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The Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva 2018 is a $7.89 Costco exclusive. This Tempranillo is produced for Costco by Vina Egula a Rioja winery with over forty years of experience. The Vina Egula Reserva sells under its own label for $13 to $19.
The Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva 2018 is 100% Tempranillo and was aged for 30 months in an oak barrel and then aged an additional 6 months in a bottle, as per the Rioja regulations for Reserva wine. The classifications for Rioja wines were updated in 2018 her is a link to a Wine Folly article explaining those changes.
Here is a quick rundown of the different classifications. Bottles marked as Rioja do not have aging requirements. Crianza wines must be aged for 2 years with a minimum of 1 year in barrel and 6 months in bottle.
Reserva wines need 3 years of age with a minimum of 1 year in barrel and 6 months in bottle, Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva 2018 exceeds these requirements and Fran Reserva wines must have 5 years of age with at least 2 years in bottle and 2 years in barrel.
Rioja Tempranillo is a wine that can stand up to an extended time in an oak barrel. Rioja often uses American oak barrels and used barrels with less oak influence to impart into the wine. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva 2018 Tasting Notes
The color is black cherry red. The nose is bright red berries, toasty vanilla, mint, light herbs, licorice, cold coffee, and plum. The Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva 2018 is velvety on the palate with smooth, interesting flavors.
This Tempranillo tastes like blackberry, vanilla, licorice, plum, a little black pepper, and tart cranberry. The mid-palate offers chocolate powder, sharp-edged spice, raspberry, and cherry. The tannins don’t bite but add some structure. The acidity is nicely balanced and allows the flavors to fully unfold.
The Summary
- The Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva 2018 is a bargain.
- It allows you to experience a bottle of wine with some age that isn’t typically available in this price category.
