Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Review

Kirkland Signature 2011 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Review

I’m perennially tempted and intrigued by Costco’s Kirkland Signature wines so I thought I might give the Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2011 a try. Alexander Valley is the northernmost part of Sonoma County and is known for producing Cabernet’s that are slightly softer and more elegant in style.

It’s generally cooler temperatures produce a different Cabernet than you get in Napa, where wines are often riper, fruitier and more tannic. Often I find myself more inclined to drink Cabernet that is less fruity with good balance and acidity and Alexander Valley fits the bill at a better price point. Several notable wineries you might recognize produce sought after Cabernet’s from Alexander Valley including Silver Oak,  Jordan and Lancaster Estate.

Kirkland Signature 2011 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Review

Appearance: A light medium brownish red

Nose: A bit oaky but once you get past that there’s quite a bit to like. There are notes of dried red fruit and herbs along with an interesting medicinal/menthol quality that’s really enjoyable.

On the palate: Despite being on the lighter side even for an Alexander Valley Cabernet the oak and alcohol are more perceptible than I’d like, although with time in the glass it did smooth out. There are notes of raspberry, cherry, dried herbs with just a touch of cassis, cocoa and green bell pepper.

Varietal Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage: 2011

Origin: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California

Value Rating:  4.75 / 5     

Price: $8.99

Score:  87

Should you buy? Yes. It’s not without its flaws but the Kirkland Signature Alexander Valley Cabernet makes a compelling value argument.

Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2011 Review

Value Proposition – Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2011 | Costco Wine

I served the Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley to some friends of mine blindly and asked what their opinions on price would be. They guessed that it cost between $18 and $30 and I would agree that if you were tasting this without seeing the label you might think it was a $20 Cabernet.

This wine left me somewhat conflicted to be honest. It was lighter in body and could have used just a bit more polish, extract and overall balance. Having said that, this has some really redeeming qualities to it and it absolutely drank well above it’s modest $9 price point. I would stock up on the Kirkland Signature 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley for holiday parties or for an interesting yet inexpensive weeknight Cabernet.


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4 thoughts on “Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Review

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