Fast facts:
- 2020 Kirkland Signature Barolo, Italy ($19.99 @ Costco, California – Item #1355183)
As we have alluded to in recent posts, we have been waiting for this wine to make its way here to the left coast. Hurrah, it’s here! And it was definitely worth waiting for. This one is a winner.
Barolo is one of the greatest red wines in the world. It is a “powerful and dramatic expression of the Nebbiolo grape” (says none other than Jancis Robinson) and originates from eleven communes in the province of Cuneo in Italy’s Piedmont region. One of those communes is Barolo itself, for which the wine is named.
Barolo is an extremely long-lived wine due to its structure, compliments of the tannins in the Nebbiolo grape. Forty or fifty years is not unreasonable for a Barolo from the best producers in the finest vintages, but even a lighter Barolo drinks well for ten to twelve years. But more about that in our tasting notes…
Tasting Notes:
Brick red color. Aromas of smoke, fennel, and ripe red raspberry. In the mouth it has a full body and traditional flavors of leather and cigar box. Nice finish of red and black cherry, and black tea. This is as good a Barolo as Costco has bottled under its Kirkland name. It is really well-balanced between red fruit and mouthwatering acidity. The back label proclaims that this wine is “great for long-term aging” but I disagree. It is drinking really well now (especially after a short decant) and I would only age it for another year or two. Pair with any manner of Italian fare, as well as roasted red meats, turkey and hard cheeses. ABV= 14%
Our usual warnings about how fast this wine will sell out apply. Barolo for under $20?! You’d best beat feet to your local Costco.
Need More Wine Picks from Costco – or Trader Joe’s Even?
If your wine shopping excursions land you in Costco, prepare by grazing our most recent reviews of Costco wines here in our Lucky 13 list.
And if your shopping finds you at Trader Joe’s, you can find our Lucky 13 list of TJ’s wine here.
Stay cool everyone!
Cheers!
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