I usually find the Kirkland Signature wines to offer at the very least a good wine for the money, but I'm going to have to recommend steering clear of this one. I haven't reviewed one of the Kirkland Alexander Valley Cabs since the 2007 vintage and I reread my notes on that one which I noted as being pretty mediocre too. The prior vintages seem to have cost a bit more than the $8.99 price tag on the 2012 so perhaps Costco realized anything over $10 was a stretch for these wines.
Regardless, I'm not sure I can tell you much about this wine. It's really a mishmash of different things and I didn't find anything to create a compelling story for me to tell. There's an overriding oak element that never seems to dissipate, and the alcohol pushes through like a mixed drink. There are hints of strawberry in there, but they only showed through after a few hours of airtime and still remained muted and uneven.
There are two wines that are priced even less than this bottle and in stores now that should certainly win over your dollar, and I imagine your palate. Check out the 2013 Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone Villages ($6.99) and the 2013 Ca’ Momi Rosso di Napa ($7.99).
Let me know if you've tasted this Alexander Valley Cabernet and whether you agree or disagree.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 83 Points
Costco item number: 223343
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Cumberland)
Doug Scott says
I'm in agreement with you regarding this wine. Not good. I let it sit, gave it air, and finally gave it the sink.
Randy says
have really enjoyed this site and the creative writing style. Today I especially enjoyed it and appreciate your candor with the Costco label because as you are attached to Costco, one would think a slight bias. Now I know you are not trying to push their product but only to give an honest opinion.
So, thank you and keep up the good honest reviews!!!
Rosa says
Hi, I'd have to disagree with you on this one. I purchased this wine at my local Costco and yes, it's oaky at first but after I let it sit, the flavor came out. I liked it and have bought another bottle.
I also bought the Ca'Momi after reading your review on it and I agree with you on that one, it's a good wine. Hope to buy one next time I visit the store.
Joe Roberts says
I was ready to disagree with you on this one, as I have bought previous vintages of this wine, and enjoyed them --- particularly at this price point. After reading your review I opened a recently purchased bottle (2012 vintage) and can't really argue with you. It is not a "bad" wine, just not much to it, and in particular lacking any of the famous black cherry cabernet flavor the Alexander Valley is known for. In previous vintages there has been a modest amount of black cherry and thus a good value at under $9 a bottle---- but not with this bottle (or this vintage). Good call.