Bob, you're my kind of wine guy. As one of the masses who shop Costco, my goal is for my "wine discount" to pay for my membership fee. Your recommendations make it easy for one who enjoys wine more than knows wine. Thank you.
Thanks you Bob for your knowledge. Wine importer here from Florida. Your point of view about wine is great and I would love to see more videos where you can find good value wines around the world and talk about them. Let’s say under $30. Today for instance I found a nice bottle of Lalande de Pomerol for $24 at Total Wine. Can’t wait to taste it.
So timely, I just grabbed two Vacqueyras from my Costco on Thursday, very happy to find this wine, wish I grabbed more. Love your channel and analysis, you and Konstantinos Baum are my favs. Have you two met, I would imagine your paths have crossed!
Toby, thank you for the good word. I’m glad you found the video useful. With all of the travel, trade shows, conferneces and international business, along with us both being MW’s, our paths have not crossed. Maybe a bit odd, but true!
I’ve had high hopes for Vacqueras wines, but had not previously found anything special in the$15 range. I was pleasantly surprised by the Kirkland Vacqueras. It is not shocking to learn that it comes from the same producer of their Chateauneuf-du-Pape. I also notice similarities with Kirkland’s Gigondas. As mentioned in the review, first sips have hints of tannins. But it doesn’t take long before I don’t notice that at all. In my experience, this is the best
Vacqueyras is one of the better values from the southern Rhône. It’s nice that Costco has focused on a few different options from that region. The latest Kirkland Vacqueyras is very good in my opinion. Cheers! 🍷
Thanks for another enlightening, well done, video. Your TJ & Kirkland wine reviews are always my favorites. A couple weeks ago while at Costco, I left the Vacqueyras behind since I didn't know anything about it. If I see it again, I'll have to grab it. Thanks!
Up here in Sacramento-area stores, the "limited" KS wines seem to come months later or not at all. Makes it challenging. I did score some Cotes du Rhone Village (and the lovely Chianti Classico Riserva) recently though!
Nice little line-up. I wish I could get my hands on some of the broader spectrum of Kirkland Signature like the Vacqueyras. They make good value in the Costco machine!
Hey Bob I was wondering if you could go over some delectable affordable “second wines”, from the chateaus of France. Just read about that in Karen MacnNiel book. I also learned about the MW and MS, didn’t know the different levels and what both meant. Thanks again I appreciate your down to earth take on wine.
Hi. Second wines, that could be a fun topic. I’ll add it to the list of upcoming videos. It’ll be weeks away, but it’ll happen. MW and MS, two very different programs. I try to keep it down to earth, it’s nice seeing your comment. Cheers. 🍷
So glad you got to the Vacqueyras. Seem to stump people at my Costco who absolutely gobble up the supply of the Napa KS vintages. Those often go in days. Nobody’s been touching this lovely wine.
It sounds like they are improving the quality of their wine. 10 - 15 years ago I loved the Kirkland !! But something happened, everything they started selling was VA laden. I felt that I had to pinch my nose to take a drink only to find I could taste it. Maybe with the world glut of wine they’re able to get better fruit and wineries to work with. I’ll get some of these to share with the local wine group.
Bob, I have to say here in NC these thing either doesn't exist or disappear too quickly that makes me wonder if there's a local syndicate that consumes seasonal wine like a oil pump. Only thing i brought home is the Kirkland Cotes Du Rhone Village. ~$7 i have to say I'm not satisfied since they taste like maybe ~$10.
Hi, it’s crazy, but sometimes the seasonal wines disappear quickly. The CDRV is one that is brought in with a huge quantity. It’s typically a year round item. What is it that is lacking for a sub $10 wine? Are you thinking it should have more weight?
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine Yes sir, just a little bit more weight not asking much. Can't wait to see some ~$15 seasonal offer. I was able to get the Kirkland Barolo for $20 but not in rush to taste them at all, at least another three year for the 2020 Barolo would you agree?
