2014 is the third in a string of great vintages from Napa so I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the '14 Kirkland Napa Cabernets, which appear to be arriving in stores now (the '14 Stags Leap has been around a bit longer). This line includes the broad Napa Valley Cabernet, along with bottles specific to Napa's sub-regions including Stags Leap, Oakville and Rutherford.
The wine we are reviewing today however is the Napa County Cabernet, so it's likely assembled from grapes of surrounding vineyards outside the heart of the Napa Valley AVA (or a mix thereof), hence why it is different than the "Napa Valley" Cabernet. And it's also the least expensive of the group coming in at only $12.99, whereas the others are generally around $20 in most years.
I was hoping this would prove to be a good little sipper for its low price tag, and I do believe that it is. As far as straight Napa Cabs in this price range go, it's definitely towards the top of what I've tasted. You just don't see many priced this low.
This wine has light aroma on the nose, a little pepper, dried fruit; it's a thick, full bodied wine with young, dark fruit, blackberry flavor, with mocha, chocolate undertones; rather straightforward and simple, pretty acidic, finishes a bit on the quick side.
For $12.99, this is a fair buy, but I'm excited for the '14 vintages of some of the other Napa Cabernet that I hope is produced this year under the Kirkland label. The standard '13 vintage of the Kirkland Napa Valley Cabernet was a strong buy in our opinion garnering a 90 point ranking and really tasting to us like it could have sold for about twice that. I hope the '14 proves to be much the same. And of course, it will be fun to try any others (Oakville, Rutherford) that are made, so stay tuned.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 87 Points
Costco item number: 929290
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA
Alc. 14.6%
Depp says
We have Napa Valley Cab 2014 in our local store and I've grabbed a case. Do you like it?
Editor says
Hi, I haven't seen it pop up near me yet but will look for it and try to review. Thanks
Dan Wiessner says
I got a bottle up here in Kenosha WI. However, I also got a bottle of their Oakville Cab and it is one of my very favorites. it's a buck cheaper than the Napa Valley ($18 vs $19) and IMHO, the Oakville is much better. I love a less fruit forward cab with good tannin structure and the Oakville has it in spades.
Franz P Volpi says
It's in Kennesaw. In the run, not the boxes.