Search through your fridge right now; chances are, you have bottle of Kirkland Signature that awaits you after a long day at the office. Costco sells more wine than anyone in America. While they might not have the range of wines that other retailers can boast, you know that you won’t experience a large mark-up with wines from Costco. With a carefully curated selection of wines of the world, most of the wines at Costco are sourced from wineries, rather than from a private label. However, a growing number off wines at Costco bear Costco’s private label, Kirkland Signature. Their wines, like all Kirkland Signature products, deliver serious value and have transformed the American wine market. We have been purchasing Kirkland Signature wines for more than ten years, and in general we have found these wines to show solid value and in some cases, good aging potential.
With Costco’s world headquarters located in our home state of Washington, it seemed appropriate to publish a wine report covering all available Kirkland Signature wines. Obtaining all of them is a nearly impossible feat, with different wines being sold at different stores, but we made a valiant attempt at securing over twenty different bottles. We all made multiple visits to over a dozen Costco locations over the course of a few months in Washington and Oregon. All wines were purchased by WWB editors, as Costco did not submit wines for review. Editors Dr. Stephen Lee, Dr. Owen Bargreen and Scott Doleshel reviewed each Kirkland Signature wine. Certain wines yielded considerable disagreements but most of the reviews demonstrated reasonable inter-rater reliability.
We all felt that for 20 dollars, the NV Kirkland Signature Champagne delivered some exceptional value, as we all scored the wine over 90 points. Similarly, we all felt that the NV Kirkland Signature ‘Asolo’ Prosecco delivered amazing value for a mere $6.99. We were all quite divergent on the 2015 Kirkland Signature ‘Pauillac’ as Scott and Owen were underwhelmed by the wine which displayed little weight, while Stephen appreciated the Bordeaux character. We all enjoyed the 2015 Kirkland Signature Malbec, which showed richness of fruit and good value, coming in under ten dollars.
While we were generally impressed with the quality to price ratio of the wines, we found many of the back label descriptions of wines to be blustery, overstated, and struggling to make an eight dollar of bottle sound like a one hundred dollar bottle. Over the past few months we’ve been hard at work reviewing all the new Kirkland Signature wines. We think you will very much enjoy learning more about the Kirkland Signature new release wines.
Pictured is the incredibly broad range of wines that we reviewed for our Costco Wine Report.
NV Kirkland Signature Prosecco ‘Asolo’ Sparkling Wine ($6.99)
Stephen Lee- According to the label, the grapes come from “Prime estate vineyards in the historic Veneto regions.” The wine starts off with aromas of apricot on the nose and offers bright peach flavors on the palate. The Prosecco has excellent texture for a wine of the price, though a bit one note for flavor. Slightly sweet but this Prosecco shows serious value. Drink 2018-2020- 89
Owen Bargreen- This wine weighs in at 11% alcohol. Toasty brioche and marzipan mark the nose with bright pear. Slightly sweet, the wine delivers apricot, candied green apple and white flowers on the palate with good astringency. Drink 2018-2022- 88
Scott Doleshel- I really enjoyed the ‘Asolo’ Prosecco by Kirkland Signature. The wine is a great value. Bright, with appealing mouthfeel and medium bodied apple flavors. Slightly sweet, this would make a great aperitif. Drink 2018-2022- 89
NV Kirkland Signature Champagne ($19.99)
Stephen Lee- The NV Kirkland Signature Champagne was sourced from “the top Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier vineyards in Verzenay of Manuel Janisson,” states the label. The bubbles display a powerful presence upon opening, which mildly distract and detracts from the experience. Apples and yeast dominate the nose as the wine shows flavors of pears and sourdough bread. Drink 2018-2022- 89
