Costco Kirkland Signature wines: top buys from the US
Great value can be found in the Kirkland Signature wine range from retailing giant Costco. Brianne Cohen picks out a selection of the best buys in US stores.
Costco Wholesale is a membership-only big-box retailer that started in Seattle in 1983.
Its 834 stores can be found in the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Japan and the UK, among others, offering grocery and home goods, electronics, furniture, pharmacy, optical – and even tyres.
Costco’s USP is the strength of its private-label programme, Kirkland Signature, which is named after the location of Costco’s original headquarters in Kirkland, a Seattle suburb. The range generated $58 billion in sales the last fiscal year, which makes up a quarter of Costco’s overall revenue.
On the wine side, Costco is one of the largest retailers in the world. The product mix consists of both Kirkland Signature wines and well-known brands, with Kirkland Signature wines regularly coming in at close to 50% less than branded wines from the same regions.
In stores, the wines are displayed in a spartan manner with simple shelf talkers and bottles nestled in wooden wine boxes. Others are displayed on wooden pallets with cases stacked one on top of the other. No frills is the name of the game at Costco.
Top Costco Kirkland Signature wines to try
The wines below are a current selection of Costco wines available in store. Note that not all wines can be found in all Costco stores.
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Costco, Kirkland Signature, Prosecco, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, 2021
89
This Prosecco rosé, crafted with Glera and Pinot Noir grapes from family-owned vineyards, overdelivers. White flowers open up to red berries on the nose, with the palate serving raspberries and stone fruit notes. A whisper of residual sugar aids in its food-friendly appeal; try with dishes such as burrata and peach salad, or perhaps pour a bit over mixed berries with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Also suitable as an aperitif.
2021
CostcoProsecco
Costco, Kirkland Signature Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2021
89
Immediately on the nose, the 'Marlborough lift' jumps right out at you from the glass: lemon-lime, freshly cut grass and ripe pineapple. The palate brings mouthwatering acidity, bright citrus and tropical fruit notes. This is a classic porch-pounder Sauvignon for the summertime. Made by Ti Point Wines, a New Zealand producer of 30 years.
2021
Costco
Costco, Kirkland Signature Pinot Grigio, Friuli Grave, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, 2021
88
This wine comes from Friuli Grave, a smaller demarcated area within the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. Citrus and green apple on the nose plus high acid and a clean finish. The palate brings a dance of floral notes between pear and green apple. To enjoy on its own, yet also versatile enough to go with light fare such as salads, white fish and grilled shrimp.
2021
CostcoFriuli Grave
Costco, Kirkland Signature Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California, USA, 2021
87
Classic, warm-climate California Chardonnay delivers what’s expected: ripe fruit notes and richness. Pleasing vanilla and toastiness on the nose, this is a full-bodied, spicy and creamy wine. This richness and creaminess would pair famously with a cream-based pasta.
2021
CostcoSonoma County
Costco, Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA, 2020
90
Deep purple in the glass and dark fruit on the nose introduce this Washington State Cabernet. Black fruit plus sweet spice entangle on the palate to present a well-balanced wine with deep fruit concentration and integrated tannins. Perfect with thick-cut pork chops drizzled with blackberry sauce. Columbia Valley, Washington’s largest winemaking region, delivers solid quality-to-price here. It would be challenging to find a better sub-$10 wine.
2020
CostcoColumbia Valley
Costco, Kirkland Signature, Gigondas, Rhône, France, 2019
90
<p>A bold and rich Grenache-based wine from Gigondas, an area some say produces 'baby' Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Dark plum and berries give way to generous spice notes on the palate. High alcohol is a hallmark of this appellation and this is no exception at 15%, but it is a balanced and typical Gigondas that would accentuate a lamb dish. </p>
2019
CostcoGigondas
Costco, Kirkland Signature, Barolo, Serralunga d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy, 2017
89
<p>One of Costco’s best-value private label wines, this is a classically structured Barolo that will shock (and delight) most Barolo lovers. Its garnet colour, umami and mushroom notes plus classic tar and roses – and the tannins – remind us we are squarely in the Serralunga d'Alba commune. Pairs well with osso buco, veal chops or a pasta dish featuring fresh truffle shavings.</p>
2017
CostcoBarolo
Costco, Kirkland Signature, Chianti Classico, Riserva, Tuscany, Italy, 2019
89
Medium ruby in colour with garnet hues, this wine serves up cherries and dried herbs on the nose. The palate brings tart red fruit notes plus bracing acidity, making it a perfect pairing with a tomato-based pasta dish. This is made by Villa Cafaggio, whose property and winemaking history dates back to the late 15th century when it was owned by Benedictine monks.
2019
CostcoChianti Classico
Costco, Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley, California, USA, 2019
89
From the warmest part of Sonoma, this Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon gives ripe red and black fruits on the nose. The fruit-driven theme continues on the palate with notes of blackberries and currants. Sweet tobacco flavours and ripe tannins remind you of the warm California sun. A perfect red for when dinner comes courtesy of your BBQ.
2019
CostcoSonoma County
Costco, Kirkland Signature Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2020
88
This high-altitude Malbec gives aromas of vibrant plums and cherries on the nose. Warming oak spices add to the richness, making it an ideal pairing with grilled meats – as one would enjoy in Argentina. Try chorizo in a baguette slathered in chimichurri – 'choripan', as the locals call it. Made by Sergio Case at the Broquel Winery, using Malbec grapes grown between 850m and 1,000m.
2020
Costco
