2018 Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva

2018 Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva

Vintage: 2018
Region: Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
Winery: Kirkland Signature
Varieties: At least 80% Sangiovese with Colorino, Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot making up the rest.
Price: $7.99
Rating: 92 Points
My Rating: 90 Points

The Review: I recently solidified my grownup status with my joining of Costco, and I must admit I've been TEARING through their wine section. One of the wines I was super excited to stumble upon is the 2018 Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva- not just because it's a Tuscan wine for $7.99, but because it's a really really good Tuscan wine for $7.99. I had heard a lot about this wine in the past from writers and magazines, so I was excited to give it a try and find out just how good it is.

I've written about Chianti Classico in some previous blogs, so I won't bore you too much with long explanations about the laws and grape growing techniques of the region- just know that there's a lot and that it's super rare to find a cheap Chianti Classico that isn't trash. Especially a Riserva, which is a wine aged for 24 months in oak.

One of the things that makes this Kirkland Chianti Classico Riserva so cool is that normally for a "good cheap wine," we're looking for something that checks all of the traditional characteristics of a region and we usually don't get much more. But this one goes above and beyond! It shows the traditional character, but also shows great structure, depth, and balance- a rarity in an $8 wine.

The aromas of this wine include delicate red cherries (if you don't smell cherry in a Tuscan wine, go get your money back) and currant with a hint of pomegranate. There are some green notes like wild herbs and salty brush, and even some cracked black pepper. The taste presents tart cherries and raspberry with some currant. The more interesting characteristics come with notes of espresso, baking cocoa, leather, and a nice bit of spice. There's lots of oak character, but it by no means overshadows the fruit. The wine has a long finish and grainy tannins. This wine is certainly meant to be drank now and no one has any business aging an $8 wine, but if you really wanted to, I'd bet this wine has a couple years of life to it.

I've seen this one pop up at my Costco, and I've heard from others that it's in other stores as well. Be sure to grab some bottles while it's out because once it's gone, it won't be back until next summer!

drink what you like,

db

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