Owen Bargreen- The ‘Brut’ Champagne by Kirkland Signature is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier sourced from vineyards located in Verzenay. The wine starts off with lovely diamateceous earth followed by lemon curd and brioche on the nose. The palate shows really nice citrus fruit with kumquat, lemon oil, sourdough bread and a light musty earth flavor. Dense and layered, this is a simply outstanding effort that is a one of kind value. Drink 2018-2024- 90
Scott Doleshel- Here we have a really good Champagne that is a killer value. I love the sense of effervescence with biscuit and bright apple flavors. This shows nice acidity and is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2018-2024- 90
2017 Kirkland Signature ‘Grave’ Pinot Grigio ($5.99)
Stephen Lee- The wine barely offers a muted nose of ocean mist as there are limited aromatics at play here. The flavors remind me of watered down limeade with a slightly floral note. The wine shows a bit flat and is clearly lacking the ‘bright acidity’ that the label claims it has. Drink 2018-2020- 84
Owen Bargreen- This pale colored Pinot Grigio starts off with delicate white flowers and citrus blossom aromatics that build in the glass. Refreshing and showing good acidity, the palate disappoints, nearly entirely devoid of any terroir or flavor. While not poorly made, this refreshing style Pinot Grigio is deeply lacking in complexity. Drink 2018-2020- 85
Scott Doleshel- I am really impressed with the ‘Grave’ Pinot Grigio by Kirkland Signature. It is surprisingly easy to drink with light fruit flavors and bright acidity. This is perfect for summer. Drink 2018-2022- 89
2018 Kirkland Signature ‘Ti Point’ Sauvignon Blanc ($6.99)
Stephen Lee- Vibrant nose of lemongrass and pineapple. Bright fresh acidity, zesty sour apple on the palate. Great value. Drink now. 90
Owen Bargreen- This is slightly sweet on the palate and screams pyrazines on the nose. Bright and fresh, this is highly refreshing and satisfying. Drink 2018-2022- 90
Scott Doleshel- This has good brightness and acidity. I like the true character of the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and the kiwi and lemon zest flavors. Drink 2018-2022- 89
2017 Kirkland Signature ‘Ti Point’ Sauvignon Blanc ($6.99)
Stephen Lee- I really enjoyed this wine. On the nose the wine has sharp notes of lemongrass. On the palate, an acidic zing is noted, as the wine displays a lot ripe green apple. The wine showcases the region well. Drink 2018-2022- 89
Owen Bargreen- Sourced from the ‘Ti Point Vineyard' in Marlborough, this excellent Sauvignon Blanc opens with a bouquet of green bell pepper, star jasmine, and white rose with gooseberry accents. The palate shows racy acidity with bright gooseberry, Japanese pear and citrus blossom flavors. This is a truly outstanding value. Drink 2018-2022- 90
Scott Doleshel- This wine initially comes off a bit astringent with solid acidity and limited mid-palate weight. The balance of the wine is good with gooseberry and green apple flavors dominating. Drink 2018-2022- 88
2017 Kirkland Signature ‘California’ Pinot Grigio (1.5L) $7.99
Stephen Lee- The 2017 Kirkland Signature ‘California’ Pinot Grigio underwhelms. This simplistic and unappealing wine shows some ripe apple flavors on the palate. Slightly sweet, this is lacking in complexity. While it’s not flawed wine, it’s pretty blah. Drink 2018-2020, if you really must.- 83
Owen Bargreen- The wine begins with aromas of fruity aromas of pear, kiwi, and melon on the nose. Slightly sweet, this shows good weight on the palate with lighter tree and melon flavors. This impresses for the price. Drink 2018-2020- 86
Scott Doleshel- Here we have an excellent value from Kirkland Signature. It is a touch sweet and cloying but for this price I am impressed. It is a bit out of balance Drink 2018-2022- 87
2016 Kirkland Signature ‘California’ Chardonnay (1.5L) $7.99
