Seattle-based Precept Wine recently joined the very small circle of Washington state vintners to produce a Kirkland Signature Series wine for Costco, and while Andrew Browne owns no vineyards on Red Mountain, his team got its hands on some Cab from an unrevealed source in the region’s most coveted American Viticultural Area. Merlot makes up 20% of the bottling, and a bit of juice (7%) was pulled from the Horse Heaven Hills. The use of oak — 40 percent new — announces itself with density in the nose of dark chocolate and cocoa powder, amid notes of black cherry, blackberry and blueberry with hints of menthol and Zig-Zag paper. Chocolate-covered pomegranate, plum and red currant flavors pick up a hint of meatiness. And the drink seems to stay true to its terroir with the assertive, yet fine-grained tannin structure, capped with more dark chocolate. Costco’s collaborative efforts have led to a lineup of Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, so pay close attention to the AVA listed on the label.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 6,000 cases
Alcohol: 13.15%
Leave a Reply