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Kirkland Signature Columbia Valley Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Costco has had this Kirkland Signature Columbia Valley Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon in stock for several weeks.  Since there are so many choices and so little time, I am just now getting around to trying it.  This wine is 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley.  Because the wine exceeds 75% Merlot, they could have labeled this as Columbia Valley Merlot, but Costco already has another wine called Columbia Valley Merlot and they designated this as Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon.  The wine is 14.9% alcohol.

The bottle identifies Joshua Maloney as the winemaker.  Maloney is the Director of Winemaking for Milbrant Vineyards as well as owner of Maloney Wines.  He began in the winemaking business in the Finger Lakes of New York, then to California and later to Columbia Valley with Chateau Ste. Michelle.

The wine begins softly with juicy dark fruit and a hint of mocha. It finishes with some oak and medium tannins.  The wine is very good but I would prefer just a little lighter fruit as well as the dark fruit in the initial sip.  All in all this is an above average Merlot for a below average price ($8.99) and it will pair well with red meat.

SC Wine Joe rating = 89 points




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