Master of Wine Finds the Top Kirkland Wine Values at Costco

This video includes a deep dive into Costco’s Kirkland Signature branded wines. Twelve wines were tasted and evaluated by Bob Paulinski, Master of Wine. This is a follow up to the previous Costco/Kirkland video from a couple of months ago. Included are every Kirkland Signature that was available at the time at the Concord, CA outlet, except for sparkling and box wines. This is a fraction of the total range, as wines come and go on a regular basis. Please note that many Kirkland wines are available for a limited time each year. Identified are the top values of the range. By value, it’s meant which wines compare best with branded wines within the price category. The top three wines are tasted within this video, the remaining wines are categorized below into one of five groups. All Kirkland wines listed below include CA pricing, assortment and pricing will vary by market.
TOP VALUE KIRKLAND SIGNATURE WINES:
1) Must buy, excellent value, worth searching out
2020 Kirkland Gigondas $13.99
2020 Kirkland Bordeaux Superieur $6.99
2018 Kirkland Rioja Reserva $7.99
2022 Kirkland Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc 7.49 - reviewed in details in the previous Costco/Kirkland video
2021 Kirkland Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina $6.99 - reviewed in detail in the previous Costco/Kirkland video
2) Highly recommended, pick it up if you see it
2021 Kirkland Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California $11.99
3) Recommended, solid value
2020 Kirkland Premier Cru Chablis $17.49, I was hopeful this would be a gem. It's a decent Chablis, but it's not Premier Cru quality, perhaps a solid base level Chablis. For a base level Chablis, many other estate bottled wines could be had for the same cost.
2020 Kirkland Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $14.99, the reasonable price for a Napa Valley CS had me hopeful, but the wine falls short. Don't get me wrong, it's a solid bottle of wine, just not up to expectation for the place of origin.
4) Meh, so-so, it’s ok in a pinch
2020 Kirkland Red Blend $10.99, Napa, California
2020 Kirkland Kvine Cabernet Sauvignon Wahluke Slope, Washington $13.99
2021 Kirkland Chardonnay, Sonoma, California $6.99
5) Avoid, if you’re drinking this, you’ve entered the poor judgment part of the evening
2020 Kirkland Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Italy $4.99 - downgraded from the previous review of the Kirkland range, it's absurdly cheap, but there is virtually nothing there is evaluate
#winetasting #winelife #costco #bobpaulinski #masterofwine#wineshopathome

Пікірлер: 85

  • @DarwinsBeerReviews
    @DarwinsBeerReviews Жыл бұрын

    Love this content. Will definitely seek out your recommendations!

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad to hear it!

  • @robtaglia
    @robtaglia Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Bob for sharing your expertise in wine with us. Wine is my hobby and I very much appreciate your perspectives, especially the focus on value. I refuse to spend $40 - $50 or more on a bottle of wine only to be disappointed. I have taken your advice in prior videos and have been very happy with your recommendations. Today I visited my local Costco and found all the wines you highly recommend. $6.99 for a Bordeaux? Unheard of...I cannot wait to try them all! Glad your subscriber base is increasing. You deserve it!

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    Rob, I very much appreciate your comment. As for the $6.99 Bordeaux, it's a good example of a base level wine from that region. Nothing incredible, but solid for an insanely low price. Same with the Rioja Reserva, a good value. Give both plenty of air. The Gigondas is very good, a cut above the the other two by a considerable margin. As for the recent trends with my channel, it's a long game. It feels good to see the subscriber count increase, it's better to see the viewing time increase by leaps. That said, I have much to learn about the KZread algorithm.

  • @joewilliam2259
    @joewilliam2259 Жыл бұрын

    Love your video, always a lot of great information, thank you!

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi Joe, I appreciate your kind words. Glad you enjoyed my video.

  • @matthewbykowski2353
    @matthewbykowski2353 Жыл бұрын

    Bob, Awesome, awesome, awesome! Thank you! I've been looking for recommendations of budget friendly reds available where I shop, I couldn't have got a better "answer". Thanks for sharing all your knowledge with us on YT. I learn a lot, but the budget reviews of available (Costco, Trader Joe's, Aldi, TW) wines are the videos that leave me with actionable info. My pallet and budget make it a bad idea to go north of about $15 a bottle. Thank you so much. Please keep it up. Cheers!

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the video. There are no Aldi near where I live, but I’ll be traveling soon where they do have stores. I’ll likely review wines from them in an upcoming video. Cheers!

  • @matthewbykowski2353

    @matthewbykowski2353

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bobpaulinskimasterofwine That is great, thank you so much. I keep an eye on your channel for sure. Thanks again, cheers.

