Master of Wine: COSTCO’S Latest for Under $20
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- In this video, Bob Paulinski, Master of Wine covers the 2022 Kirkland Signature Chateaunuef du Pape at Costco. Provided is background information, along with a tasting and assessment of this current release.
The 2022 Kirkland Chateauneuf du Pape is not a year-round item. If it catches your attention, the sooner you get to your Costco, the better chance you have of finding the wine before it’s gone. Based on the price of about $20, this will sell through quickly.
Chateauneuf du Pape is an appellation located in the southern Rhone Valley of France, not far from Provence. It’s routinely a source for some of the top wines of the region. The vineyard yields are restricted to very low levels, about half the levels found in Classified wines of Bordeaux. Low yields often provide better ripeness levels for a fuller, denser, more concentrated wine. It’s common to find grapevines that are over 50 years old, sometimes even over 100 years old. This is a Mediterranean climate, the vines are dry-farmed, irrigation is not allowed and many vineyards are covered with large stones to retain heat. The wines are typically around 14%. 95% of the production is red, 5% white, there is no rose’.
Chateaunuef du Pape transales to the Pope’s New Castle. This is a reference to the Avignon Papacy of the 1300s, which resulted in the Pope taking up residence in the Rhone Valley. To play off of the historical event, in the 1930s, the original, distinctive bottle was created, a coat of arms with a papal emblem placed above the keys of Saint Peter, along with the words of ‘Châteauneuf-du-Pape written in gothic letters. It’s since been a guarantee of authenticity. Move ahead to 1950’s, the stories get strange. The region was home to UFO hysteria.
Overall, 2022 is a very good, relatively trouble-free vintage in the southern Rhone, it was a warm growing season resulting in a high level of fruit ripeness. The alcohol levels are often around the 15% mark, as is the case with the current release from Kirkland Signature. Even though 2022 is broadly considered a strong vintage, it had some problems, including a freak storm that brought hail and a tornado that ripped through some iconic vineyards. The ideal pairing is grilled red meats, hearty stews, and mushroom dishes. Steer clear of pairing it with dishes with spicy heat. The elevated alcohol in the wine will extenuate the spice in the food.
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Tried this a couple weeks ago with dinner. Was disappointed. But after a couple hrs in the decanter ..... quel differance!!!!! I have always been a believer in areation in general. This confirmed it.
With the initial impression, I was not thrilled. There was a marked improvement with aeration. We’re aligned! 🍷
Glad I took a chance on a few. Thank you for the review. You just can't beat Costco pricing.
The wine is solid. It’s not a domaine bottling. It really does need aeration to bring out the best character, but it’s very good and value is excellent. Cheers. 🍷
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine I hope you stash one so you can compare it to a new vintage in a few years.
@@czrs85 Done. A bottle stashed away.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine now I have to wait for the video. 👍🏼
I bought two bottles. Was expecting something more because of the label. Saying its more of a village level wine clarifies things. Still for 20 bucks its a deligghtul wine. And definitley a bargain. Thanks for the video and thanks to Costco for making it available.
Thanks for commenting. 🍷
I have already bought 2 cases of the CdP. We are big fans of Rhone wines. I give it 60 min. In the decanter. For $20 can't be beat.
I drink Rhône wine more than anything else. Love it. We’re aligned on the need to decant, makes all the difference.
Interesting review. Thanks.
This wine required a bit of work.
Great info! Never knew why Le Cigare Volant had UFO label until now🛸
A tidbit of info. 🍷
I definitely want to try this one! Sounds like a good deal
I hope you can find it. 🍷
I buy the Kirkland Cote du Rhone Villages at $6.99. It pairs with anything. But that's the extent of my Rhone drinking. I think of a good CdP for strong gamey food, which I never make. So I keep looking past it at Costco. From your review, it sounds more like a good table wine than a serious CdP..
I’m a fan of the Kirkland CDRV, great value. The CDP is very good, but not a top level wine for its type. Cheers. 🍷
Have you ever tried a latte milk frother?
I have and I’ve also tried a blender. It’s called hyper decanting. Seems a bit aggressive. With entry level wines, it’s seems to soften the wine. With better wines, I’m not convinced. What are you thought?
Trader Joe’s has a really good CDP for around the same price
I saw that. I need to pick it up. Thanks.