Couldn’t agree with you more, Bob, on the preference for Sonoma and North Coast zinfandels-less alcohol, more red fruit character, a bit more acidity. Great review, would hunt these down…if I had any room. I need to stop buying and start drinking for a while! 😂🙏
Lots of costco / kirkland wines with you lately. Nothing wrong with that but I live in a region where costco is...scarse ;) Also I don't care much about the price. If I like the wine, I will definitively stock up on it. Perhaps it would be nice to explore some of the European wines aswell, perhaps some cotes de francs, graves, pomerol or some great tuscan or riojas aswell which are readily available in europe aswell. Thanks for considering and have a great day. Cheers, from The Netherlands.
Thanks so much, Bob. I picked up both of these wines at my San Antonio Costco yesterday. I look forward to trying the Vacqueyras as i was not familiar with it. Since i just bought two bottles, would you suggest i buy a few more for later drinking?
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine Yes I'm more interested in the Vacqueyras as a CDP alternative. I bought two of them and kids one Zinfandel since I hadn't had a zin in a while. I may but more of the Vacqueyras of it still is there.
I went back to my local Costco on Sunday but the Vacqueryas was all gone. Yesterday I happened to be in Katy, TX, near Houston and they had a lot so I got 4 more.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine I live in Ione in Amador County, It's a joke. I went to Sonoma State 84-86 at the age of 40 to get my teaching m g credential. Paid my way working at Cecil DeLoach's tasting room for a spell and bartending other places. I like the chardonnay, not a big fan of Sonoma Zins. YMMV..
@@BlindTom61 I’m sure you have incredible stories. Sounds like we’re both fans of Zin. For me, Sonoma delivers the most interesting version. Which are your top sources?
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine The one that was my best bud is no longer available. Campus Oaks went under two years ago. Their first winemaker vinted some unreal Zins. The second was a little paint by numbers, but it was very decent plonk. These days, I buy whatever looks interesting at Costco.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine You have my blessing. Pretty good though, huh? I spent 6 weeks eating and wine drinking in Croatia, Slovenia, the Veneto in Italy, Austria and Alsace this spring and I'll never understand the slavish devotion to Cabernet.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine Sorry to hear that your plans and commitments could not accomidate IPNC. Hopefully the phoenix will rise and the 2025 IPNC event will occur.
All of these Costco wine videos might be good for viewership, but I don’t like the macro trends this type of content could create in the industry. What happens to the smaller folks both selling and making wine when everyone is buying at Costco and other large chains?
I appreciate your comment and concern. I try to provide video content over a wide range of wines. Over the years, I’ve worked for large retailers and also as an independent wine shop owner for nearly twenty years. I’ve seen wine retail from many perspectives. Most large retailers cluster stores by demographics. This channels smaller production, niche and locally produced wines to targeted stores with an appreciative clientele. Also consider that some of the labels under the Kirkland name are sourced from relatively limited volume producers. It provides a viable outlet for their wines and an infusion of working capital. For me, my favorite place to buy wine is K&L, an excellent retailer with just a few stores. The wines are routinely featured in my videos. The video prior to the one on Costco featured a wine with a total production of 330 cases.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine thanks for your reply, Bob. It’s a nuanced topic, to be sure, but I take your points about having other types of content available and about the Kirkland label providing an outlet for some smaller producers. Although the producers that take these deals are unquestionably hurting their neighbors. Especially considering the lull the industry is in, I maintain my worry about independent shops being able to keep up with the likes of Costco as they refine their wine programs and reach even further.
I'm a Baby-Boomer who has been drinking wine since I lived and worked in Paris in 1973. These days, I enjoy a few glasses of wine with dinner 3-4 times a week. Because I appreciate decent wine, I am willing to spend $12-15 per bottle, which I have found to be a sweet spot. For me, and most people, that is not cheap for an everyday wine. What I love, love about Costco here in Jacksonville, Florida is that it enables me to enjoy wonderful wines that otherwise would be above my budget. Great buyers, fabulous prices. I read Wine Enthusiast magazine monthly, so see reviews for those boutique wineries that you reference, usually at $20-50 or more per bottle. In my mind, those are mostly vanity projects, especially given that wine is not favored by our younger generations, and that there is an OCEAN of wine from around the world on the market. Around here, even the gas stations have wine racks, although I don't know how much they sell. In short, a big industry shake-out is inevitable, I think. Sad, perhaps, but above my pay grade.
