California produces some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world, with perhaps no region in the state being better than Napa.  While a lot of Napa producers are incredibly exclusive and expensive, Costco once again comes to the rescue with their Kirkland Signature Series.  At a fraction of the price of other competitors, can Kirkland Signature Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon deliver the same level quality?

Sight:  A deep purple core with a hot magenta edge.

Smell:  Blackberries, blueberries, and plums pop out at the start. A subtle touch of vanilla hangs around some concentrated raspberry brightness.   Touches of spice come in, but the berries drive this nose.

Sip:  The body is soft, but full.  A brightness comes into play, and is combined with hints of oak and smoke wrapped around big jammy blackberries, raspberries, and plums.  Things get a little hot, and elements of cocoa and more spice are strong contributors.  Bitterness runs very slightly through the background.

Savor:  The ending is long, and mixes more of the chocolate, spice, and an initial hit of smoke with a big hint of black currants and blackberries.

Kirkland Signature Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful, smooth, and spicy.  Everything you’d like to see in a traditional Cabernet is fully present here.   It does take it a minute to open up, and is actually a little green straight out of the bottle.  While it isn’t the most complex, it is well layered, and balanced.  If you’re looking for a full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon at a solid price, then Kirkland Signature Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful and tasty.

Verdict:  Blackberry, Smoke, Chocolate, Full-Bodied
Rating: 88
Price: $13
Napa, California