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The Kirkland Signature Russian River Pinot Noir 2023 is a $11.99 Costco exclusive. This wine is released every year, and Costco has a new winemaker producing it about every year. CWF reviewed the 2021 vintage of this wine, and then Nancy Walker was the winemaker; this year, it is Alison Crowe.
Alison Crowe is the Vice President and winemaker for Plata Wine Partners, they have over 60 vineyards and produce more than 70 wines. They have had wine for Trader Joe’s and Aldi in the past (and present).
The Russian River Valley AVA is in western Sonoma County, California. Originally, the river ran east-west, but an ancient seismic disturbance caused it to turn north/south. The Sonoma Coast AVA is further west and is situated in Mountain valleys along the Pacific Ocean. The Russian River Valley AVA can see warm temperatures but coastal fog rolls in every morning to protect the vines from morning heat. The fog burns off as noon comes around but the fog limits the amount of time the heat and the sun can get to the grapevines. The night temperatures are much cooler than the day. This slows the ripening of the grapes and allows for a long growing season that Pinot Noir needs.
This seems to be a fun Cotco bottling, released in time for the Holidays. This Pinot uses Russian River Valley grapes but is interpreted by a different winemaker. The alcohol is 14.5%.
The Kirkland Signature Russian River Pinot Noir 2023 Tasting Notes
The color is a see-through garnet red. The nose is cherry and spice, herbs, raspberry, vanilla, and lightly floral. The Kirkland Signature Russian River Pinot Noir 2023 has interesting flavors and is a nice chewy Pinot Noir.
This Pinot Noir tastes like tart cherry, black licorice, spice, and a little black pepper, followed by soft ripe plum. The mid-palate brings cranberry, blueberry, rougher spice, and dried strawberry.
The tannins are sweet and do not bite and the acidity is well-controlled and gives this wine solid length.
The Summary
- The Kirkland Signature Russian River Pinot Noir 2023 is a fun wine to follow each year. A new winemaker with most vintages gives you a new take on Russian River Pinot Noir.
- This is a tasty California-style Pinot Noir with enough body to stand up to the Holiday feast.
- Buy it each year.
