Stags Leap at a substantial discount, but does it measure up? We review the 2022 Kirkland Signature Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California.
Unlike a lot of the Kirkland Signature wines, there is no indication of the winemaker or producer of this bottle, but given it wears the Stags Leap District AVA, the grapes definitely come from this exclusive area.
And what an exclusive area it is, especially for Cabernet Sauvignon, with the Stags Leap District garnering a premium over the Napa Valley as a whole, which already commands a 140% premium in grape price per ton over Sonoma. (Even the “Best Value” list for Stags Leap District on wine-searcher is filled mostly with wines that are well into the triple digits.)
And while we’re of the opinion that 90% of the wine here is overpriced, there is something special about this area and the grapes grown here. Let’s check out if Costco can capture some of the magic at a much more reasonable price.
This wine is available exclusively at Costco and sells for $23.99.
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From the bottle:
With just 1,350 acres, Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District AVA vineyard is in the heart of Napa Valley. This tiny enclave was first planted with Cabernet Sauvignon in 1961. Stags Leap District AVA is best known for its unique volcanic soil of loam and clay which consistently produce deeply concentrated and elegant examples of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The 2022 Kirkland Signature Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon has the black cherry and ripe plum fruit notes and velvety tannins that are the hallmark of this Napa Valley AVA.
Cellared & Bottled by DC Flynt MW Domaines and Estates
15% Alcohol
The 2022 Kirkland Signature Stags Leap District Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a pleasing aroma of dark fruit and a little oaky spice plus some licorice, chocolate and vanilla. It’s quite nice and quite Napa.
Tasting reveals a soft, smooth, complex and flavorful Cab. It has perhaps a touch of residual sugar and also a good amount of oak influence, but the fruit still leads the way. Still a bit young and oaky, it features all the same touches and flavors from the nose. There’s plenty of potential here if you let it age a bit, or if drinking it now just give it plenty of time to breathe.
It ends dry, long and oaky and was at its best on day 2.
I would say that just like they’ve done with the Kirkland Signature Barolo and Kirkland Signature Chateauneuf-du-Pape (to name just a couple), Costco has indeed managed to capture a little of the magic of this exclusive area. And just like those wines, this one will never be mistaken for anything close to the best from the region, but it is nonetheless quite a nice wine and a good representation of the district.
2022 Kirkland Signature Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon
Looking for more of our favorite wine selections from Costco? Browse our multi-page listing of recommended wines along with more information on how to best shop the store!
You can also find all of our favorite Cabernet Sauvignon here!
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