2021 Jean Louis Grande Reserve Cotes-du- Rhone

It’s been two years since we last tasted and reviewed this bottle. That was the 2019 vintage which we gave 87 points and were impressed at the quality for the very low $6.99 price point.

That puts it right on par with the Kirkland Cotes du Rhone Villages, which is also $6.99, and we’ve scored very similar over the years, the last vintage coming in at 88 points. That bottle is also a reader favorite that we know many of you are hoping to find again soon.

So while we wait from the new vintage of the Kirkland Rhone to come up (which will be the 2023 vintage), this is a very good alternative for an inexpensive, easy drinking, food friendly, mid week bottle.

We have similar notes as the 2019 vintage we last reviewed. This is classic and straightforward Cotes du Rhone wine. Ruby on the pour, earthy and peppery on the nose; medium plus body with nice acidity; red and dark fruit, with a spicy, dry finish.

Day 2 on this one and we felt it got even better. It’s impossible to find good wine priced this low, but this is one of those rare exceptions that we love Costco for bringing to us. We’re keeping our rating the same at 87 points.

CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 87 points

Costco item number: 1634028

Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)

Alc. 14.5%