Hello Costco wine fans. Today we have the latest vintage of the Kirkland Carneros Pinot Noir.
Historically, not a favorite of the blog among the Kirkland Pinot Noirs. We had a few vintages of this bottle we liked some time ago but lately it's been falling a little flat.
It's too bad since the price continues to stay the same at only $9.99, which is so good for Carneros juice. We just need a bump in the quality one of these times.
Here are our reviews for this wine over the years:
2016 89 points
2017 90 points
2018 89 points
2019 89 points
2020 85 points
2021 86 points
Unfortunately for the 2022 vintage, we're staying at the lower levels we've seen in the past few vintages.
The wine pours a pale ruby and smells good, some berry fruit, spice, perfume; not super fruit forward; little raspberry with some dark fruit, mocha; slides into a mediocre finish at best. Lots of oak takes the center stage.
We're bumping this one back down a point to 85. We really want to like it but it just can’t seem to get itself out of a little funk despite being so close.
We still prefer the Kirkland Willamette Valley Pinot that's just a couple bucks more.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 85 points
Costco item number: 505074
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw, GA)
Alc. 14.5%
Les Kangas says
Not sure what kind of stemware you use for tasting, but I disagree with your rating of Kirkland Cameron’s Pinot (Costco item number: 505074). I tried in Riedel Pinot glass and it’s definitely a great value and perfect for summer bbq’d with salmon. If fact, I bought a case.
Editor says
We use Riedel too. Glad you enjoyed it even if we didn’t agree this time. Cheers.
John Murphy says
The Rohnert Park (CA) Costco has Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viogner (80/20?) that is an outstanding wine. Is it available in Georgia and have you had it? Great with shellfish!
John
Editor says
Yes love that wine. We haven’t found at Costco by us yet though
Scott Bruin says
Maybe I just old fashioned but I am more of an old school Pinot lover. I can't wrap my palate around a pinot that sports 14.5 % alcohol. Seems like maybe the idea is to try to compete with those that have more blending of other grapes taking place..or not. Just too big for me. I too will stick with the Willamette offering.
Doug says
What a disappointment to learn that this bottling is not an improvement over the last two vintages. This was once a very drinkable wine at a bargain price, but the 2019 was the last vintage that I found worth drinking, even this low price point. I made the mistake of buying a half case of the 2021 vintage, and most of those bottles are still in my cellar because I found them so unpalatable.
Ted Ryan says
I buy about 6 bottles every year hoping for the best, but alas 85-87 is about as high as it gets.
Wish it were not so…….
Sadly, I agree with your ratings.