Stephen Lee- The label states that the following flavors are present: pineapple, mango, peach, green apple, sweet citrus, oak, honey, and butterscotch. I’m not sure who found any peach in the Chardonnay, because the cloying oak and sweetness hides most of the flavors that the label claims are there. With that in mind, it is still a reasonable value for the bargain price, and will be suitable for hosting large groups and pleasing those who like the “oaky-buttery” style. Drink 2018-2020- 85
Owen Bargreen- Toasty oak marks the nose with butterscotch and roasted pineapple. Slightly sweet, this comes off a bit cloying but delivers vanilla cream and banana flavors with toasted oak flavors that come together in the glass. The mouthfeel is surprisingly impressive. This is a really good value considering the price point for a 1.5L. I can’t imagine the wine improving with age. Drink 2018-2020- 87
Scott Doleshel- This is a tired wine that is out of balance. It is too sweet on the palate with tropical fruits. Drink 2018-2022- 85
2016 Kirkland Signature ‘Sonoma County’ Chardonnay- ($6.99)
Stephen Lee- The 2016 Kirkland Signature ‘California’ Chardonnay is a solid value. Notes of white flowers and apple permeate through on the nose, while the palate is balanced with nice weight. This value-oriented chardonnay offers a leaner, cleaner style than the magnum of California Chardonnay, and many would say it’s better than the more expensive Kirkland Russian River Chardonnay. Drink 2018-2022- 90
Owen Bargreen- Bright citrus tones lead the nose with lighter oak and melon aromatics rounding this Chardonnay out. The wine comes off a touch sweet with brioche, creme brûlée and light melon tones. This is highly simplistic and not recommended. Drink 2018-2022- 87
Scott Doleshel- The ‘Sonoma County’ Chardonnay seems out of balance for me, as it is lightly cloying with tree and citrus fruit flavors. Drink 2018-2022- 87
2015 Kirkland Signature ‘Russian River Valley’ Chardonnay ($12.99)
Stephen Lee- The back of the bottle goes into some appalling over-descriptions of a rather pedestrian wine. They claim this wine offers the following: 1) Lemon blossom 2) Citrus 3) Stone-fruit 4) Delicious 5) Rich 6) Elegant 7) Tightly focused 8) Smoothly textured harmony of fruit 9) Green apple 10) Pear 11) Fig 12) Exotic spicy notes 13) Long lingering flavors…The wine tastes decent, and is adequate Chardonnay, though the less expensive Kirkland Signature Sonoma Chardonnay tastes better for a lower price. Drink 2018-2022- 89
Owen Bargreen- This golden colored Chardonnay starts off with lighter tree fruit aromas with a touch of butter on the nose. The palate has good balance currently commanding brioche, buttered popcorn and papaya flavors. This is highly simplistic Chardonnay. The tasting description on the bottle borders absurd in my mind, noting ‘fig’ flavors here. Furthermore the description on the back of the bottle essentially fools the consumer to think that they are drinking a bottle of Kongsgaard Chardonnay — thought to be the finest expression of California Chardonnay. Aside from this wine not being particularly inspiring, I can’t understand the deceptive nature to the back of this wine label. Drink 2018-2022- 87
Scott Doleshel- I enjoyed this wine, showing a good sense of place, as this mirrors many of the quality wines from this region. There is good balance to the wine with medium bodied flavors of pineapple, mango and bright acidity. I also cannot understand how this wine is described on the back of the label, which is nowhere near how it drinks. Drink 2018-2024- 89
2016 Kirkland Signature ‘Carneros’ Pinot Noir ($9.99)
Stephen Lee- The 2016 Kirkland Signature ‘Carneros’ Pinot Noir is very light in color. Barbecue sauce on the nose connects with the lighter red fruits. On the palate there are flavors of raspberry, tar, tobacco. This Pinot Noir is a surprisingly complex wine for the price. Drink 2018-2022- 89
Owen Bargreen- The 2016 Kirkland Signature ‘Carneros’ Pinot Noir is a really good value California Pinot Noir. The nose comes off impressively with cherry cola and orange rind showing most prominently. Forward and downright delicious, juicy guava, red cherry candy, cola and cran-orange flavors come together nicely in the glass. Enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2018-2022- 88
