The Kirkland Signature Russian River Pinot Noir is a perennial favorite at Costco, known for delivering solid quality at an unbeatable price. At $12 a bottle, it’s always tempting to grab a few, especially when Russian River fruit typically costs two or three times more. The catch is that this wine has been a bit of a rollercoaster—some vintages impress, while others fall a little flat. The 2021 was a standout, earning one of my highest scores in recent years, so naturally, I was eager to see how the 2022 vintage would hold up.
This year also brings a change in the cellar. Glenn Hugo, who has made other Kirkland wines, stepped in to produce the 2022 vintage, taking over from Nancy Walker. My first impression is that the wine is pleasant but not quite as exciting as last year’s. It pours a light ruby in the glass and immediately shows classic Pinot character—cherry and strawberry up front, a little cola mid-palate, and a touch of vanilla on the finish. With some air, it opens up slightly, but the flavors fade quickly, leaving the wine straightforward and serviceable rather than layered or complex.
Looking back at my scores over the years—2015 (85), 2016 (87), 2019 (86), 2021 (89), and 2024 (86)—it’s clear the 2021 remains the star of the lineup. The 2022 slides back into the mid-80s, making it enjoyable but not remarkable. It’s the kind of bottle you can pour on a casual night and feel good about the value, but it doesn’t quite deliver the memorable Russian River experience you sometimes hope for.
Overall, I’d give the 2022 vintage 85 points. It’s still a bargain for Russian River Pinot, and at this price you can’t really go wrong. My advice: pick up one bottle, try it for yourself, and see if it fits your palate before stocking up. For me, it’s good enough for the table—but not a case buy this time around.