  • @jcleer1
    @jcleer1 Жыл бұрын

    Recently found your channel and really enjoying the content.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    I appreciate the good word. Glad you found my channel. Please subscribe!

  • @richardbrowe9299
    @richardbrowe9299 Жыл бұрын

    The Southern Rhone is Treasure Trove Of High Quality Incredible Value Wines And Gigondas Is One Of My Favorites. Three respectable wines that you can actually enjoy drinking for under 30 dollars...Impressive...only in America, I mean France AND Spain. Great video Bob Thank You. 🍷🥳🍷

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Richard. The southern Rhône is also a wonderful place to visit, food, history, beautiful villages and of wine the wine too! Glad you enjoyed the video.

  • @2104T34
    @2104T347 ай бұрын

    Good call on that Gigondas I tried it today it’s rock solid I’m no expert by any stretch of imagination but to me it’s just as good as offerings 5 times the price

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the comment. I’m glad to hear the positive result! 🍷

  • @scififan68
    @scififan68 Жыл бұрын

    A great video, thanks! I have never had a Barolo before, but it sounds like a wine that I'd enjoy. Some review sites reviewed the Kirkland Barolo 2017 vintage back in 2022 so I believe that was the initial run of that vintage. I found more recent references to a 2018 vintage of the Kirkland Barolo. The Costco was 2 1/2 hours away so that is why I picked up two bottles, but I was already going nearby for other reasons (The Northern Lights). The Costco employees told me that they had one of the best wine selections of any Costco locations and I believe that. I looked around for a bit and ending up picking up a Quinta da Rede Grande Reserva Branco 2019 as well. I had never seen had a white wine from Douro before, so I just had to try it! It was $25 which isn't cheap for a Portuguese wine at all so it should be really nice.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    Ian, thanks for the good word. It’s good you’re trying new wines. It’s too easy to get into a rut. Costco does a good job of changing up the assortment. Soon, I’ll be visiting Portugal, looking forward to a deep dive into the indigenous grape varieties.

  • @czrs85
    @czrs85 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video. Really helps me keep and eye on wines at Costco. As a novice it really helps.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad to hear it. If you try any, I’d like to hear what you think.

  • @czrs85

    @czrs85

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bobpaulinskimasterofwine definitely will remember. Saved the video to always watch it before heading to Costco.

  • @jamescipriano204
    @jamescipriano204 Жыл бұрын

    Great video Bob! I've had the Bordeaux and the Rioja and enjoyed them. I will seek out the Gigondas, sounds good. As mentioned in previous comments, I have also had the Barolo and the Brunello for around $20. I was happy with both, would like to hear your opinion. Keep the videos coming. Salute!

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    James, it sounds like I need to find the Kirkland Barolo and Brunello! As always, thanks for the good word.

  • @scififan68

    @scififan68

    Жыл бұрын

    The Gigondas sells out quickly and I regret not picking it up when I had a chance. It's released in December of each year, and it sells out within 1 to 2 months. But I did find the Barolo 2017 and picked up two bottles. I second this!

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    @@scififan68 And having some Barolo is always a good thing! 🍷

  • @grantbronconnier4682
    @grantbronconnier4682 Жыл бұрын

    I found Kirkland branded brunello for around 20usd was shocked to see any brunello at that price point. Great video as always cheers

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    A Brunello for around $20 is very cheap. Glad you enjoyed the video.

  • @briand2614
    @briand2614 Жыл бұрын

    Great recommendations. I bought a case of the 2019 Gigondas and have managed to drink 6 of them. I considered buying the Bordeaux, but passed. Maybe I'll try a bottle. You might have tried the Brunello in one of your other videos, can't remember. I plan to try a bottle of it if it becomes available again.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    The 2020 Gigondas is a winner. The Bordeaux Superieur is good in a simple style. I need to find their Brunello, many rave about it.

  • @danielescalante304
    @danielescalante304 Жыл бұрын

    Great video, thanks

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    Much appreciated. Thank you!

  • @user-ub1bf7og4x
    @user-ub1bf7og4x5 ай бұрын

    Really enjoying your insights and tasting analysis. I have trouble articulating my impressions and tastes. Just purchased the Kirkland Bordeaux Superior yesterday before viewing you video and now I’ll really look forward to opening it! Mine was only $6.49. Would like your opinion on the Opera red blend if you have an available in your area. I love it.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the comment. The Tinazzi #3 Opera? If so, I enjoyed it. 🍷

  • @user-ub1bf7og4x

    @user-ub1bf7og4x

    5 ай бұрын

    @@bobpaulinskimasterofwine yes😀

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    5 ай бұрын

    @@user-ub1bf7og4x Nice wine! Good price.

