An $11.99 Russian River Pinot Noir – Costco for the Win!

• 2021 Kirkland Signature Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California ($11.99@Costco, California – Item #555512)

Yogi Berra was once quoted as saying that “It’s not boasting if it’s true.” And the truth is, the Russian River Valley is one of the best places in the world to grow Pinot Noir grapes.  Ditto Chardonnay. The appelation’s website explains it this way:

“Our Russian River Valley neighborhoods stretch from Sebastopol to Santa Rosa and Forestville to Healdsburg. The valley’s superb growing conditions result in wines of uncommon depth and richness that maintain bright, natural acidity. Wines from each neighborhood exhibit specific characteristics including unique aromas and textures that celebrate the variety of this premier Russian River Valley region.”

But how does it taste, you ask?

Tasting Notes:

Medium color for a pinot, the wine presents aromas of cherry and strawberry introducing flavors of  restrained oak, spice and more red fruit in the mouth. Smooth with good depth and acidity.  Nice lingering finish that encourages more sipping.

Since the prior vintage, the wine has undergone what we in the trade refer to as a “rebranding”.  Think of rebranding as getting a new outfit to wear. In this case, it has a new red screw cap, and a front label with a photograph. I can’t decide if I am a fan or not.  How about you?

All things considered, this is – like most of the Kirkland Signature portfolio of wines – really good juice for the money.  And like most “KS” bottlings, this will likely sell out fast. Don’t be shy to stock up, this one will only improve with a year of two of age.

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.

Happy hunting.

Cheers!