This is the first time I've seen this red blend from Columbia Valley come in under the Kirkland brand label, and the price was right at only $8.99.
A little note on the back of the bottle describes the wine and it's signed by the winemakers, Jeremy Santo and Emily Haines. I always love when you see some clues on Kirkland bottles as to the source where they may have originated.
In this case, a quick Google search leads you right to Milbrandt Vineyards, whose wines I've tasted in the past. They make some excellent Syrah. But being a larger, and well established operation, I had to assume this little red blend would be worth the money.
And it turns out that it is. I didn't find it to be an unbelievable buy but for under $10 the pickings are fairly slim (even at Costco), and if you want a big rich red, and enjoy Washington State fruit (as I do), then this turns into quite a bargain buy.
The varietal breakdown is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. It's dark on the pour with aromatics of perfume, dried fruit, a little anise.
In the mouth, it's juicy, mostly dark black fruit, rounded out by some cherry with some cinnamon notes on the back palate. Finishes up rather quickly, but the wine is pleasant all around, especially considering the price.
All in all, not a bad buy for a good mid week sipper if you're preparing a hearty meal or grilling out some red meat and want something to sip on without having to think about it too much.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 87 points
Costco item number: 828289
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 14.9%
Joshua says
I found this wine strangely buttery. I rate it high for interestingness, and medium for overall taste. Decent value.
Pat says
last year I bought 8 bottles of the 2014 wine. I first bought 2 bottles and liked it so much I bought 6 more. The 6 other bottles I started to notice how unbalanced the fruit/ALC was. I think its more like the ratio of acidy/ALC/fruit. ACL and Acid can be hard to tell, but I think its the high ALC. The more I drank the more unbalanced it seemed. I tried the 2015 2 bottles this year and its still unbalanced. The Columbia Valley has alot to offer at this price point, so I cant say it is competitive. Or another note I just tried the Alexander Valley Cab 2014 kirklands and its winner at the price point. I will end up buying 6 bottles and nick picking it.