Last year, I reviewed the 2012 vintage of Costco's Kirkland Signature Columbia Valley Merlot. After two bottles, I stated that it had a rich initial taste with a big tannin finish and could substitute for Cabernet to accompany grilled steak. I then rated it at 87 points and did not try it again.
The 2013 KS Columbia Valley Merlot is now in my store and I again purchased two bottles. After the first bottle, I thought that perhaps I underrated the wine last year or that the 2013 was better than the 2012 version. Last night I finished a bottle of one of my favorite Merlots from the Columbia Valley and then opened the second bottle of 2013 KS Columbia Valley Merlot. I have to say that on that one night I enjoyed the Kirkland Merlot better. I still would say that it has a rich initial taste with an oaky tannin finish but this time I think the finish was an asset not a negative. The wine has an alcohol content of 14.5% and is priced at $8.99.
SC Wine Joe rating = 88 points
Glass from RayLen Winery
Yadkin Valley, North Carolina
The 2013 KS Columbia Valley Merlot is now in my store and I again purchased two bottles. After the first bottle, I thought that perhaps I underrated the wine last year or that the 2013 was better than the 2012 version. Last night I finished a bottle of one of my favorite Merlots from the Columbia Valley and then opened the second bottle of 2013 KS Columbia Valley Merlot. I have to say that on that one night I enjoyed the Kirkland Merlot better. I still would say that it has a rich initial taste with an oaky tannin finish but this time I think the finish was an asset not a negative. The wine has an alcohol content of 14.5% and is priced at $8.99.
SC Wine Joe rating = 88 points
Glass from RayLen Winery
Yadkin Valley, North Carolina
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