Year in and year out, the Kirkland Stags Leap Cabernet is a reader favorite, and one of mine as well. The first thing to note as the new vintage hits stores is the price which has stayed the same from the 2017 vintage. It was starting to creep up a couple bucks every year, so let’s hope it stabilizes here.
Regardless, Costco is offering access to one of the premier regions of Napa at a price that’s virtually unheard of with any other bottle from Stags Leap. And people in the know, like all of you who are reading this now, will scoop these bottles up pretty quick, so be on the look out.
That’s also why I’m sneaking this review in on a Monday, outside of our regular publishing schedule. I’ve had a few readers write in about this bottle, but haven’t heard any tasting notes from anyone yet. The good news is that I think this is the best ones I’ve tasted in years.
The wine pours a deep ruby in the glass with a spicy nose of wild cherry aromas; medium plus in body, similar to the prior 2017 vintage that we found to be a little lighter and more elegant than the big, large mouthfeel we noted in prior vintages.
Black cherry flavors with spice and some mocha; touch of oak into the dry and lasting finish. Actually the more I dig in, the finish is really nice this year, exceptionally long.
As I mentioned before, the Kirkland Stags Leap Cab has always been a favorite, and this vintage might actually be one of the best we’ve tasted, in our opinion. I’m going to move up from the 89 point ratings, and put this in our Top Picks list territory with a 91 point rating. Cab lovers will find a lot to like here.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 91 points (a Costco Wine Blog Top Pick)
Costco item number: 505081
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
Alc. 14.5%
Matt Wallace
Monday 23rd of November 2020
All fair points Bruce thanks. Not expecting it to turn utterly amazing in a couple years just mainly hoping it can develop a little more body and complexity if we can let them wait a little. Our Costco just had KS SS Rutherford Cab this week. Excited to read blog post and comments about it. This is a Napa SS I havent gotten or tried yet.
Bruce Roberts
Saturday 21st of November 2020
I made the mistake of trying and loving the Stags’ Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 when Costco had it. It was delightful and is now one of my favorites. So when I tried the Kirkland Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 I found it okay, young, but not as anywhere near as nice as the original from Stags Leap Winery. Of course, the price difference is significant. If I had a larger wine fridge or cellar I might consider storing some Kirkland Stags Leap for few years but there’s still too many different wines to try and I prefer to have the winery and Costco do my aging for me.
Mince
Wednesday 23rd of September 2020
Ive cellared several Kirkland wines10-11 years drank a 2010 signature cabernet recently. My company and i were very impressed with the color and flavor. If you know wine regions cellar the wines And have patience to let the wines age you will not be disappointed. I had 2 2010 Columbia Valley merlots Whaluke Slpoe cracked one about 2 years ago .. it was phenomenal.. still have 1 left As for 2018 Kirkland stags leap this one is special it actually taste better than Stags’ Leap’s 2018 so if you can find one or two I’d grab it and hold onto it up here in Wayne New Jersey Costco 15 cases went in about three weeks
Matt Wallace
Thursday 24th of September 2020
Mince this is great to know about how well the KS wines aged thanks! I'm still learning whats best to cellar and whats best to drink not too long after buying. Ive gathered most wines under $20 are best to drink within 2-3 years of release, but better wines have a greater chance of aging well depending on a number of factors. Helps when the winemaker gives you a tip like a McGuigan Shiraz I snagged at quite a discount at our Costco 29.97 vs Vivino saying avg price $45 that says right on the back label that it will cellar well. Our Omaha Costco blew through their alotment of KS SS Stags Leap in about 2 weeks. I helped. I'm a weekly shopper so I check the wine section every time I go to be sure I don't miss a limited time release :)
Chef Stephen Hughes
Wednesday 23rd of September 2020
Has anyone tasted the Kirkland 2017 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County? I have and it's absolutely delicious although I didn't buy it so I don't know how much it costs. It was purchased from a Costco in Hayward, California.
Michelle
Monday 5th of October 2020
Promise not to laugh- every year when the Kirkland brand cabernet hits our warehouse in Ohio, we buy it by the case. One year we bought....(ahem...) 14 cases. Once it's gone from the warehouse, it's gone for the year.
Matt Wallace
Wednesday 23rd of September 2020
What are your or other readers thoughts on cellaring these for a couple years before enjoying? While really good it tasted a bit young and I thought it could benefit from a little aging. Interested in honest opinions thanks.
Editor
Wednesday 23rd of September 2020
I absolutely think you could cellar a few of them and have them develop with a little more age. 2018 was a highly regarded vintage and I agree, it tasted a little young. I’d say go for it. I might lay a couple down too if I see them on my next visit.