The Atlanta area must be the last place in the world to get this bottle. I’ve heard from readers for many months talking about the new Kirkland Cotes du Rhone Villages, and on my pretty-much-weekly trips to Costco, I have been consistently disappointed not to find it. Until now.
It’s impossible to beat this price for a Cotes du Rhone Villages, which fortunately stayed the same at $6.99 for the new 2020 vintage.
Historically, our ratings have been climbing for this wine:
2015 87 points
2016 87 points
2017 88 points
2018 89 points
2019 89 points
But…that run is sadly coming to an end. Readers had lackluster comments about this wine, and I really gave it a fair shot, tasting multiple different times, really trying to get to the bottom of it. Overall, it’s a very average offering in our opinion.
This wine pours a pale to medium purple in the glass; dark fruit, wet soil, pepper aromas; medium bodied and acidic, but flavors are a bit disjointed, there’s some black cherry, blackberry, and plum, black licorice with a touch of mocha, finishes dry but just not as interesting as we’ve found past vintages.
We are big fans of Rhone wine, and have really enjoyed this one in the past. But something just didn’t quite come together. At $7, if you like Rhone bottles, give it a shot and see if you like it. But I’d have to advise readers to pass on this one.
For the same price ($6.99) the Kirkland Bordeaux Superieur is a much better buy that is also making its way around stores right now.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 85 points
Costco item number: 887774
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 14.5%
Dasol
Saturday 21st of May 2022
After 4 months in ordinary cabinet, this wine changed into beautiful southern rhone with great cherry flavors. No doubt to buy a case in next year again
GBH-ATL
Saturday 26th of March 2022
Meant to write Lavau Côtes du Rhône Villages
GBH-ATL
Saturday 26th of March 2022
The Côtes du Rhône Villages at Costco (usually $8.99) has higher percentage of Syrah and has been a solid performer and well worth the extra $2
Dasol
Monday 21st of March 2022
I got a case of it. I'm a big fan of Rhone wines, and it taste good enough for the price. The first bottle had a bitter taste, required an hour to be stabilized. After two months in an electric cellar and just a cabinet, the taste became much more balanced. Anyway, it is the cheapest option of the CDR in Korea so I have no choice as a rhone lover :)
Henry
Sunday 20th of March 2022
Great info from all of you! I saw this last Fall or early Winter in No. VA and picked up 2 bottles. Based in your collective comments, I'm moving them from the cellar to the "drink" selection for everyday. On to the next Costco wine hunt. Disappointing to hear but as @Alan noted the winemaker changed. As one who enjoys a good Rhone wine, this selection has been a great value in the past. Hope to find others as they present themselves at the local Costco.
Happy vino hunting!
Rick
Saturday 16th of April 2022
I also picked up and went through a couple of bottles in Northern VA in October 2021. Thought it was really solid for the price and got a couple of cases. Still about the same, and still enjoying!