Where can you get a quality Chateauneuf du Pape for just $20? The answer might surprise you: it’s Costco. This wholesaler of bulk products also happens to be the nation’s largest seller of wine. Over time, they have developed relationships with top wineries to create dozens of Kirkland Signature wines with tremendous value and consistency.
We combed through wine review site Vivino to find the top-rated Costco Kirkland Signature wines. What surprised us was their high ratings across the board, despite their low price point. Most Costco Kirkland Signature wines are rated 3.4 or above, and only two wines are rated below 3. This is quite high compared to other store private label brands. For example, Trader Joe’s brand wines primarily have ratings ranging from 3.1 to 3.6.
We evaluated each Kirkland wine not only based on overall ratings, but also ratings of the most recent vintage and the quantity of ratings. Based on these criteria, here are the most popular Kirkland Signature wines. If they’re out of stock this year, just keep an eye out for the new vintage next year. With their popularity, they’re sure to make a return.
Kirkland Signature Series Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon
3.9 stars, 576 ratings at time of writing
Across vintages, drinkers are impressed by the concentration and smooth finish of the Kirkland Signature Stags Leap Cabernet. It has a bold profile, with commonly noted flavors of plum, blackberry, and vanilla. While the wine is drinkable now, many also felt it would be even better with a few more years of aging.
Kirkland Signature Chablis Premier Cru
3.8 stars, 188 ratings at time of writing
For a crisp, refreshing white, look no further than the Kirkland Signature Chablis. Its zesty minerality, citrus and floral notes, and vibrant acidity earns high marks from drinkers. Some noted a hint of off-dry nature in the 2015 vintage, which is unusual for Chablis. This may be due to hot weather during that year, which created more ripe, fruit-forward wines.
Kirkland Signature Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee De Nalys
3.7 stars, 1319 ratings at time of writing
Drinkers are constantly amazed to find a quality Chateauneuf du Pape at Costco for such a low price — this year, reduced from $20 to $18. The classic hallmarks of Chateauneuf du Pape are all present, including aromatics of spice, black plum, black cherry, and a hint of oak. As the tannins on the 2016 vintage are still quite firm, many opted to decant it first. To note, Chateau de Nalys was acquired by major Rhone producer Guigal in 2017.
Kirkland Signature Sonoma County Old Vine Zinfandel
3.7 stars, 2877 ratings at time of writing
For those seeking a smooth California Zinfandel filled with dark fruit, Kirkland Signature Sonoma County Old Vine Zinfandel is a great choice. Consumers loved the approachable, fruit-forward nature of this wine. And at just $10 a bottle, this Zinfandel is an easy choice for everyday consumption.
Kirkland Signature Series Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
3.7 stars, 854 ratings at time of writing
Costco shoppers who don’t want to pay the premium for the Stags Leap District can still get their Napa Cabernet fix with the Kirkland Signature Series Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Compared to the Stags Leap Cabernet, this one has notably “grippy” tannins, as mentioned in several reviews. However, the complexity and aromatics are certainly still there, with drinkers noting not only rich dark fruit, but tobacco, chocolate, and oak spice.
Have a favorite Kirkland Signature wine from Costco? Share it with us in the comments!