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2015 Kirkland Signature Napa Valley Red Blend

2015 Kirkland Signature Napa Valley Red Blend

I first heard about this bottle from a reader who noticed that it was labeled as a “Red Blend,” instead of “Meritage” as it usually is. Perhaps it is clearer about what’s inside? Especially since the grape varietals are also now listed on the front of the label? We can’t be sure, but it’s an interesting change.

A quick glance at the back label gives further reference for what this bottle is all about.

It’s a classic Merlot dominated right bank Bordeaux blend. The varietal composition is 67% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec.

This represents a bit more Merlot than in previous vintages of this wine, but I’m enjoying it maybe a hair more (although I’m going to score them the same at 86 points).

The label also indicates the winemaker is Glenn Hugo, and as long time readers know we love to Google around and see what we can turn up. Turns out that Mr. Hugo is the winemaker at Girard in Napa (good juice, most bottles $25+) as well as B.R. Cohn in Sonoma.

Give this one a little decant to open up. It’s loaded with black cherry flavor and dark chocolate notes. It’s a spicy and peppery wine with a shot of blueberry in the finish. A little oaky in the finish for me, but overall I found it drinkable for $11, albeit not outstanding.

2015 Kirkland Signature Napa Valley Red BlendIt’s also important to note the different between Kirkland bottles labeled as Napa County versus Napa Valley. Napa County covers a much larger area than Napa Valley, so grapes can come from areas further out than the prime Napa Valley region.

We tend to favor the Napa Valley wines, although many of the Napa County ones seem to be getting better every year.

I’d put this wine in the category of a second or third bottle of the evening. If you have a group, start with something else, but as the night moves on, this wine will keep the party going just fine.

CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 86 points

Costco item number: 333110, $10.99

Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA

Alc. 14.5%

Prashant

Sunday 25th of November 2018

Iā€™d agree with you. This was underwhelming and makes me rethink the Kirkland name after trying this. Expected better especially after the ā€˜11 and ā€˜13 Ribera Del Duero Gran Reservas blew me away

Stefan Pollack

Saturday 24th of November 2018

I would have scored this an 88 as opposed to an 86.

Tim Ballard

Saturday 24th of November 2018

Plus pay a fee per bottle to use the trademark "Meritage" is my understanding. Costco can make a red blend like a Meritage, use the spare change for better grapes.

RODNEY E COVINGTON

Saturday 24th of November 2018

The producer must be a member of the Meritage Alliance in order to use the term.

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