A new entry into the Kirkland Signature line, from the same producer as the Premier Cru version. We review the Kirkland Signature Chablis.
100% Chardonnay from Burgundy, France. The wine sees no oak and is aged in stainless steel for 12 months.
We are big fans of the Kirkland Signature Premier Cru Chablis that makes a brief appearance every year at Costco. We say brief because it usually sells out quickly, even with a $21.99 price tag.
As such, we were quite happy to hear about this new bottling that is not at the Premier Cru level, but also costs $7 a bottle less (and we are assuming has a much bigger supply). Just like the Premier Cru, the wine is made by Pierre Brissy who is winemaker for multiple Burgundy houses including his own winery.
The 2023 Kirkland Signature Chablis is available for $14.99 exclusively at Costco. It took quite awhile to show up at our store so if you don’t see it yet, be patient. It is imported by Misa Imports. Let’s check it out!
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From the bottle:
2023 Kirkland Signature Chablis
Kirkland Signature Chablis is made from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the finest wine vineyards. The Kimmeridgian soil, a blend of limestone and clay, gives the wine a distinct minerality. The wine is aged 12 months and has flavors of lemon citrus and white floral notes with a refreshing lifting acidity.
Pierre Brissy, Winemaker12.5% Alcohol
The primary difference between the Chablis and Premier Cru Chablis levels are the designation of top vineyards into the latter category. This is based primarily on the locations and types of soils. It’s a much more exclusive category with about 13% of the production from the region falling into Premier Cru and 65% as regular Chablis. (Petit Chablis at 20.5% and Grand Cru at 1.5% make up the rest.)
The 2023 Kirkland Signature Chablis begins with pleasing aromas of citrus, touches of apple and tropical fruits and a bit of chalky minerality. It’s a nice, easy start.
Taking a sip reveals similar flavors to nose in this crisp, easy drinking Chardonnay. The fruit is lightly juicy in the mouth and a bit more tart than the nose. It also has a pleasing, lively mouthfeel. It’s quite satisfying at this price but it also lacks the same depth and complexity of the more expensive Premier Cru.
It ends juicy, tart and with good length and lingering citrus notes. Overall this is a welcome addition that will hopefully be available much of the year, but it’s definitely not a replacement for the Premier Cru and I think it’s doubtful it will put a dent in the demand for that one.
Looking for more of our favorite picks from Costco? Browse our multi-page listing of recommended wines along with more information on how to best shop the store!
You may also want to check out more of our favorite Chardonnay!
Review Summary
Kirkland Signature Chablis Review • Reverse Wine Snob
A new entry into the Kirkland Signature line, from the same producer as the Premier Cru version. We review the Kirkland Signature Chablis.
7.5
Pros
- Much cheaper and should be much more available than the Premier Cru version of this wine
- 89-90 points
Cons
- Not nearly as good as the Premier Cru
