58% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California.
Available for $13.99 exclusively at Costco.
From the bottle:
"The Napa Valley, Rutherford AVA is known for its unique terroir of volcanic-influenced soil laced with gravel, sand, and loam.
"Deep, concentrated, black cherry notes are surrounded by ripe black currant, cinnamon and sweet oak spice. The lifting acidity frames the rich fruit and the classic 'Rutherford Dust.'" -- Winemakers Marco DiGiulio & Glenn Hugo
14.9% Alcohol"
Today's wine is one we've enjoyed immensely over the last few years, offering a chance to sample wine from the prestigious Rutherford AVA in Napa Valley. And while this current iteration is very good, it's not quite up to the level of previous offerings. The reason likely comes down to simple economics.
Unfortunately the amount of Cabernet Sauvignon in this wine has been dropping the last couple vintages, from 70% in 2009 and 2010 to 49% in 2011 and now just 26% for the current 2012 vintage. The reason is likely cost.
There are almost no other red wines under $20 coming out of this highly esteemed region, much less any that are Cabernet Sauvignon based. Since Cabernet is the most sought after grape in this area it sells at a premium, even over and above the premium already given to Cabernet in the rest of Napa Valley. And while this Meritage isn't quite the same without all that wonderful Cabernet, it still offers quite a good value.
The 2012 Kirkland Signature Rutherford Napa Valley Meritage begins with pleasant aromas of black cherry, plum, blackberry, licorice and a little baking spice. The wine tastes nice, but is a bit more one dimensional than previous vintages. You'll find loads of jammy fruit and other flavors quite similar to the nose. Dry, grippy tannins lead into the medium-long finish which still features that trademark dusty texture known as "Rutherford dust".
While it may not be up to the level of previous vintages this wine still offers a ton of value and perhaps the only opportunity under $15 to experience that signature finish.
Available exclusively at Costco.
Overall Rating: 7.5
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