This is a great wine…but not available in mine
Not available? Maybe it’s just a late arrival. Might worth checking again.
Post less Costco vids. I’m running out of room in my wine fridge 😂
I feel awful about that! 😂
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine I have to figure out how to drink more Lol.
@@eddiefalcon8316Sounds like a good problem! 🍷
😂
@@ReginaldWilson-og8ukCheers! 🍷
It’s funny. There are a few grape that- even when produced at very high quality- have characteristics that, when in the forefront or vinified alone, that I struggle to love. Grenache is one. Sémillon, in dry wines, is another. In botrytis effected wines, by contrast, I love sémillon’s contribution. I’m very cognizant that my preferences here are unrelated to actual quality
The good thing is there are plenty of options. For me, I’m a fan of Grenache and Semillon as well.
are you sure composite cork is acceptable from a consumer standpoint? what material binds the cork particles? and how do you know whatever binder is used wont affect the flavor, or otherwise expose the drinker to nasty chemicals.
i remember when synthetic (plasticky) corks were common but those seem to be phased out in favor of these, probably bc alcoholic beverages tend to leach out chemicals, something i notice when drinking out of plastic cups, even if they are well rinsed prior.
It’s bound by a food grade adhesive. This specific closure has a full natural cork disk on either end. The wine is only in contact with natural cork. I’ve read research papers on this method. For me, it’s a trusted closure. Also, the agglomerate portion is nearly 100% TCA free. I welcome your thoughts.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine thank you. im always willing to risk TCA as it seems to only affect 1/100 bottles (if that) and most retailers are good about returns on flawed product. the natural cork disc is nice to have but i find them very rare in composite corks. i wish i could trust "food grade" but those regulations are done by the FDA who think seed oils (and covid shots) are safe just bc industry research says so (this is not a rebuttal to your research, i just know enough about "experts" who often manipulate studies to get favorable results for the people who hire them; see for EG monsantos claim that glyphosate is safe). the older i get the more concerned i am about exposure to toxins that regulatory agencies are content to expose us to. but simply from an enjoyment standpoint, real cork is worth a premium that id happily pay for; i just wish other "corks" werent hidden behind foil caps and labelled so people like me could vote with our wallets.
Hi Bob, is it still the case for irrigation not being allowed in Châteauneuf du Pape? As I read recently that it was allowed in Bordeaux, for the first time, in 2022
Another blind tasting video is coming soon. 🍷
Hi Laura, it has been allowed since 2021 (?), used by some, but not others. Some have experimented by irrigating small plots as a test. It’s a very divisive topic. Take excessive heat and a strong wind, the vines essentially shut down. Action must be taken. Viticulture practices will likely change. Some are trying cover crops, different rootstocks or changing the proportions of grape varieties used is being tried.
Heading to my local Costco tomorrow, thanks for the info!
Nice, thanks for commenting. 🍷
I only bought 2 bottles, and drank one. To be fair I just can't justify buying more wine. Need to drink what I have. 😅
I’m overloaded as well. Kind of feels good. 🍷
Bob always on the spot!
It’s the burden that I carry each day. 🤣
We just bought this yesterday!
The old saying is timing is everything! Be sure to aerate the wine, it makes all the difference. Cheers. 🍷
I agree wholeheartedly that this one benefits from aeration. We decanted and let it sit for about 3 hours and drank half a bottle but the remainder (just corked and kept on the counter) was much better the next day. Will start drinking the other bottles we bought in 2-3 years.
I kept a partial bottle as well, it was much better the next day. Thanks for commenting. 🍷
Thank YOU for the fantastic reviews!
@@erinkevinknox I appreciate the kind word. Cheers. 🍷
I've had the bottle in my hands a few times, never really got it. I went for the Kirkland Gigondas at a better price and enjoyed it, you know the wine; and for what you've mentioned in the video, it's probably much better value. I may still get the 2022 for the exercise of comparing notes, if it ever arrives in Spain, as I'm pretty sure I've only seen '21.
Thanks for the aerating discussion, which is always a touchy topic. Also, I'd encourage you to keep going with these historical references, which are appealing to both the geeky and the public. A good story makes any wine undeniably more interesting!
