Kirkland Signature Malbec 2023: Why This $7 Costco Pick Works
Some wines make you rethink your budget. The 2023 Kirkland Signature Malbec—100% Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, aged 12 months in French oak—lands in that zone. Reverse Wine Snob calls it a consistent winner, and honestly, it’s hard to argue when a crowd-pleasing, medium-bodied red shows up at $6.99. If your cart is already full of rotisserie chicken and paper towels, save room for a few of these.
Style Snapshot: What you’ll taste and feel
Reverse Wine Snob describes the 2023 release with aromas of plum and blackberry, plus cola and licorice, and touches of vanilla and dusty spice. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, smooth, and easy-drinking with juicy fruit and a gentle tannic grip. As they put it: “This is seriously crowd-pleasing stuff.” —Reverse Wine Snob
Let’s translate that into drinking reality:
- Grape variety: Malbec (100%)
- Region: Mendoza, Argentina (grapes grown 2,800–3,300 feet)
- Body & sweetness: Medium-bodied, dry
- Oak: 12 months in French oak, bringing subtle vanilla and spice
- ABV: 14% (typical for Mendoza Malbec)
- Finish: Dry, savory, very juicy, with lingering tart fruit
Big-picture takeaway: this is an easy, fruit-forward Malbec that doesn’t hammer you with oak or tannin. It’s more weeknight-friendly than cellar-worthy—and that’s exactly its lane.
Context: Why Mendoza Malbec hits at value
Mendoza is Malbec’s adopted homeland, famous for plush fruit, generous sunshine, and high-elevation vineyards that keep acidity lively. The Kirkland bottling leans into that playbook—ripe plum and blackberry, a little cola and licorice in the mix—and still feels balanced. French oak at this price is a flex, but here it shows up as seasoning, not a takeover. The source notes a “touch of tannic grip,” which tracks with modern Mendoza styles: approachable structure, no sandpaper mouth.
What’s different about this Costco pick? Consistency. Reverse Wine Snob has been tasting it since 2009 and says quality improved notably once Broquel Winery was revealed as the producer. Their recent vintages have been steady enough to earn the “Bulk Buy” stamp more than once. In their words: “Bulk Buy once again!” —Reverse Wine Snob
If you’re used to Malbec being plush and sometimes heavy, this one steps slightly lighter—still juicy and generous, but with the kind of dry, savory finish that keeps you reaching back for the glass. Bonus: they found it even better on day two, which often signals solid fruit concentration and well-integrated oak.
Best occasion
Casual get-togethers, backyard grilling, or that pre-dinner pour while you debate takeout versus cooking. It’s a low-stress, high-approval bottle.
Best pairing direction
Think savory and smoky: burgers, grilled sausages, BBQ chicken, or veggie kebabs with spice rubs. Malbec’s ripe fruit and mild tannins are great with anything char-kissed. If you’re inside, go roasted mushrooms, pizza with cured meats, or tangy cheeses (Manchego, aged cheddar).
Buy intent: Who should snag this?
If you like bold fruit without syrup, want a reliable red for under ten bucks, and shop at Costco, this is your anti-guesswork play. French oak aging and a balanced finish make it feel a notch more polished than many budget Malbecs. Don’t overthink it—grab two and compare day 1 versus day 2 like the source suggests.
Final sip: A value you don’t have to rationalize
There’s a lot of noise in the big-box wine aisle, but this bottle keeps things refreshingly simple: modern Mendoza character, honest price, and the kind of drinkability that fits pizza night as easily as steak Saturday. Costco’s Kirkland Signature Malbec doesn’t pretend to be a collector’s item. It just shows up, tastes great, and leaves you a few bucks for dessert. That’s a win—especially at $6.99.
Source: https://www.reversewinesnob.com/kirkland-signature-malbec