  • @lauracanna2201
    @lauracanna2201 Жыл бұрын

    There's no Costco where I live but I wouldn't be able to access it anyway as I don't have a business 😊 still nice to learn from your video and I will keep an eye open for the Gigondas, thanks Bob :)

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    Costco is open to the general public. It can provide perks for small businesses, but anyone can join. I believe they’re in 13 countries at the present time. Look for a domaine bottled Gigondas, it should be less pricey than a Chateauneuf du Pape. Cheers. 🍷

  • @mattknezevich9952
    @mattknezevich9952 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for all your expert advise Mr. Paulinski. Should I be concerned with buying wine, reds in particular that have been standing upright on a pallet knowing it’s been there for a while? Should I allow it to reach the cork for a couple weeks after buying it from Costco? Thanks again and love your videos.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi Matt, thank you for the question. It should not be a concern. A bottle would need to stand upright for an extended time, a year plus before there could be an issue. If you’re cellaring wine for the long term, definitely store horizontally. A more pressing concern is temp extremes and UV light. Cool, dark, consistent temp will yield the best result. I hope that helps.

  • @mattknezevich9952

    @mattknezevich9952

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bobpaulinskimasterofwine it absolutely helps and thank you for those helpful hints. Keep up the great work!!!

  • @timgillman
    @timgillman5 ай бұрын

    The Kirkland Malbec is a very good value. The Ti Point Sauvignon Blanc is good if you like NZ SB.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    5 ай бұрын

    I’ve had it many times, even did a couple of videos on it. Cheers. 🍷

  • @gogreenmsu03
    @gogreenmsu03 Жыл бұрын

    Costco had a St. Julien a while Back that was quite good at its price point (I forget the actual price, but I think $20 give or take $3). If I see the Gigondas I will try it. One of my favorite places in the world. Outperforms a whole lot of other wines at its price point, even at non-Kirkland prices.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    I tried the St J. I agree, good bottle and we’ll below the expected cost from that AOC. If you try the Gigondas, let me know what you think.

  • @winkprince1875
    @winkprince18757 ай бұрын

    Bob, Thanks for a great presentation. Have you tried Kirkland French Champagne? At $19.95, it is a solid rival for the classic brands. Please review this.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the comment, I have, but it’s been awhile. Perhaps I need to give it another try.

  • @juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032
    @juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032 Жыл бұрын

    I've had the Kirkland Gigondas in my hand a couple of times after discovering the region's potential; will definitely go for it after this video, hopefully 2020 as well so I can compare tasting notes. Opened 2016 Kirkland Barolo last Sunday for Father's Day and, surprisingly, everyone at the table liked it, even though it's a foreign style to classic Spanish wine drinkers.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    If you can find the 2020 Gigondas, I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on it. I’ve not tried Kirkland Barolo, have not seen it.

  • @juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032

    @juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bobpaulinskimasterofwine will post it here as soon as I get it! Kirkland wines are not worldwide available I see. Of those in the description, there are only a few in Spain (exactly none from the US, incidentally), so I'm not surprised you haven't seen their Barolo. I was very skeptical of its 17€ price, but it held up nicely from the great 2016 vintage: I was satisfied that my dad could get a fair overview on what nebbiolo can get to taste like. At that price point, it's just not fair to ask for more.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    @@juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032 I know the distribution is hit or miss. That is an excellent price for a solid Barolo. I wonder who is producing it.

  • @juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032

    @juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bobpaulinskimasterofwine Simone Tablino (as per the capsule label), who seems to have worked in Fontanafredda

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    @@juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032 That’s a solid source.

  • @richardminasian7202
    @richardminasian72027 ай бұрын

    Nice review Bob,on another note what do you think of the Costco Champagne

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks. Costco Champagne was much better. Not thrilled with it.

