Tag Archives: The Savvy Lush

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.

Did you see me on WCCO?

If you tuned in to Jamie Yuccas’ segment, “Minnesotan to Meet” on WCCO and are visiting my website, THANK YOU, I’m so glad you found me!

Do you enjoy wine? Are you in a wine slump? Are you a cheapskate? Do you know so little about wine you avoid the stuff? Do you just want to get down with your bad self for a night of frolicking? Folks, I’ve come to your rescue. Let me help you find the wine you didn’t know you were looking for?  Look to your right, I’m on social media. Find the platform of your preference and hit me up. No time for socializing? Simply sign up via your email address and you’ll receive a notification every time I post about another wine.

We support the "Drink Pink" movement.
We support the “Drink Pink” movement.

If you are slow to rise after a night of one too many,  you may watch it online. Check out the feature, Minnesotan to Meet.

Sending you Champagne wishes and Cabernet dreams. xoxo