Scott Doleshel- Here we have a straightforward California Pinot Noir, that shows a good combination of richness and balance. Red and dark fruits dominate the palate with solid acidity. I am really impressed with the value here. Drink 2018-2024- 89
2012 Kirkland Signature Brunello di Montalcino ($21.99)
Stephen Lee- The 2012 Kirkland Signature Brunello di Montalcino is my favorite wine of this tasting. The wine was aged in oak for three years prior to bottling. Tobacco and shoe leather on the nose connect with lighter tones of baking spices. Orange peel flavor dominates the palate with a touch of rose petal. The wine finishes well, and is less astringent than I would have expected. The wines rough edges smoothed out as it was decanted for a few hours. Drink 2018-2028- 91
Owen Bargreen-This translucent colored Sangiovese starts off with blood orange, dusty terroir and sweet pipe tobacco on the nose. Forward, showing light tannins, the wine shows off red cherry, pomegranate seed, and citrus rind flavors with a touch of damp earth. This is a bit simplistic but the earthy tones nicely round things out. Drink 2018-2025- 88
Scott Doleshel- The 2012 Kirkland Signature Brunello di Montalcino is my favorite wines out of this bunch. I love the earthy terroir and dark and red fruits here that connect with the minerality. This wine is impressive. Drink 2018-2028- 91
2016 Kirkland Signature ‘Cuvee de Nalys’ Chateauneuf du Pape ($17.99)
Stephen Lee- The back of the bottle asserts that this wine is showing ‘Notes of blueberry, cherry and mineral.’ I find this CDP to fall flat (as do many CDP’s in the price range), lacking acid, and is generally uninteresting. That said I find no major faults with the wine either. Drink 2018-2024- 88
Owen Bargreen Domaine de Nalys takes its name from the original founders of the estate who owned the property in the 1700’s. The domaine was confiscated during the French Revolution, broken into smaller parcels and sold at auction. The wine needs more than a one hour decant to fully evolve. This begins with delicate aromas of red currant, red raspberry cordial, rose petal and suggestions of Provencale herbs that build in the glass. Red currant jelly, provencal herbs and wet stone with cherry candy flavors all mingle in the glass. A head-turning value, showing some bright acidity, this will continue to evolve well over the next decade. Drink 2018-2026- 90
Scott Doleshel- I can’t say I am impressed with this CDP. Red fruits and a touch of sweetness make me feel like the wine is out of balance. Drink 2018-2022- 87
2015 Kirkland Signature ‘Pauillac’ Bordeaux Red Wine ($22.99)
Stephen Lee- Coming from one of Bordeaux’s best years, this wine does not disappoint, having been aged for 9 months in French oak prior to bottling. Leather and blackberry present on the nose. Following an hour decant, this wine is ready for enjoyment. Well-balanced showing nice oaky tones and dark fruits, this young Bordeaux is ready to open today Drink 2018-2028- 90
Owen Bargreen The nose delivers a nice combination of dark and red fruits with dusty terroir, particularly damp earth. The mid-palate comes off a bit lean, with herbal and dark fruit tones. Not particularly recommended, as I can’t see this improving considerably. Drink 2018-2022- 86
Scott Doleshel- I really feel that this is an unimpressive effort as a Bordeaux. There is limited weight and acidity drives this wine. Light red and dark fruits leave me uninspired. Drink 2018-2022- 85
2016 Kirkland Signature ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon ($8.89)
Stephen Lee- Baking spices and loganberries display on the nose. The wine comes off as a touch jammy, lacking complexity on the palate. It’s not the best example of Columbia Valley Cabernet, as I would have expected more bell pepper/pyrazine character. Drink 2018-2022- 88
Owen Bargreen- This shows nice dark fruits with toasty oak on the nose combining with a touch of sagebrush. The palate is forward and slightly sweet, delivering copious dark fruits with a touch of milk chocolate and sage. This is a serious value. Drink 2018-2022- 88
Scott Doleshel- Here we have a very forward wine that shows dark fruits and limited complexity. Dark berry flavors are quite primary. Dink 2018-2022- 86
