There’s been a lot of wine products coming through my cellar this week, so let’s end the week with what could be a high note. Costco Wines are a little hit and miss, but there tends to be some great values hidden, like their Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon and their Signature Malbec.  While looking for a merlot, I happened to stumble upon Kirkland Signature Napa Valley Meritage, which is 61% Merlot.  At only $10 a bottle, I was super excited to see how it tasted.

Sight:  Garnet core with hints of brick and a ruby edge.

Smell:  Notes of vanilla and toasted oak come out strongly here, syrupy blackberries, black cherry, and cassis add the fruit backbone. A slight hint of jammy plum exists.

Sip:  The body starts off velvety, and a has a good brightness and middling weight.  Black cherries and plums erupt, followed by a cacophony of blackberries, cassis, and cedar.  Good notes of vanilla and smoke float through adding complexity.

Savor:   The ending smooth like the body, with just the slightest touch of rough character from the tannin.  Pretty notes of cassis and black cherry round things out.

Kirkland Signature Napa Valley Meritage is a delightful little wine with a great texture and fun flavors.  If you’re a fan of Merlot or Cabernet, this makes a great choice for any weeknight dinner.  The dark fruit flavors and toasty oak are delicious, and the tannins make it food friendly.  For only $10, Kirkland Napa Valley Meritage has great flavors, it well structured, and versatile; an easy recommendation for those that enjoy reds.

Verdict:  Velvety, Blackberries, Cassis, Oak
Rating: 87
Price: $10
Napa Valley, California
Blend:  61% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet France, 7% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot

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* – This is a wine product and not rated.