Tag Archives: Costco

Kirkland Signature Napa Valley Meritage

Cost: Average price $10.99

Where buy now: Costco

Grapes: 51% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc

Region: California

Vintage: 2012

Kirkland Signature Napa Valley Meritage
Kirkland Signature Napa Valley Meritage

I was recently asked, “Lush, what’s your go-to Costco red wine around $10?” Without hesitation, I said “the Kirkland Signature Napa Valley Meritage at $10.99”, and for a couple reasons. First, it’s one of the few wines I’m able to consistently find in every Costco, so it’s very accessible. Also, it’s quite good.

 

This is a “you’re new to wine and drink Apothic Red, now try this instead” wine (hey, that rhymed!). It’s plum-cherry juicy fruit love balanced with musty/dusty soft tannins. This is a “some of my girls like it dry, while some  of them like it sweet” girl-night wine. This is a “it’ll drink real easy but first make it swirl, swirl, swirl” wine. My oh my this Kirkland Napa Valley Meritage opens up showing off a softened structure of sour cherry and balanced peppery notes. All this without being too dry on the tongue.

 

Grab two glasses, pop the bottle and throw the cork away. Laugh, cry and double fist cheeseball smeared crackers while you dish dirt and regale stories with your bestie. If you see the Kirkland Signature Oakville Merlot, I do like that a wee-bit more, but that comes with a price tag of $17.99. With the $7 savings, I’m buying me some chocolate to join that cheeseball.

Pertinace Barbera d’Alba

Cost: Average price $14.99

Where buy now: Costco

Grapes: Barbera

Region: Italy

Vintage: 2012

Pertinace Barbera d'Alba Costco
Pertinace Barbera d’Alba

But of course I kicked off 2016, with an Italian. Pertinace Barbera d’Alba is one of the more expensive wines I’ve bought at Costco ringing in at a *gasp* $14.99!

 

First whiff and taste = rip red fruit. It smelled almost sweet-like. At first this Barbera was tight on taste, begging to develop. Have patience my friends, let her get comfy and she loosens up a bit, balancing cherries, tobacco and tannins. Pertinace Barbera d’Alba is like a seductive burlesque dancer, subdued at first then exposing its talents, creating a memorable experience.

 

2016 New Year Resolution: exhibit more patience.

 

Who are we kidding? It’s to drink less wine in sweatpants.

Kirkland Brand Côtes du Rhône Villages

cotedurhone
Côtes du Rhône Villages

Cost: $6.99

Where buy now: Costco

Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre

Region: Rhone, France

Vintage: 2012

To be frank, this wine startled me. Really? A seven dollar Costco chuggin’ wine?

 

Pronounced (Coat-duh-Rone Vih-lahzh) it’s tickled with ripe cherry and old fashioned red licorice flavors. Wait, red licorice? No, not that corn syrupy Twizzlers crap- the REAL stuff. Decent tannins and finish. I decree at only $6.99, this is my Skank Wine of the month pick.

 

We paired Kirkland Brand Côtes du Rhône Villages with some grilled lamb chops (which you can also buy for a song at Costco). Our total meal, wine included, cost $20.  Remember: here in Minnesota, you do NOT need to be a Costco member to buy booze. It’s separate from the main warehouse.

 

From what the Farmer’s Almanac has been forecasting, we may be in for one helluva long Winter (again). Therefore, at only $6.99, buy a damn case. Your soul will thank you when you’re ready to fashion a noose because it’s still 100 f’ing below in March.

 

If you’re just a drinker and not a researcher, move your ass going to the store. Want to read more on the differences among the Côtes du Rhône region upon your return? I defer you to my pals at Wine Folly.