  • @paulnelson7479
    @paulnelson74797 ай бұрын

    I think it would be helpful if you mentioned what to eat with these each wine. Thanks for the video

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    7 ай бұрын

    Hello Paul, you’re right. I sometimes mention food pairings if it fits within the theme of the video. I should’ve in this one. Thank you for calling that out. Cheers. 🍷

  • @ronjohnson6406
    @ronjohnson6406 Жыл бұрын

    Bob, I had the Costco Bordeaux superior yesterday. It was a good wine, nothing about it was detracting, nothing exceptional. just a solid example of Bordeaux wine, but it is in the Grocery outlet price range and for a true Bordeaux quite a bargain. I have had the Rioja as well, reasonably good. But, I have had several good Rioja's within this price range. The Gigondas! You are totally on the mark with this one. I am a huge softy for the Rhone, and this wine hits all my hotspots. Great body and depth, full palate, and nice finish. I would compare it to a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Now, for the whites. I think the Kirkland Grand Cru Chablis is a real standout. Not sure it was there for you, but I scored a few bottles and yeah, that wine is punching above it's weight.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi Ron, I included the first two wines due to the sound quality and very low price. Solid for an insanely low cost. The Gigondas was a big step up on the first two. Glad you enjoyed the Rhône. I’m also a softy for that region as well. I did try the Chablis Premier Cru, enjoyed it very much. I included a comment on it in the description section. Speaking of Grocery Outlet, if you see the 2020 Domaine Vieux College Aligote, give it a try. Bought it on Thursday, $5.99. Did a bit of research, found it for around $20 with a few small retailers scattered around.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    Ron, since you're a GO fan, pick up the 2019 Hecula Monastrell. With the discount, $6.40. Eric Solomon is the importer, consistently a solid source.

  • @ronjohnson6406

    @ronjohnson6406

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bobpaulinskimasterofwine I'll look next time I am in. I do have one La Purisima Consentido Monastrell Barrica on hand that I got from GO. Monastrell seems to be one of these under rated appellations.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ronjohnson6406 Monastrell, same as Mourvèdre. Good stuff.

  • @ronjohnson6406

    @ronjohnson6406

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bobpaulinskimasterofwine Bob I managed to dig up three bottles of the Hecula Monastrell. But, that was all there was to be had, and I checked 4 GO's, The second store I checked had it. It seems like others have discovered this wine as well. I'll let you know once I open one. Thanks for the tip.

  • @baggrabb
    @baggrabb Жыл бұрын

    Loved this video! Especially the discussion of the dynamics of Kirkland in the wine market--that's great info to know. And the report on goings-on in Bordeaux. I'm headed to Costco this weekend anyway, will definitely seek out that Gigondas. Another thing I've noticed at Costco for non-Kirkland wines: overall prices are good, but occasionally they have some crazy-good deals. You have to look. I found a Harlan pinot once there, it was going for $50+ elsewhere, it was $30 at Costco. Still kicking myself for not picking up more.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi Bruce, so much changing in Bordeaux. Odd thing, it recently hit me that I’ve not done a video solely on Bordeaux. That will be coming soon. If you find the Gigondas, I’d be curious to hear your opinion.

  • @baggrabb

    @baggrabb

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bobpaulinskimasterofwine will do. BTW, you use the terms "front", "mid" and "back" palate. I haven't mined some of your older posts for an explanation--if you've done that would be great. I'm curious if you mean front of mouth, or the early versus late flavors, etc.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    @@baggrabb By front, mid, back, it refers to the impression on the palate. For example, wine made from under ripe fruit will often have a leanness on the front palate and back palate that will fall short. Wines made from fully ripe fruit have length, tend to be more complete and can have balance. Factors like vintage, place of origin, age of vines, etc can all have an impact as well. On a related matter, I recently found my old blind tasting grids that I made years ago while going through the MW program. I’ll likely post a video on blind tasting technique used to prepare for the exam.

  • @mcwine18
    @mcwine18 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for schooling me in on some of the wording on a non-US label and teaching me how some things are window dressing, I learned from this video!

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi Marvin, I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I hope you’ve subscribed!

  • @mcwine18

    @mcwine18

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bobpaulinskimasterofwine I sure did!

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    @@mcwine18 Much appreciated!

  • @kylehensley4524
    @kylehensley4524 Жыл бұрын

    You are spot on The Gigondas is great I also love the Kirkland DOCG Chianti , a good value

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    👍 I’ve not tried the Chianti.

  • @joemacaluso4627
    @joemacaluso46276 ай бұрын

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    6 ай бұрын

    Thank you! 🍷

  • @ayya8817
    @ayya8817 Жыл бұрын

    interesting! dont have Costco here, its monopoly for wine here.

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    Where are you? I try to post videos that hit a broad audience

  • @ayya8817

    @ayya8817

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bobpaulinskimasterofwine Norway

  • @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    @bobpaulinskimasterofwine

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ayya8817 I’ve visited a few markets with wine monopolies, Canada (Ontario) Sweden and Pennsylvania. All had a very good range of wines. As for pricing, not nearly as good. I’ve not visited Norway, but it’s on my bucket list. Thank you for following me on KZread.