I'm a big fan of a lot of Napa's mountain cabs -Diamond, Howell, Spring, Atlas Peak - and they typically carry with them a price tag starting at $40 and going up from there. So it was a nice treat to see the Kirkland Signature Series Mountain Cuvee at stores and priced at only $19.99. And that was about what I would want to pay for it. I found it to be enjoyable and pleasant, perfect for a $20 Napa.
On the initial pour this wine was very closed. I would recommend a decant or let it sit in your glass for an hour or two before consuming. It changed a lot, and for the better. The wine is a thick dark purple with a floral and vegetal nose. In the mouth, this is a full bodied, highly tannic wine that is big and bold. Flavors of dark fruit, blackberry, a touch of anise leading into a peppery finish with hints of cigar box/tobacco. The alcohol follows suit in size, clocking in at 14.9%, and it was noticeable on the close, but not overbearing.
Try this one for $20, and if you enjoy it, move up from there into some of the other mountain wines. I think they are a fun exploration.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 89 Points
Costco item number: 501776
max says
There is another Kirkland $20 cab bottle.
Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2012,
on my taste very well worth the price, same advice, 2 hour decanting.