Looks like we missed the 2014 vintage of this one which really bums me out because these Kirkland Oakville wines are always tremendous values, this current one included.

We went 90 points on the 2013 vintage and highlighted many of the same characteristics that I’m finding now in the 2015 vintage.  The price has stayed consistent at $18.99 which is totally fair for a wine of this caliber and certainly beats almost any other Oakville bottle you’ll find on the market.  That’s what we love about Kirkland wines; access to great areas for less.  In the case of Oakville, it’s one of my favorites in Napa.

Interestingly enough, I had a glass of the 2015 Est 75 Tuck Beststoffer Napa red left over from the previous night so was able to enjoy both these wines side by side.  Both right there at the 90 point level for me, but very different in style.

The Est 75 was priced on sale for $15, but is normally $20 so they are right there in the same price range too.  I found the Kirkland Oakville to be darker in fruit, more black berry, a touch more elegant in style and balanced.  They are both excellent wines for the money, but I’m going to give the edge to the Kirkland bottle.

It pours a little lighter than its flavor leads on, expressive nose, that black fruit noted above and then finishes just super strong, like you would expect from a Napa Cab priced much higher.  The finish and the balance are what were really notable for me here, especially for under $20.

I’m going to bump this year up to 91 points.  This is one of my favorite Kirkland buys, and while I’m a huge fan overall of the ’13 vintage in Napa, this bottle from ’15 is impressing me a tad more than the ’13. Nice, nice juice for the money, and exactly what we expect from a Kirkland offering.

CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 91 points

Costco item number: 866663

Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Cumberland)

Alc. 15.0%