It’s been a little while since we’ve posted specifically about the Kirkland Champagne, which remains one of our favorite Costco wine buys, and an insane value for real French Champagne. It’s appeared in several of our feature stories, but we wanted to revisit it with a focused review.
The last time we posted was back in December of 2019 when there was a change to the bottle shape and we did a side by side tasting comparison only to conclude with four other tasters that it was still the exact same wine. But it was a lot of fun.
And not a lot has changed since then, and that’s a good thing. The price has remained $19.99, which is about as low as you will ever see for real Champagne.
The producer is still Manuel Janisson of Verzenay, France and the description on the back label is identical to what it was back in 2019 when the new design was released.
Taste-wise this one continues to be right on par with previous notes we’ve made. It’s the same blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Nice citrus aromas, flavors of lemon, green apple, and apricot; toasty and acidic with nice effervescence; just want you want in a Champagne.
Whether you’re getting ready to toast New Year’s or a special celebration, or want to sip with good company, or even pair with almost any food, this bottle will come through. It remains the Kirkland wine our household purchases the most, and there’s always a bottle on hand.
We’ve rated the wine 90 points in the past, but this time we’re bringing it up to 91. Cheers.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 91 points (a Costco Wine Blog Top Pick)
Costco item number: 942108
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 12%
Mark S
Saturday 2nd of March 2024
The price at our Cincinnati area store jumped to $29.99 recently. Wish I had bought more when it was still $19.99.
Z
Thursday 29th of February 2024
Anyone found how the KS Champagne ages? Have quite a few leftover from a party and wondering if it's worth holding on to them.
JKM
Friday 1st of March 2024
@Z,
It won't benefit from aging, but it should hold nicely for a year or two if properly cellared.
The Kirkland Signature Champagne is a light, clean style that doesn't have much lees influence (which is what gives some Champagnes a savory, roasty-toasty element). Because there isn't much other depth in its profile, If you take away the wine's freshness there isn't much left.
Long story short, you don't have to guzzle your spare bottles down or anything, but don't hang on to them intentionally.
Mitch L
Wednesday 27th of December 2023
Right on! The $19.99 KS Brut Champagne should be mentioned in the same breath along with the $4.99 rotisserie chicken and the$1.50 hot dog and soda as Costco’s great gifts to mankind!
Bob
Wednesday 27th of December 2023
Raised to $29.99 a bottle in Ohio, not such a good deal here any longer. Still a solid bubbly.