The Alexander Valley Cabernet from Kirkland is a bottle that we're always pulling for with high hopes on what it can deliver for $10.
Historically, it's landed in the middle of the road for us, with some vintages showing better than others. Other vintages apparently skipped too, so it's always a bit of a mystery.
We love seeing it stay at $9.99 again with the new 2022 vintage. Same winemaker, Alison Crowe.
We've tasted and reviewed this one all the way back to the 2012 vintage, and here's how the ratings stacked up over the years:
2021 vintage: 87 points
2018 vintage: 88 points
2015 vintage: 87 points
2014 vintage: 87 points
2013 vintage: 86 points
2012 vintage: 83 points
This new 2022 vintage is stepping it up a bit though and we're kinda getting into it.
The wine is a medium ruby in the glass with nice aromatics; red fruit, oak and spice on the nose; medium plus in body with flavors of cherry, plum, and blackberry; we always enjoy a little red and dark fruit contrast.
Pleasant touch of vanilla, chocolate and spice into the finish that lingers for a bit. This is definitely a region that doesn't get all the love it deserves. Hard to beat for $10.
We're going to bump it up to 89 points this go around. This one isn't going to blow anyone away, but it's a rather elegant, nicely made wine with plenty going on that might surprise you.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 89 points
Costco item number: 223343
Availability: We buy our wine in Costco warehouses around the Atlanta area. The best way to locate wines near you is by using the new Costco mobile app and searching with the Costco item number we listed above.
Alc. 14.0%
Mike says
Did they release two vintages at the same time? Just picked up a bottle of the 2023 at a Northern Virginia store.
Editor says
That’s interesting. Let’s see if anyone else finds that one too and we’ll have to dig through the bin a bit on our next visit.
Rick D says
I saw the Kirkland CdP 2024 yesterday. I first thought they had more 2023 they put out, but when I checked it is the new vintage