I was at Costco yesterday, and on a lark, I picked up a bottle of their "Kirkland 2005 Oregon Pinot." It cost $14.49, so it wasn't much of a gamble. I figured, what the heck - I love Oregon Pinot.

Wrong.

This stuff tastes like ass with a side of ass.

So, I noticed Costco has branched out to make "Oakville Cab," and various other generic wines, including some variation of "Right Bank Bordeaux" and "Left Bank Bordeaux." Where are they getting the juice for this stuff, who's making it, and does anyone think this crap is worth the money?

There are plenty of juice available, guessing they are buying bulk juice at less than $10 per gallon.

You left off their Brunello

How was the side of ass?

I was tempted to give the Syrah a whirl but I think I'll pass.

quote:

Originally posted by Alta Skier:
I was tempted to give the Syrah a whirl but I think I'll pass.

I've tried the Aussie shiraz. It doesn't suck, but there's better juice for the money.

I havent tried any - but I suspect you're all just undergoing "sticker" or "label" shock.

Chances are, if you tasted it blind, you may guess it's an under $20 bottle of wine - but wouldnt dismiss it as pure garbage.

The Kirkland brand tawny port is actually made by Fonseca. Their NV champagne is made by de Bruyne.

I suspect there may be a point to spacewrangler's observation about sticker or label shock. While not the best value around, I don't think the Kirkland wines are plonk either.

Anyone try their Champagne? At $20 it may be worth a shot. Somebody go first.

quote:

Originally posted by Golf&Pinot Nut:
"Kirkland 2005 Oregon Pinot."

This stuff tastes like ass with a side of ass.

Sounds like a Burg!

While I may have been prejudiced by the label, I really wanted to like this stuff. I was ready to make this our house wine -- I mean OR Pinot at less than $15/bottle!! Sounds too good to be true. Turns out, it is.

Look at what Kirkland buys in bulk for food and bottled water and go figure why it's all in bulk and generic.

quote:

Originally posted by mpls wine guy:
Look at what Kirkland buys in bulk for food and bottled water and go figure why it's all in bulk and generic.

Huh??

quote:

Originally posted by MiamiAtty:
Anyone try their Champagne? At $20 it may be worth a shot. Somebody go first.

I also am looking to try the Kirkland Champagne because it is supposed to be made by de Bruyne. The de Bruyne Cuvee Absolute is one of my favourite at any price.

I didn't see the champagne in Atlanta. I might have missed it, though.

quote:

Originally posted by Golf&Pinot Nut:
I didn't see the champagne in Atlanta. I might have missed it, though.

They should be coming out soon for the holiday season.

The Pauillac was pretty good, worth $25. See link for tasting notes.

Costco Pauillac tasting note thread

The wine program was written up in Costco's monthly magazine. They said that the anonymity will change in the future starting with their 10 year old tawny which is identified as coming from Fonseca Guimarrens (spelling?).

In the magazine, they claim that in comparison with "nationally available brands" that you can save up to 50% with the Kirkland brand wine. I find that claim ridiculous, but the market will judge for themselves.

I have seen the Shiraz, Pauillac, Margaux, Brunello, and Oregon Pinot Noir here locally. I am eagerly awaiting the Cote Rotie, and Musigny.

quote:

Originally posted by spacewrangler:
I havent tried any - but I suspect you're all just undergoing "sticker" or "label" shock.

Chances are, if you tasted it blind, you may guess it's an under $20 bottle of wine - but wouldnt dismiss it as pure garbage.

Hey, I'm a cheap b@$t@rd and I shop at Costco frequently. I'd be more than happy to buy Kirkland branded wine.
In the case of the Aussie Shiraz, I've found plenty of others at the same price or less that were better.
By the same token I've found plenty that were more expensive and not as good. (Yes I'm looking at you, Marquis Phillips.)

I consider it reasonable value, but not a fantastic QPR and not caseworthy.

I will however look out for the champagne next time round.

" . . . Ass with a side of Ass . . ."
How could this be. . Kirkland makes great slacks and socks . . .

I don't know why they would waste their time having a winery make wines under the kirkland name from different appellations when they can just bring in wines from those appellations from good wine houses. Why would I buy a kirkland bordeaux or aussie shiraz.

Don't they sell coffins too?

I couldn't disagree any more with the title or critque in this thread. See a more in depth discussion here.

But fine line between plonk and crap? To each his/her own, I guess, but I found the 05 Oregon Pinot very acceptable for the money. Perhaps you had a bad bottle? I have seen expected bottle to bottle variation with these Kirkland wines, but nothing extreme in the PN as of yet.

For another non-critical view on these bottles, check out some of the Prince of Pinot's comments here

quote:

Originally posted by BGarvens:
" . . . Ass with a side of Ass . . ."
How could this be. . Kirkland makes great slacks and socks . . .

Don't they also make, like, shampoo and conditioner? Just wondering.

quote:

This stuff tastes like ass with a side of ass.

left cheek vs left bank?

quote:

This stuff tastes like ass with a side of ass.

I have never tasted ass as an entree or a side- dish, so I am not sure how to interpret the analogy. I suppose some people like ass, and if so, the description may be rather appealing to a segment of the population. Like many others have stated, the tasting note here is more important than the score

My guess as to why they are branding wines from reputable wine houses under the Kirkland brand is simple. It is not because Costco thinks the Kirkland brand is more prestigous than say "Fonseca". Rather, i am sure it is wine houses who do not want to dilute the value of their own label by selling unsold inventory under deep discount under their own name. By dumping it to Costco with a vow of secrecy, no one has to know that some of the big boys out there are having trouble doing business in the era of the grape glut.