We have a stunner on our hands here. What a wine. This popular Kirkland offering has always been good but it's getting a nice bump up with this vintage.
Let's stack good news on good news. Last year, we were happy the price was staying the same as the 2022 vintage at $22.99.
But now we're getting this for $19.99, which is the lowest price since the 2014 vintage that we reviewed a decade ago in 2016. Take that inflation.
Here are our ratings going back to the 2013 vintage:
2013 90 points
2014 88 points
2016 89 points
2017 89 points
2018 91 points
2019 91 points
2021 91 points
2022 91 points
2023 92 points
That's a pretty impressive run that is starting to turn up, and we're happy to report that uptick continues with the 2024 vintage. It's the best vintage of this wine to date, and surprisingly at the original price from ten years ago.
In the glass, this wine is a medium to deep ruby with a nose of red and dark fruit with baking spice and herbs; full bodied with grippy tannins; big fruit, black cherry, blackberry, raspberry; more herbs mid palate, touch of sage; vanilla and cedary into the finish that really sticks the landing.
A lot going on with this wine and very classic Stags Leap characteristics. We love this style of wine, and this is a screaming bargain for only $19.99.
If you walk into your Costco and see this wine along with the recently reviewed Cult Cabernet at the same price, that is about as good as $40 will do you.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 93 points (a Costco Wine Blog Top Pick)
Costco item number: 505081
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. 14.5%
Keith Hall says
The Stags Leap is a tremendous value. I'm not a big Cali Cab drinker but I get six of these every time I see it. Good review.
Joe Roberts says
Had the '24 last night and have to agree that it's a cut above some of the other recent vintages. Back for at least 6 tomorrow.
Janice says
Thanks for the heads up! I was at the Perimeter Atlanta store at 9 AM this morning after confirming on the app that the wine was in stock. Picked up enough to enjoy some now and put a few away, and paid with our Citi reward! Keep up the good work!
Al V says
Already gone from my Costco. I got the last bottle 🙁
Tyler says
This wine is overrated. Way, way too sweet. Tastes like a budget wine, which is exactly what it is.
Doug says
This is a good example of a modern California cabernet, well made but very, very fruit-forward. Good for those who love to sip a red wine on the patio, but not that great for those who want a dinner wine to go with their steak. I get why it's popular, but it's not a style that suits my taste.