You can get many things at Costco to turn your home into a relaxing retreat, including oversized furniture, cozy sweatshirts, and enormous TVs. But did you know that you can get some fantastic red wine from the world’s fifth-largest retailer?
It’s true, Costco is renowned for its low-price alcohol and, specifically, the wine selection. I’ve got seven of the best red wines to keep an eye open for next time you’re looking to spend a little dough in Costco to make home a paradise on earth.
Best Costco Red Wines In 2023
1. Kirkland Signature Carneros Pinot Noir, $9
It’s only right to start this list with one of Costco’s own branded wines, Kirkland Signature Carneros Pinot Noir.
That’s right: if you didn’t know before, Costco’s house brand covers everything from snacks to paper products to a whole variety of wines.
That said, this pinot noir is exemplary, with the Beverage Tasting Institute (BTI) giving it a score of 93 points, designating it an “Exceptional” option – for less than $10.
Also, it claimed a spot in the Top Five for the 2021 World Value Wine Challenge as the best pinot noir in the bunch.
Moreover, BTi describes this Kirkland Signature wine as having a “garnet color” and “aromas and flavors of dried violet, fennel seed, and black cherry….”
Additionally, the finish suggests “elements of cranberry, tomato leaf, suede, and vanilla….”
In all, it’s a beautifully complex New World style red that suits a rich, meaty home-cooked meal, like Easter ham dinner or weeknight lasagna and meatloaf.
2. Benzinger Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon, $13
According to Wine Turtle, this $13 Cabernet, which hails from California’s Sonoma County, usually retails at about $20.
Also, it has been aged in oak barrels for over a year after the Benzinger family farmed the Cabernet grapes on their sustainable farms.
As a result, you can taste the care put into farming this fruit, which grows luscious and bursting with juiciness, even this many steps removed from the vine.
Additionally, Wine Turtle reports that its flavors include ripe fruits, chocolate, and even vanilla, with spicy undertones.
Finally, there is just a bit of sweetness to round everything out, ensuring a smooth-drinking wine that has been made for sharing.
Thankfully, you can likely afford a few bottles at Costco’s price.
3. Kirkland Signature Ribera del Duero, $7
It’s astonishing how well Costco’s Kirkland Signature store brand performs, even where wine is concerned.
That said, this Spanish red is another 93-pointer from the BTI, making it an exceptional purchase and a can’t-miss addition to your wine rack.
Per BTI, this wine is “dusty garnet” in color with “aromas and flavors of strawberry, watermelon candies, cherry tobacco, and licorice….”
The finish, BTI continues, “shows notes of black plum, mace, sun-dried tomato, and cocoa.” Additionally, they recommend this red with hearty meals of red meat – which is not surprising.
But, what is interesting is how well it works with root vegetables and tubers, so meals like pot roast and beef stew make for perfect pairing, as they combine both meat and veggies.
4. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Claret, $13
The Francis Coppola Diamond Collection claret is top-notch.
That said, you may have heard of claret before but didn’t realize it’s a British term for a Bordeaux, and this one is an amalgam of Cabernet, Petit Verdot, and Petite Sirah grapes.
5. Kirkland Signature Barolo, $19.99
If you weren’t aware by now, Costco truly takes great care and pride in choosing which wineries it partners with to produce its house brand wines.
For example, Barolo grapes come from the Province of Cuneo in Italy, in the Piedmont region at the foot of the Alps (its capital is Turin).
However, the actual maker of this wine is Fontanafredda, a well-regarded producer that has been in operation since 1858.
That said, Reverse Wine Snob remarks that it’s rare to find a Barolo for less than $20, but Costco does it – you can pick up a bottle for just $19.99.
On the first sniff, you’ll pick up notes of leather, black cherry, licorice, and spice; a sip reveals spiced cherries and raspberries and a “dry, chewy, tannic and long finish.”
Also, this is a must-try if you’ve never had a Barolo because you were intimidated by the price (who wants to spend $40 on something they don’t know if they’ll want to finish?).
6. Joseph Phelps Freestone Pinot Noir Sonoma, $34
Costco is known for its amazing deals, but at first glance, this $34 bottle of wine doesn’t seem that affordable.
Well, the Costco Wine Blog is here to set the record straight, and according to their author, this is actually an “amazing price…on an amazing wine.”
That said, the amazing price is because the bottle normally retails for $60!
Yes, buying it at Costco will net you almost half off, and it’s another highly rated pinot with a 95 from James Suckling and a 96 from Wine Advocate.
Further, it has a medium-bodied mouthfeel and imparts a deep berry flavor – blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and “dark chocolate notes and a little spice.”
Like some things at Costco, this bottle might give you an initial sticker shock, but it’s an excellent value when you consider the maker and the price in a regular liquor store.
7. Pagodes de Cos St Estephe Bordeaux, $49
This wine is by far the most expensive on this list, but according to Costco Wine Blog, the first labels from this maker, Chateau Cos d’Estournel, sell for as much as $250 each.
Also, the Pagodes de Cos is a “second wine,” meaning it’s Bordeaux from a Cuvee (a vat of wine) that was not used for the first label – it wasn’t the most perfect, upper-tier quality.
But it’s still very, very good and very drinkable, as the reviews for this Bordeaux all put it in the 90s ratings-wise (anything 90 and up tends to mean “Outstanding” or “Exceptional”).
Additionally, Costco Wine Blog remarks on its aroma of raspberry and plum, then black cherry and other dark fruits in the mouth.
Overall, it has a lingering finish that wine critics cannot get enough of. Most of the time, Costco carries items that come with a bit of sticker shock at first, and this bottle is no exception.
But wine enthusiasts will tell you; that this is a fair price on a gorgeous second label that still contains many of the qualities of the first label.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on the things to know before buying Costco whiskey, things to know before buying Costco vodka, and does Costco delivers alcohol.
Conclusion
For those in the know, Costco’s alcohol department is second to none, and just its collection of red wines is staggering in its scope and value.
For as little as $7, you can take home a well-rated, high-quality red, and if your budget is a bit bigger, so too do your options expand to some incredible bottles.
