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    Kirkland Signature Series Columbia Valley Red Wine - Something Special

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: July 29, 2022 Last Updated: January 20, 2023

    The Kirkland Signature Series Columbia Valley Red Wine has a whole lot of good things going on!

    Kirkland Signature Series Columbia Valley Red Wine - Something Special

    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.

    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, Winemaker

    Vinted 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 2020 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 2020 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.

    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. There's something special going on here indeed!

    2020 Kirkland Signature Series Columbia Valley Red Wine

    Taste: 9 (91-93 points)    Cost: 4
    OVERALL RATING: 7.8

    HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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    And here's our review of the very similar 2019 vintage (with the old black label) in case you still have a few bottles floating around!

    Kirkland Signature Series Columbia Valley Red Wine - Something Special

    Black cherry, blackberry, cola, licorice, baking spice, vanilla and mint are just a few of the pleasing aromas that jump out of the glass on the 2019 Kirkland Signature Series Columbia Valley Red Wine.

    Be forewarned; however, that this wine is quite oaky (and shows a little alcohol on the nose) 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. There's something special going on here indeed!

    2019 Kirkland Signature Series Columbia Valley Red Wine

    Taste: 9 (91-93 points)    Cost: 4
    OVERALL RATING: 7.8

    HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

    Filed Under: Costco, Highly Recommended, Kirkland Signature, Red Blends, Washington

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    About Jon Thorsen

    Author and independent wine consumer helping millions of people find great wines without breaking the bank since 2011. Sign up for my FREE GUIDE to learn how! Read more about me...

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