Costco’s Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Superieur is the wine equivalent of finding clean swell on a weekday—unexpected, affordable, and absolutely worth paddling out for. Reverse Wine Snob just revisited the 2023 vintage, and the verdict is clear: the bargain lives on at $6.99.
Let’s set the stage. This Bordeaux Superieur is a 70/30 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, made by Château Petit-Freylon and imported by Misa Imports. It spends 12 months in French oak and clocks in at 14% ABV. The appellation—Bordeaux Supérieur—sits a notch above basic Bordeaux, but it’s still a general AOP, not a named commune like Saint-Émilion or Pomerol. Translation: expectations should be realistic, but value can be excellent. In this case, it is.
Reverse Wine Snob notes the wine opens quickly with aromas of plum, blackberry, clove, leather, and spice. On the palate, think juicy black cherry wrapped in gentle toasty oak with a well-balanced, youthful frame. The finish? Long, dry, and pleasantly chewy—like a good set that keeps rolling in. They even see some aging potential, which is wild at seven bucks. As they put it: “This is a winner once again, especially at this price. Stock up!” (Reverse Wine Snob)
For the scorekeepers: Taste 8 (89–90 points), Overall 8.5, and an emphatic “Bulk Buy.” That kind of rating-to-price ratio is rarer than glassy surf at noon. If you’re building a weeknight lineup or a party case, this deserves a front slot.
What’s new with 2023? The blend settles at 70% Cab / 30% Merlot (a continuation from the 2022 tweak), and the oak dial feels just a touch more restrained than last year. Cabernet brings structure and black-fruited drive; Merlot softens the edges with plummy, round charm. The oak gives lift instead of weight, so your glass doesn’t feel like leg day.
How to get the most out of it:
- Give it air. It’s youthful, so a 30–45 minute decant helps the fruit stretch out.
- Serve at 60–64°F. Too warm and the alcohol pokes out; cooler and the fruit tightens.
- Pair smart. Think bistro classics: steak frites, burgers with aged cheddar, mushroom pizza, or a peppery grilled chicken. Salty cheeses and charcuterie also play nice.
Curious about cellaring? Reverse Wine Snob sees some runway, and I agree. You’re not stashing First Growths here, but 12–24 months could knit the tannins and oak into a smoother groove. The 2023 already shows balance; a little patience might turn “solid” into “surprisingly polished.”
One thing I love about this bottling: it’s a crash course in Bordeaux fundamentals without tuition-level pricing. You get Cabernet’s spine, Merlot’s mid-palate, honest French oak, and a finish that sticks the landing. Is it layered like a top Left Bank? No. But for the price of a La Croix multipack, you’re tasting the architecture of Bordeaux—real terroir vibes, just without the chateau tax.
Costco fans will appreciate the consistency. Reverse Wine Snob has tracked this cuvée for years, noting quality swings but praising recent vintages. The 2023 keeps the streak alive: “Is it still quite the find at only $6.99?” (Reverse Wine Snob). Short answer: yes.
Bottom line: toss a few in the cart. One for tonight’s burger night, a couple for winter stew season, and a couple to revisit next year when the tannins chill out. Not every value Bordeaux is beach-safe; plenty feel thin or oaky. This one paddles out confidently and catches a clean, black-fruited right.
And if you’re tracking Kirkland’s greatest hits, add this to the “why does this cost less than my surf wax?” list. It’s not trying to be grand; it’s trying to be good—and at $6.99, it nails it.
Key Takeaways
- Cabernet Sauvignon lovers should take note—this story has implications for your next pour.
- Price points mentioned range from $6.99 to $6.99, offering options for various budgets.
- Key themes: Costco wine, Kirkland Signature, Bordeaux Superieur—stay informed on these evolving trends.
- The takeaway? Keep exploring, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Source: https://www.reversewinesnob.com/kirkland-signature-bordeaux-superieur