Bob, you're my kind of wine guy. As one of the masses who shop Costco, my goal is for my "wine discount" to pay for my membership fee. Your recommendations make it easy for one who enjoys wine more than knows wine. Thank you.
Kind words. Much appreciated. 🍷
Thanks you Bob for your knowledge. Wine importer here from Florida. Your point of view about wine is great and I would love to see more videos where you can find good value wines around the world and talk about them. Let’s say under $30. Today for instance I found a nice bottle of Lalande de Pomerol for $24 at Total Wine. Can’t wait to taste it.
I appreciate your comment. You’re a wine importer? We should talk. I have more value wine videos on the way. Cheers!
Another very helpful video. Thank you! As a big fan of Vacqueyras, I'm heading to Costco right now.
David, thanks for the good word on the video. The Kirkland Vacqueyras was showing well on day two as well.
So timely, I just grabbed two Vacqueyras from my Costco on Thursday, very happy to find this wine, wish I grabbed more. Love your channel and analysis, you and Konstantinos Baum are my favs. Have you two met, I would imagine your paths have crossed!
Toby, thank you for the good word. I’m glad you found the video useful. With all of the travel, trade shows, conferneces and international business, along with us both being MW’s, our paths have not crossed. Maybe a bit odd, but true!
you hit another home run with this.. i love these costco and trader joe's videos. thanks, bob
These are fun it make as well. I’ve spent 40+ years searching out value in wine, glad to see it provides value! Thanks for the comment.
I’ve had high hopes for Vacqueras wines, but had not previously found anything special in the$15 range. I was pleasantly surprised by the Kirkland Vacqueras. It is not shocking to learn that it comes from the same producer of their Chateauneuf-du-Pape. I also notice similarities with Kirkland’s Gigondas. As mentioned in the review, first sips have hints of tannins. But it doesn’t take long before I don’t notice that at all. In my experience, this is the best
Vacqueyras is one of the better values from the southern Rhône. It’s nice that Costco has focused on a few different options from that region. The latest Kirkland Vacqueyras is very good in my opinion. Cheers! 🍷
Thanks for another enlightening, well done, video. Your TJ & Kirkland wine reviews are always my favorites. A couple weeks ago while at Costco, I left the Vacqueyras behind since I didn't know anything about it. If I see it again, I'll have to grab it. Thanks!
Hi Matthew, definitely grab it if you have the chance. Thanks for the good word on the videos. 🍷
Up here in Sacramento-area stores, the "limited" KS wines seem to come months later or not at all. Makes it challenging. I did score some Cotes du Rhone Village (and the lovely Chianti Classico Riserva) recently though!
Oh no! Hopefully, you’ll see the Vacqueyras before too long. 🍷
Have a fantastic Sunday. Great review as always.
You too! It’s finally cool off in northern CA. Thanks for the good word on the video. 🍷
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine I can't say the same for Phoenix.
@@czrs85 I’ve been to Phoenix in the summer. A dry heat is still heat! 🔥
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine 120° is 120° 😂
Nice little line-up. I wish I could get my hands on some of the broader spectrum of Kirkland Signature like the Vacqueyras. They make good value in the Costco machine!
The Vacqueyras is a gem!
I love the Vacqueyras..Wonderful wine. Have had 5 bottles and hope find more my next trip to Costco.What a find.
I’m sipping on a glass right now. It’s a gem. Thank you for commenting. 🍷
Hey Bob I was wondering if you could go over some delectable affordable “second wines”, from the chateaus of France. Just read about that in Karen MacnNiel book. I also learned about the MW and MS, didn’t know the different levels and what both meant. Thanks again I appreciate your down to earth take on wine.
Hi. Second wines, that could be a fun topic. I’ll add it to the list of upcoming videos. It’ll be weeks away, but it’ll happen. MW and MS, two very different programs. I try to keep it down to earth, it’s nice seeing your comment. Cheers. 🍷
So glad you got to the Vacqueyras. Seem to stump people at my Costco who absolutely gobble up the supply of the Napa KS vintages. Those often go in days. Nobody’s been touching this lovely wine.
