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Kirkland Signature Sonoma County Old Vine Zinfandel 2011 back at Costco

Last year, the Kirkland Signature Sonoma County Old Vine Zinfandel was a big hit at my house.  It has recently returned to the local Costco.  I purchased a couple of bottles and could not wait to try the new version, so Super Bowl Sunday seemed like a great time.  To help me evaluate the wine, I finished off the remnant of XYZin from Saturday and planned to compare The Kirkland to XYZin(see my review of XYZin last year).  From the bottles you would certainly expect the Kirkland to be superior.  Kirkland is from a more narrowly defined region(Sonoma County vs. California), it is an older vintage and has more A.C.(15.3%).  Since both are sold at Costco for $9.99, the Kirkland obviously should be a better value.

When I put the Kirkland Zin to my nose, I was met with abundant fruit, pepper and spice.  The taste began with rich blackberry, pepper and licorice.  Initially I was impressed.  However, the more I drank, the less I liked it.  I began to conclude this was a very hot, alc. tasting blend, with poor balance between alc. and fruit.  In fact, all I could taste on the finish was the alc.

I have another bottle to try in a few days.  If I have a better experience, I will post part 2 to this review.  In the meantime, the Kirkland Signature Malbec is also back and I will report on that wine next.

SC Wine Joe rating=85

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