2015 Kirkland Signature ‘Signature Series Columbia Valley’ Red Wine ($16.99)
Stephen Lee- Not to be confused with their lower tier ‘Columbia Valley’ bottling, the black label ‘Signature Series’ wine shows a dark purple color and offers elements of black pepper, blackberry, and blueberry on the palate. The wine is made well for those who appreciate the blending of Cabernet and Syrah. Drink 2018-2024- 89
Owen Bargreen- Made by superstar winemaker Giles Nicault, this starts off with a bouquet of milk chocolate, roasted dates and black cherry cordial. The palate comes off a touch sweet, showing a pillowy mouthfeel. The core is quite dense with dark fruits and chocolate tones rounding out this excellent wine. Drink 2018-2024- 90
Scott Doleshel- This is a good value, as the wine delivers a nice range of dark fruits and chocolate flavors. Drink 2018-2024- 90
2016 Kirkland Signature ‘California’ Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5L)- ($7.99)
Stephen Lee- The label entices but tricks the consumer as it adds: ‘Classic Cabernet, vibrant juicy flavors of blackcurrant, sweet smoke, cherry, mocha, red fruit, spice.’ This tastes like ‘classic’ inexpensive Cabernet. Slightly watery, this is sweet and fruity offering no complexity. This is not bad wine; it just isn’t very good. For the price, however, it’s respectable. I would be interested to know how much residual sugar is in the wine. Drink 2018-2020- 86
Owen Bargreen- The nose takes on sage and sweet pipe tobacco with red fruits on the nose. Forward and cloying, the wine delivers red and dark fruit flavors that come on a bit sweet and hot. This is a pretty good value despite its forward approach. Drink 2018-2022- 85
Scott Doleshel- I am unimpressed with this cheap tasting Cabernet. Sicky sweet flavors dominate this unimpressive and uninspired saccharin inspired wine. Drink 2018-2022- 84
2015 Kirkland Signature ‘Alexander Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon ($9.99)
Stephen Lee- According to the label, the wine clocks in at 14.0% alcohol, but it seems a bit higher than that. The oak might hide a bit of the fruit in the wine, but overall the wine is a good value, if a bit on the sweet side. Toasted coconut with a little bit of vanilla and dill round out the palate finishing with some nice blackberry notes. Drink 2018-2024- 89
Owen Bargreen- The nose shows rich blackberry, black cherry and cassis aromatics. The palate shows good texture and viscosity. Forward, this delivers a punch of dark fruits with a touch of milk chocolate and espresso bean. This is a good value that is best enjoyed in the short-term. Drink 2018-2022- 88
Scott Doleshel- This wine is quite forward, showing good black currant and dark cherry flavors. Drink 2018-2024- 87
2016 Kirkland Signature ‘Signature Series Stags Leap District’ Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.99)
Stephen Lee- This wine shows vanilla on the nose as green bell pepper and oak aromatics build in the glass. This is generally a good wine, but most likely not one that will age for many years. Given the price, I would choose the Alexander Valley Cabernet for the lower price and similar quality. Drink 2018-2024- 90
Owen Bargreen- The powerful nose consumes you with creme de cassis, mocha, black tea and anise. The palate shows a good viscosity and tension with dark fruits that connect with milk chocolate and Turkish coffee tones. A good value, this shows nice complexity and can cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2018-2026- 89
Scott Doleshel- This shows inspiring dark fruits with chocolate on the nose. Good balance with good acidity and dark fruits on the palate. Drink 2018-2028- 89
2015 Kirkland Signature ‘Sonoma County Old Vine’ Zinfandel ($9.99)
Stephen Lee- This label for the ‘Sonoma County Old Vine Zinfandel’ states that the wine was sourced from 45 year old vines. The wine shows some nice aromatics of blackberry bushes on the nose with a general herbaceousness. On the palate this shows a slightly raisinated flavor. I suspect the grapes were picked a bit on the late side, and there may be a bit of residual sugar. A leathery sweetness lingers on the palate. The 15.5% percent alcohol does not go unnoticed. Drink 2018-2024- 88