My Costco had a large amount of Vacqueyras. Not well known to many.
Interesting bought a case of this and it’s very good!
@@brucetominello7440 Glad to see your comment!
It sounds like they are improving the quality of their wine. 10 - 15 years ago I loved the Kirkland !! But something happened, everything they started selling was VA laden. I felt that I had to pinch my nose to take a drink only to find I could taste it. Maybe with the world glut of wine they’re able to get better fruit and wineries to work with. I’ll get some of these to share with the local wine group.
Hmm, not sure why VA would be prevalent. Different wineries, different places. You’re right about the glut, that should up the quality.
Bob, I have to say here in NC these thing either doesn't exist or disappear too quickly that makes me wonder if there's a local syndicate that consumes seasonal wine like a oil pump. Only thing i brought home is the Kirkland Cotes Du Rhone Village. ~$7 i have to say I'm not satisfied since they taste like maybe ~$10.
Hi, it’s crazy, but sometimes the seasonal wines disappear quickly. The CDRV is one that is brought in with a huge quantity. It’s typically a year round item. What is it that is lacking for a sub $10 wine? Are you thinking it should have more weight?
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine Yes sir, just a little bit more weight not asking much. Can't wait to see some ~$15 seasonal offer. I was able to get the Kirkland Barolo for $20 but not in rush to taste them at all, at least another three year for the 2020 Barolo would you agree?
@@瞿开一 Easily another three years.
Couldn’t agree with you more, Bob, on the preference for Sonoma and North Coast zinfandels-less alcohol, more red fruit character, a bit more acidity. Great review, would hunt these down…if I had any room. I need to stop buying and start drinking for a while! 😂🙏
Btw, Bob, really liked the upward shot of the glass-great view of color and density.
As always, I appreciate the good word. Time for you to start drinking up! 🍷
Lots of costco / kirkland wines with you lately. Nothing wrong with that but I live in a region where costco is...scarse ;) Also I don't care much about the price. If I like the wine, I will definitively stock up on it. Perhaps it would be nice to explore some of the European wines aswell, perhaps some cotes de francs, graves, pomerol or some great tuscan or riojas aswell which are readily available in europe aswell. Thanks for considering and have a great day. Cheers, from The Netherlands.
I appreciate the message and I’ll take it to heart. I visited The Netherlands during the Christmas holiday, wonderful visit, lovely people. Cheers. 🍷
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine thank you sir, so much appreciated !
@@rickwezenaar An upcoming video will focus on blind tasting techniques. I’ve partnered up with another MW. Six wines tasted blind.
Thanks so much, Bob. I picked up both of these wines at my San Antonio Costco yesterday. I look forward to trying the Vacqueyras as i was not familiar with it. Since i just bought two bottles, would you suggest i buy a few more for later drinking?
Hi Larry, thanks for the good word on the video. The Vacqueyras could easily cellar for a couple of years. The Zin is more for drinking soon.
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine Yes I'm more interested in the Vacqueyras as a CDP alternative. I bought two of them and kids one Zinfandel since I hadn't had a zin in a while. I may but more of the Vacqueyras of it still is there.
@@larrydalton2205 You can’t wrong with a few extra bottles of the Vacqueyras.
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine Thanks again Bob.
I went back to my local Costco on Sunday but the Vacqueryas was all gone. Yesterday I happened to be in Katy, TX, near Houston and they had a lot so I got 4 more.
Excellent information with clear expectations.
Thank you.🍷
Thanks! I might drive over to Folsom Costco and see if they have these. It is illegal to sell Sonoma Zin around where I live... ;- )
Illegal? What’s the story? I know of a few places around the country that cannot sell wines above certain alcohol levels.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine I live in Ione in Amador County, It's a joke. I went to Sonoma State 84-86 at the age of 40 to get my teaching m g credential. Paid my way working at Cecil DeLoach's tasting room for a spell and bartending other places. I like the chardonnay, not a big fan of Sonoma Zins. YMMV..
@@BlindTom61 I’m sure you have incredible stories. Sounds like we’re both fans of Zin. For me, Sonoma delivers the most interesting version. Which are your top sources?
