We were thrilled to see the 2021 vintage of this bottle hit stores. As far as we can tell, there was not a 2020 vintage, likely due to the Napa fires. So our fingers were crossed that a 2021 vintage would arrive, and here it is.
Among the Kirkland wines from Napa, this ranks among our favorites, and this new vintage falls right in line. The good news right away is the price staying the same at $18.99.
Under $20 for Rutherford juice is almost unheard of; these will go fast, so if you’ve enjoyed this one in the past, or are a fan of Rutherford, grab these while you can. Being a young wine too, you can sit on these for a while should you choose to.
Over the years our reviews have been very good for this bottle, with a solid 92 points the past two.
2016, 89 points, $17.99
2018, 92 points, $18.99
2019, 92 points, $18.99
Looking at this new 2021 vintage, we also have the same winemaker as years past. The wine this time is right on par with the previous two strong vintages, and our tasting notes remain very similar.
Dark ruby in the glass, with a nice combination of red and dark fruit throughout; black cherry, blueberry, plum; a touch more spice and mocha notes this time around; finishes with a hint of vanilla into the dusty finish these wines are known for.
Solid once again, and a great find in the Costco wine aisles. We are going 91 points this time around with another thumbs up.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 91 Points (a Costco Wine Top Pick)
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Costco Item Number: 1265184
Alcohol: 14.5%
Alex
Saturday 11th of November 2023
Just picked up at our local Costco in Richmond, Va. My wife gives it 2 thumbs up. Looks like I’ll be back tomorrow to get more.
Mitch L
Saturday 11th of November 2023
This just showed up in Northern Virginia. Brought home a bottle today, popped and poured. Your review is spot on. This bottle hits all the right notes: red and dark fruit, plum, smooth finish with fine, dusty tannins. Excellent structure, would be great to hold 3-4 years. I'm going back tomorrow to pick up a case. Definitely one to seek out!
Henry
Saturday 18th of November 2023
@KL, just made a Costco "case" run to the Chantilly store - plenty of this Rutherford ($18.49) and the Premier Cru Chablis ($18.99) that @James Golden noted above.
Also found some Raymond Napa Chardonnay. Andrew reviewed the 2019 Raymond Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon last December (https://costcowineblog.com/2019-raymond-reserve-selection-cabernet-sauvignon/) so am wondering how their chards turn out.
Also found plenty of Pinot Noir stocked up for Thanksgiving.
I'd like to see Costco carry some of the better Beaujolais (we can all can easily get the nouveau at the grocery/liquor store for the crowd on Thursday). I guess it's sales volume is too low for a Costco wine!
Happy Thanksgiving!
KL
Sunday 12th of November 2023
@Mitch L - Which NOVA location? This wine is the best and we will buy 2 cases. I’m always on the lookout for it and didn’t see any in Sterling yesterday. I will drive for it!
Editor
Saturday 11th of November 2023
Love to hear it Mitch. Cheers.
Matt
Thursday 9th of November 2023
Just picked up a case at the Hoover AL location. Would be interesting to see what this will taste like in a few years but no way anything from Rutherford lasts that long in my house!
James Golden
Thursday 9th of November 2023
Came and grabbed two bottles. They also had the Premier Cru Chablis. Should be in stock by you soon!
Kate Moynahan
Thursday 9th of November 2023
I just bought a case of the Rutherford. How long should we sit on it before drinking?
Editor
Thursday 9th of November 2023
That’s a good purchase. It’s really up to you but we’d open one now to taste it and see what you think. Then maybe wait a year see what you think. Maybe another. But 3-4 years would probably start to be ideal in our opinion.