. I'll be picking up more of that version if they still have it.
David A says
I just ignore all James Suckling ratings. Most wine website filters allow you to include only the ones that agree with your palette.
So glad I didn't buy a bottle of this the other day as I was intrigued while reading the label. Also, I wouldn't hesitate to return any bottle if it claimed to be 92 points and was less than decent.
Susan Kanning says
I didn’t think Costco accepted returned wine or any other libations.
Gerry says
I recently bought a bottle of Kirkland Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Brought it home and put it on the wine rack. Noticed a few days later it was had a very slight drip as there was a small stain on the floor.
Curious if anyone else has had this problem with any of the Costco wines. I took it back and they gave me a refund.
Les Kangas says
I thought this release is much better than the prior two years and give it a solid 89. Drank in Reidel Chianti/Zinfandel glass.