There’s lots of nice smokey notes, which are complimented by hints of spice box, mocha, and espresso. Smell: Deeply fruity with lots of plum and blackberry. Sight: Medium purple with a hint of brickish color, touches of orange around the edge. Does Kirkland Signature Malbec 2013 make a great Malbec, or should you look else where for an example? Malbec has enjoyed a resurgence thanks to the great values it presents from Argentina. Notable Regions: Argentina, Cahors (France) General Characteristics: Plum, Vanilla, Cherry, Chocolate While this is the Malbec most people are aware of, Cahors in France also is well known for Malbec, making a brooding, tannic example that’s more rustic and rough, but delicious in it’s own right.

Unlike Bordeaux, the Malbec is more sheltered from frost, and makes low acidity, soft wines with plenty of dark fruit, mocha, and earthy characteristics. If you’ve missed the first few wines, you can read all about Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc, but today’s wine, is the red hot Malbec!Īlthough historically from France (and named cot), Malbec has thrived in Argentina since it’s introduction in the nineteenth century. Hopefully this wine is a rare miss in an ever increasing catalog of great wines at prices consumers can more easily afford.Welcome to Wine 102, a deeper dive into some of the less common varietals you see on store shelves or restaurant wine lists. While I considered not sharing that I wasn’t particularly fond of the 2011 Costco Malbec today, I felt I needed to because I have been such a strong proponent of Costco’s Kirkland Signature Wine Program. With the Alamos I think you can compete with wines in the $10-12 range, while I feel our subject wine today struggles to make an argument for its $6.99 price. It is a more balanced, smoother, more refined wine. While I think it is great to have options, I believe the Alamos is an enjoyable, value-oriented Argentinian Malbec and it is well worth its small price premium. Considering the similar pricing and location of the Kirkland Signature Malbec (right next to the Alamos) it seems obvious that Costco intends for their wine to compete directly with the Alamos. While that isn’t all that much one must consider that for $7.39 you can get the Alamos Malbec, which is also from Mendoza but has a consistently good track record. Ironically, many of their iterations of more expense wines, such as Champagne, Rose Champagne, Napa Valley Cabernet and Napa Valley Meritage, for example, have been really enjoyable considering their price.Ĭostco’s price for this Malbec is $6.99. Perhaps this attempt by Costco to produce a bargain Malbec was a miss. While I didn’t sense any evidence of it being corked or cooked, it is possible that I purchased a bad bottle. Quite frankly I thought this Malbec would be a shoe in. I am somewhat disappointed with this Malbec as I have enjoyed many great wines from the Kirkland Signature Wine Program. Value Proposition – Costco Kirkland Signature Malbec | Costco Wine Should you buy? Try the Costco Malbec in a different vintage.

The finish is somewhat unrefined and unbalanced with a short, hot and slightly gritty finish.

Taste: Medium bodied with flavors of cherries, raspberries, licorice, chocolate and toasty oak. Nose: Sweet red fruit, licorice and some heat (alcohol) coming through. Don’t miss my Costco Wine Price Guide or my post on the Costco Wine Program!Īppearance: Deep reddish purple but not quite as inky as other Malbecs can be.

Kirkland malbec wine