We're getting a fresh batch of Kirkland wines hitting stores, and we've heard from readers there are several more out there, so hopefully we can get reviews up here for everyone.
The Kirkland Napa Red Blend has really come a long way over the years. Since it's earliest intro as the 2014 Kirkland Meritage, the price has steadied at $10.99, and the ratings have climbed, always a good trend.
For the 2021 vintage, we were happy to see the $10.99 price tag once again, and the placard included some pretty high ratings, including 91 points from Wine Enthusiast.
Here's our take on this one over the years, culminating with the 2020 vintage which we feel has been the highlight so far.
2020 - 90 points
2019 – 89 points
2018 – 86 points
2016 – 86 points
2015 – 86 points
2014 – 86 points (the wine was labeled as a Meritage with this vintage, instead of red blend)
As we look at and taste the new 2021, we see the varietal makeup has changed slightly from the prior year: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 10% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.
This is less Cab, more Merlot, the addition of Malbec and the removal of Petite Sirah. All that said, our tasting notes are pretty similar to the prior vintage, but this new one was a little less appealing in the finish.
The wine pours a medium to deep ruby in the glass with dried black fruit and cherry on the nose; in the mouth it is full bodied, rich and silky; flavors of black cherry, and blackberry with good acidity, and nice spice; finish is a little on the quick side but a very nice package overall.
We continue to enjoy this one quite a bit, but we're going to bring the rating down from 90, to a still very respectable 89.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 89 points
Costco item number: 333110
Purchased at Costco in: Kennesaw, GA
Alc. 14.5%
Deepak says
I tried it. Did not like it. I was expecting it to be better
JJ says
The 2019 and 2020 vintages were delicious and much enjoyed. Had very high hopes for the 2021 but have to say we really didn’t like it well enough to even finish the bottle. Not too bad but just not too good either.
Fred G Sanford says
I like it; for its dry hardiness; but then, I like Cab Franc and hearty Merlots, too. The only negative I have a little hesitation about, is I get a tad "perfuminess." Having strong taste buds, I have an aversity to this in many wines, beloved by many, yet, undrinkable to me. -Because of that, I may overlook, as what is slight to me, might be acceptable, if there are other characteristics which i enjoy about a wine.
However, I feel like I can see what others do not like about it, and would not really disagree with their take.
Matt says
Ok for the buck. But I think theres some serious mega purple going on.
To the editors, your thoughts on Kirkland brand wines being sometimes heavy on mega purple?
Kevin says
This sells out very quickly at our local Costco. I bought 2 cases last year and when I went back it was all gone. Excellent deep bodied wine for the price.