2022 Kirkland Gigondas | Southern Rhone $13 at Costco back!

I looked forward to finally seeing the Kirkland Gigondas at Costco – having had the Chateauneuf-du-Pape (loved it) and the Vacqueyras (enjoyed it) over the past year – and my patience was finally rewarded this past weekend. Produced by Guillaume Grommet, the same winemaker who does Costco's other Rhone blends – however, it's different than his own eponymous house blend. This one is 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre. Stored at 55°, popped and poured to taste a bit, then decanted a bit for an hour while I made dinner (grilled steak and rice).

Visually, a strong ruby color, quite vibrant, very clear – no doubt due to the abundant Grenache.

On the nose, my favorite region's notes emerge. At the rim, fresh herbs and seasonings – further in, abundant red fruit – cherries, raspberries, a hint of strawberry. Deep into the glass, a distant whisper of my favorite GSM notes – grilled meats and cocoa, but very faint.

Drinking it, the blend is medium bodied, quite dry, and a decent punch at 14.5%, but you don't feel it. The first pour had a mild bit of tannic grip – mellowed out after the decanting. The acidity is the standout here, of all the elements. On the palate, back to the red fruits with those teasing meaty notes. Very enjoyable, albeit a shorter finish than I would've liked.

At $13, I wouldn't store it long term, but it definitely has the structure for improving after a few years. I'd rather use the cellar space on more CdP. And speak of the devil, at hour two the cocoa came out in spades! Fantastic. I regretted only getting a few of the Vacqueyras, and four of the CdPs, but I will not repeat that mistake with the Gigondas – at $13 and change a bottle, this is a weekday rotation must. The steak pairing, of course, top notch. Recommended! Go check out your Costco and see if they have them ready.