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine The one that was my best bud is no longer available. Campus Oaks went under two years ago. Their first winemaker vinted some unreal Zins. The second was a little paint by numbers, but it was very decent plonk. These days, I buy whatever looks interesting at Costco.
@@BlindTom61 I recently had a Barbara from Myka Cellars that was very good.
Concerning Zinfandel in California: when will we designate Cabernet Sauvignon as an invasive species?
😂🤣 Can I use that line?
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
You have my blessing. Pretty good though, huh?
I spent 6 weeks eating and wine drinking in Croatia, Slovenia, the Veneto in Italy, Austria and Alsace this spring and I'll never understand the slavish devotion to Cabernet.
@@downhillblur708 That was a good one! Many have not shared your experience. I'm a CS fan, but just every now and then.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
I get enough served to me socially that I rarely need to choose it.
@@downhillblur708 Same here.
Heading to INPC. Hope you arranged your schedule so that you could attend.
Hi John, I’m overloaded with work. Unfortunately, I cannot attend.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine Sorry to hear that your plans and commitments could not accomidate IPNC.
Hopefully the phoenix will rise and the 2025 IPNC event will occur.
A question...is anyone making late harvest Zin these days? I miss it! 😊
I think Ridge makes it from time to time. I had one from Dashe a few years back. It’s not all that common.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine thanks!
@@JohnAmidon-c6r If you find one, please let me know.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine 👍🏻👍🏻
The Old Vine Zinfandel is an incredible value at under $10
Yes, I’m a fan as well! 🍷
I've never had a bad Kirkland wine
And the value for the $ is usually good as well.
that zin has to be mount peak based on the label.
The back label note a multitude of historic sites, but nothing specific.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine check Mount peak rattlesnake Zinfandel. It retails around $40. Very good zin!
All of these Costco wine videos might be good for viewership, but I don’t like the macro trends this type of content could create in the industry. What happens to the smaller folks both selling and making wine when everyone is buying at Costco and other large chains?
I appreciate your comment and concern. I try to provide video content over a wide range of wines. Over the years, I’ve worked for large retailers and also as an independent wine shop owner for nearly twenty years. I’ve seen wine retail from many perspectives. Most large retailers cluster stores by demographics. This channels smaller production, niche and locally produced wines to targeted stores with an appreciative clientele. Also consider that some of the labels under the Kirkland name are sourced from relatively limited volume producers. It provides a viable outlet for their wines and an infusion of working capital. For me, my favorite place to buy wine is K&L, an excellent retailer with just a few stores. The wines are routinely featured in my videos. The video prior to the one on Costco featured a wine with a total production of 330 cases.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine thanks for your reply, Bob. It’s a nuanced topic, to be sure, but I take your points about having other types of content available and about the Kirkland label providing an outlet for some smaller producers. Although the producers that take these deals are unquestionably hurting their neighbors.
Especially considering the lull the industry is in, I maintain my worry about independent shops being able to keep up with the likes of Costco as they refine their wine programs and reach even further.
@@timbok-123 It’s a tough market for many. I have plenty of videos coming that feature wines that won’t be found in big box stores. Cheers. 🍷
I'm a Baby-Boomer who has been drinking wine since I lived and worked in Paris in 1973. These days, I enjoy a few glasses of wine with dinner 3-4 times a week. Because I appreciate decent wine, I am willing to spend $12-15 per bottle, which I have found to be a sweet spot. For me, and most people, that is not cheap for an everyday wine. What I love, love about Costco here in Jacksonville, Florida is that it enables me to enjoy wonderful wines that otherwise would be above my budget. Great buyers, fabulous prices. I read Wine Enthusiast magazine monthly, so see reviews for those boutique wineries that you reference, usually at $20-50 or more per bottle. In my mind, those are mostly vanity projects, especially given that wine is not favored by our younger generations, and that there is an OCEAN of wine from around the world on the market. Around here, even the gas stations have wine racks, although I don't know how much they sell. In short, a big industry shake-out is inevitable, I think. Sad, perhaps, but above my pay grade.