Owen Bargreen- Prune and stewed strawberry consume the nose with light pepper notes. The palate shows some good acidity with medium bodied dark and red fruits connecting. Forward and juicy, this is a good value. Drink 2018-2022- 87
Scott Doleshel- This simplistic wine shows copious stewed fruits on the palate with jammy flavors and a limited finish. Drink 2018-2022- 86
2015 Kirkland Signature Malbec ($7.99)
Stephen Lee- The 2015 Kirkland Signature Malbec is a terrific wine for the price. Blackberries and leather dominate the nose. There is generous dark fruit and a soapstone minerality on the palate, finishing with mild tannins. Drink 2018-2022- 89
Owen Bargreen- Sourced from Mendoza, this starts off with white pepper, milk chocolate and dark fruits that dominate the nose. The palate shows good balance and richness with dark cherry, roasted fig and black tea flavors coming together in the glass. This is another very good value. Drink 2018-2022- 88
Scott Doleshel- Bright, with good acidity and balance. Dark fruits dominate. Drink 2018-2022- 89
2017 Kirkland Signature Malbec ($7.99)
Stephen Lee- This shows impressive darkness in the glass as the wine delivers forward mocha and black tea flavors with some light tannins. Drink 2018-2022- 89
Owen Bargreen- The nose takes on smoke with chocolate and dark berry tones. This has good terroir and smoky characrrr on the palate. Chocolate and underbrush flavors combine brilliantly. This is a really good value. Drink 2018-2022- 89
Scott Doleshsel- I find this rather tired with black fruit flavors and some chocolate. Enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2018-2022- 88
2014 Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico ‘Reserva’ ($12.99)
Stephen Lee- Not particularly appealing with lighter red fruit flavors and damp earth. This is lacking in complexity. Drink 2018-2022- 88
Owen Bargreen- The nose shows nice earthy tones with wild mushroom and cigar ash on the nose nicely complementing the red fruits. The palate shows good tension with red currant and red cherry candy that combine with leather and musty undertones. This is a good value. Drink 2018-2024- 88
Scott Doleshsel- I think the 2014 ‘Reserva’ bottling delivers some fine value. Red fruits connect with some tannins on the mid-palate. This is forward but well-made, showing good terroir and structure. Drink 2018-2022- 88
Kirkland Signature 10 Year Tawny Porto ($16.89)
Stephen Lee- The sweetness and smoothness of this excellent Tawny Porto impresses here. This is a tremendous value for the price. Drink 2018-2030- 89
Owen Bargreen- The nose gathers inviting aromas of Marcona almond, ripe date and toffee. Silky smooth, the palate shows really good viscosity and tension with toffee, citrus rind and red cherry puree all combing in the glass. This is a serious value. Drink 2018-2028- 89
Scott Doleshel- The ’10 Year Tawny Porto’ by Kirkland Signature shows serious value, with good weight and range. Drink 2018-2028- 89
2012 Kirkland Signature ‘Gran Reserva’ Ribera Del Duero ($15.99)
Stephen Lee- Aged in both New French oak and American oak. The oak comes through aggressively but not overblown. Baking spice and dark cherry, with a little bit of chocolate. The alcohol clocks In at 15%, but the wine is well balanced with the dark fruit, oak, and tannin. Great texture. At $15, it is one of the best buys in the Kirkland wine lineup. Drink 2018-2025- 91
Owen Bargreen- I am very impressed with this great new release that shows some outrageously good value. This 100% Tempranillo wine begins with toasty oak on the nose with prune and roasted dates. The minerality is really nice as the wine shows a good tension and sense of place. Black fruits and a touch of chocolate dominate the palate. This is a beautiful wine. Drink 2018-2028- 92
Scott Doleshel: The nose reminds me of white pepper, with quite a lot of alcohol as this shows some heat. The palate reveals dark fruits with tobacco leaf, leather and toasty oak. This is drinking well right now. Drink 2018-2028- 90