The Kirkland Signature Series Columbia Valley Red Wine has a whole lot of good things going on! We review the latest vintage.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah from Columbia Valley, Washington. While this vintage doesn't note it, previous vintages have spent 15 months in French oak.
The Kirkland Signature Series Columbia Valley Red Wine is available exclusively at Costco and sells for $16.99.
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From the bottle:
Our signature series wine from Kirkland Signature is sourced from ultra-premium vineyard sites, and is produced by top winemakers. This limited release underwent a strict selection process at blending in order to create a full bodied, yet well-balanced wine.
"This Columbia Valley Red Wine is a blend of red varietals sourced from Washington state's finest vineyards. A full spectrum of bright aromas and flavors give this wine wonderful complexity and depth. Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and richness; Merlot and Syrah add vibrant, dark fruits and a hint of licorice and spice. Lush and concentrated on the palate, the flavors continue throughout a long silky finish."
-- Gilles Nicault, WinemakerVinted and Bottled by Dolan & Weiss Cellars
14.7% Alcohol
We've enjoyed and recommended today's wine for several vintages now. Like many of the Kirkland branded wines, it is made by a much respected winemaker -- in this case Gilles Nicault of Long Shadows Vintners. The blend can change a bit from year to year (at one point it included Sangiovese) but the 2021 appears to be a similar to the last couple vintages in focusing on Cab, Merlot and Syrah - all varieties that do wonderfully in Washington State.
It only takes one sniff of the 2021 Kirkland Signature Series Columbia Valley Red Wine to know that this blend has a whole lot of good things going on. Black cherry, blackberry, cola, licorice, baking spice, vanilla and mint are just a few of the pleasing aromas that jump out of the glass.
And while previous vintages have been quite oaky when first opened, this year's edition has toned it down a bit although it is rather tannic so it still benefits from some time to breathe.
Once it settles down it's got that excellent, big, dry, tasty and complex Washington red blend vibe that you find in many other wines from this area. I can't quite put my finger on what is is, but it's unique, recognizable and very good.
Spicy, oaky dark fruit, more cola and licorice, lots of leather, a little tobacco and a smooth and round mouthfeel from the Merlot lead into the dry, grippy, oaky, savory finish.
It was just as good and perhaps even a bit smoother on day 2. There's something special going on here indeed!
2021 Kirkland Signature Series Columbia Valley Red Wine
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And here's our review of the very similar 2020 vintage in case you still have a few bottles floating around!
The 2020 Kirkland Signature Series Columbia Valley Red Wine opens with pleasing aromas of black cherry, blackberry, cola, licorice, baking spice, vanilla and mint, to name just a few.
Be forewarned; however, that this wine is quite oaky when first opened so you'll definitely want to give it a good decant (several hours) in order to properly enjoy it.
Once it settles down it's got that excellent, big, dry, tasty and complex Washington red blend vibe that you find in many other wines from this area. I can't quite put my finger on what is is, but it's unique, recognizable and very good.
Spicy, oaky dark fruit, more cola and licorice, lots of leather, a little tobacco and a smooth and round mouthfeel from the Merlot lead into the dry, grippy, oaky, savory finish. It was just as good on day 2.
