2021 Kirkland Signature Napa Valley Red Blend

We’re getting a fresh batch of Kirkland wines hitting stores, and we’ve heard from readers there are several more out there, so hopefully we can get reviews up here for everyone.

The Kirkland Napa Red Blend has really come a long way over the years. Since it’s earliest intro as the 2014 Kirkland Meritage, the price has steadied at $10.99, and the ratings have climbed, always a good trend.

For the 2021 vintage, we were happy to see the $10.99 price tag once again, and the placard included some pretty high ratings, including 91 points from Wine Enthusiast.

Here’s our take on this one over the years, culminating with the 2020 vintage which we feel has been the highlight so far.

2020 – 90 points

2019 – 89 points

2018 – 86 points

2016 – 86 points

2015 – 86 points

2014 – 86 points (the wine was labeled as a Meritage with this vintage, instead of red blend)

As we look at and taste the new 2021, we see the varietal makeup has changed slightly from the prior year: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 10% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.

This is less Cab, more Merlot, the addition of Malbec and the removal of Petite Sirah. All that said, our tasting notes are pretty similar to the prior vintage, but this new one was a little less appealing in the finish.

The wine pours a medium to deep ruby in the glass with dried black fruit and cherry on the nose; in the mouth it is full bodied, rich and silky; flavors of black cherry, and blackberry with good acidity, and nice spice; finish is a little on the quick side but a very nice package overall.

We continue to enjoy this one quite a bit, but we’re going to bring the rating down from 90, to a still very respectable 89.

CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 89 points

Costco item number: 333110

Purchased at Costco in: Kennesaw, GA

Alc. 14.5%