I liked both wines, but I’ll give the nod to the Gigondas. I try to mix up the video format, testing new things. TH-cam provides incredible data in near real time. I can track viewer retention as a collective group. If a video gets too geeky, people start to opt out. It’s a fine line, adding enough to fully tell a story, but not going too deep to lose a lot of people.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine it must be tough to keep those elements in balance, also without scripting the thing too much; there's a sense of spontaneity that shouldn't be lost!
I've toyed with the idea of starting up a channel, but I realise it's so much work involved behind what the public sees. Besides, talking to a camera is something I don't do well 🤣 I communicate much better while in front of a live audience, strange as it may sound
@@juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032 The channel is a massive amount of work, almost like a second full time job, but without the pay! I’m satisfied with the progress and people have broadly been wonderful. It’s been fun, except when it’s not. 🤣
As for the live audience bit, I get it. I also find speaking to a large group is easier than a small one. I once spoke to 20K in a sport arena. It was easier than a boardroom meeting with maybe ten people.
My Costco has the 2022 Kirkland Vacqueyras for about $11.99. I'd be interested in your assessment of it if it's available near you.
I’ve not seen the Kirkland Vacqueyras at my Costco. I’ll check again on my next visit. The blend should be similar to the Chateauneuf du Pape, Grenache based. The price seems very reasonable. Generally, Vacqueyras is an excellent value with a bit less concentration versus CDP.
Always a big fan of Châteauneuf du Pape. Also like Crozes Hermitage, as a cheaper alternative. Have recently been drinking E. Guigal’s 2018 release. As you would say, it’s a really solid effort! Cheers!
Plenty of good wines mentioned by you. Cheers. 🍷
A CdP I was really impressed by was a Château Maucoil 2017 that I drank in 2021. CdP is also the first region I learned the name of, bc of a family story. My parents splurged on a bottle (they didn't have much money) when my sister was around two. But when he got out of the car, juggling a toddler, groceries and wine was too much and the bottle fell and broke on the ground with all wine flowing everywhere. My sister learned quite some swear words that day. She also recounted the event with some of her first words: "Dad drop bottle. Dad angry". Cheers!
Great story. I've dropped a bottle or two, there's been no shortage of swear words!
Other than the great explanation of Chateaunuef du Pape in terms of grapes and style, is this region known for great wine and producers? I'm just getting into Rhone wines and it seems like Chateaunuef du Pape is a big deal? Is it like if Kirkland came out with wines from Vosne-Romanee?
Thank you. CdP has a good reputation for whites, but not much is produced. I had one from Chateau La Nerthe that was outstanding, but pricey. CdP rouge is a big deal, consistently among the top wines of the region. The Kirkland bottling is not an estate bottled wine. This helps to drive a better price. Costco often has domaine CdP as well. It could be a good point of comparison for you. The total volume production of CdP is much greater than Vosne- Romanee.
Ahhh. The no spaceships in the vineyard is my FAVORITE wine rule 😂😂. Nice sounding drinkable CnP and nice price too! Cheers
I’m not so sure, spaceships in the vineyards could be a good thing! It’s a solid red value. 🛸
This wine was also sold at Costco in Korea, so I bought it right away
That’s good to know. Let me know your thoughts on the wine. 🍷
My favourite CNDP’s: Brunier’s Vieux Telegraph La Crau and the Piedlong and Paul Avril’s Clos des Papes
Outstanding wines. Vieux Telegraphe was hit hard by the 2022 storms.
Nice Vid Bob, for a $20, seems like a winner
I’m glad you liked the video. It’s a good deal.
I tried this one. Gonna go back and pick up a case.
That’s good news! 🍷
Which glass are you using
In this video, it’s my go to red wine glass, the Schott Zwiesel Bordeaux.
🙂
😊👍
Any aversion to a wine aerator instead of the multiple pour overs?
I’m not a fan of wine aerators, I prefer splash decanting the entire bottle. But use whatever you like as long as it gets plenty of oxygen.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine thanks. we do both. i enjoy a heavy splash and rest when i remember to prepare ahead of time. otherwise i am forced to use the aerator which does help open up a single serving glass, or two. thanks for the insight of this bottle. i will grab a few and enjoy them over time and see how they develop. for $20, i am sure i've bought lesser quality wine(s).
@@muzaaaaak The introduction of oxygen is needed, no matter how it gets done. Thanks for commenting.
My sister and her husband use an aerator on Yellow Tail.
@@robrussell5329 that's rich.