2023 Kirkland Vacqueyras | Oh, those cheap Costco southern Rhônes!

Well, my second year trying the Kirkland Vacqueyras! All their Southern Rhone annual releases are now a tradition for me to taste. It's made by the same producer as the others – Guillaume Gonnet (now listed as Gonnet Gilson SAS on the label). Same Southern Rhône GSM blend as last year – 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre. Price increase of a dime compared to the 22s, $11.59. Stored at 55, popped and poured but enjoyed over four hours with an open bottle – paired with a grilled steak.

Visually, a medium ruby red.

On the nose, the familiar scent of herbs & spices – our famous garrigue – lighter than I’m used to. Further in, bountiful red fruit – cherry filling, stewed strawberry. Faint fruity candy. The eventual cocoa powder/chocolate/roasted meats scent that I'm used to picking up with their CdP and Gigondas is absent here to me.

On the palate, fruity and easy drinking here like last year’s. No real complexity of flavor to me, simply more of the candied red fruits from before and faint herbs. Nippy tannins don't call attention to themselves, mid-level acidity, and even at 14.5%, no notable heat. Dry and light/med bodied to me. Nothing fancy here. Short finish. I preferred it a little closer to 55-60° than the 65-70° of my last glass.

Yes, it's $12, but I'd pick the Kirkland Gigondas at that price point over this one. Otherwise I'd go up a few bucks to a decent CdR with a bit more complexity to them. The Gigondas/CdP releases this year are worth keeping around to me, thanks to the additional notes and flavors at this price point, but this is a one and done bottle for me this vintage. A great change of pace from grocery store cabernets and pinots at the <$15 point, though!