We've been looking for the latest vintage of this popular Kirkland bottle to land in stores, and alas, today is the day. But surprisingly, this is the 2023 vintage, not the expected 2022.
Does this mean a 2022 vintage was not produced? We think that might be the case after clicking around online. 2022 was a monster vintage in Bordeaux so perhaps they didn't want to give up the amazing Saint Julien fruit. Hard to say...
But wait, there's more. This is a totally different wine in this vintage. The blend this year is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot. Previously, this bottle was 76% Merlot, and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon. What a flip with the varietals.
We've always enjoyed this wine, landing between 90 and 92 points since its introduction three years ago with the 2019 vintage:
2019 91 points
2020 92 points
2021 90 points
So we were super curious what was in store this time around with the Cabernet dominated blend. And we have great news to report. This wine is amazing.
In the glass this is a medium to deep ruby; spice and floral nose, with black fruit flavor, blackberry, black cherry; grippy tannins; lingering cedar, mocha; good acidity, super dry finish. Classic Saint-Julien Bordeaux, well balanced and just delicious.
This is drinking so good right now, but could really evolve with another few years in the cellar. We bought three, should have bought more and plan to grab more if it hangs around.
For us, this is the best vintage ever for this wine, and a phenomenal Costco buy.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 93 points (a Costco Wine Top Pick)
Costco item number: 1494198
Availability: We buy our wine in Costco warehouses around the Atlanta area. The best way to locate wines near you is by using the new Costco mobile app and searching with the Costco item number we listed above.
Alc. 13.5%
Jay says
A rating higher than James Suckling? I'm flabbergasted 🙂
I find he "over-rates" almost all wines he reviews, and depend much more on what Costco Wine Blog says. So I'll be stocking up on this bottle.
Mike says
I have to agree with your statement - I also find JS reviews to be consistently high across the board to the extent that they've lost meaning and I have little added value.
Marsha says
I looked in my wine fridge and found a '22 St. Emillion and a '23 Paulliac but no '22 St Julien ! Will def pick up the '23 St Emillion if my FL Costco brings more in.
Looking forward to drinking those for sure! Thanks CWB for always keeping us in the loop! Cheers
Matt says
I’m really amazed how great this bottle is drinking right now considering the Cabernet content and the pedigree of its terroir. This wine will probably be singing with 5-6 years of bottle aging but it’s so good right now! I don’t think the case I bought will last that long……Very impressed and the wine really does have some legit Saint Julien vibes to it. Unreal QPR if you’re a Bordeaux fan trying to ball on a budget
Editor says
Well said Matt and couldn’t agree more. Cheers.
E gerber says
👍cheers for this blog.
Daniel says
It's not showing up on the Bay Area yet, but I will grab some for sure.
But I found a Chateau Patris Querre Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2022 for $16.99 (1320123) today and a cheaper Chateau Vieux Lalande de Pomerol 2019 for $11 (1370423). Having the Pomerol right now and for $11... good luck finding similar QPR in Napa.
Euro imports started early this year. BTW, talked to the Costco wine guy, apparently the Booker My Neighbor made it to L.A. already but not yet up north.
Doug C says
I completely agree that this is a gem of a wine! A tad more expensive at my store ($18.49) but still a great buy. I bought two bottles when it first showed up last month, and after tasting it went right back and bought half a dozen more. I was back in the store yesterday, saw it was still in stock, and bought a few more.
I believe this Cab-heavy blend is more typical of this AOC than the earlier Merlot-heavy releases. In any case, this is a very tasty bottle. Like @Matt, I may have trouble leaving it in the cellar for any length of time.