Kirkland 2009 Rutherford Meritage

After tasting the superb 2007 Kirkland Napa Meritage (and reading all of the wonderful comments which agreed with), I was quick to toss this bottle in the cart in a recent Costco visit. At $14, it was a few dollars more than that last gem, but worth a try.

This wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Strong spices on the nose and quick to shock your palate, but become enjoyable over the long finish. Dark fruits with the smokey/oak coming through on the finish. Given a steak, this would near the top of the list for a bottle of wine under $15. A bit strong for a sipping wine. My wife drops the 5/10 rating, I’ll give it a 7/10. Definitely worth a try, especially if you like a full-bodied, big, bold red.

Cupcake Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Savignon

It's probably time to send out a warning (again) that if you bring a bottle of wine over to our house, it's going to be reviewed on AWineAWeek.com. Either choose wisely (don't mistake that for a need to buy something expensive) or go with beer.

So I can't even get this down...thick and sugary. You can't discern any other flavors as the sweetness is overwhelming. My wife says "it's not the worst thing I've ever had" and rates it a 2.5/10.

I've seen this bottle all over the grocery store endcaps and is typically priced around $8-9. 1.5/10 is my rating...I'm not going to finish my glass.

Now, excuse me while I go brush my teeth...I feel a cavity or three coming on.

Louis M. Martini 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

This is one of my favorite grocery store wines – certainly a go-to. Typically it’s $15-$17 at Harris Teeter, but it was on sale for $9.99. For that price, I’m giving this a 8 out of 10 and putting it in my Best Inexpensive Wines category. Red Laser can’t even find it online for that cheap. Total Wine has it for $14.

I call this a “wine drinker’s wine” because it’s very dry and complex (for a $10 wine). Cherry, blackberry, currant, and a bite to finish with hints of vanilla. It will go well with red meats or hearty meals.

Cousino-Macul Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Antiguas Reservas

Hailing from the Maipo Valley of Chile, this sustainably farmed cab held up well to my carribean jerk grilled chicken tonight. It also paired nicely with the back 9 of the Masters as well ;)

Strong spice that tinges the nostrils and lingers nicely throughout. Cherry flavors lead and those spices with vanilla on the finish. I'm a fan.

Good buy for $13 at Costco. 6.5/10 rating.

Chateau Bel Air L'Espérance 2008 Grand Vin de Bordeaux

In my last visit to Total Wine, I took a stroll down the France aisle and a few bottles caught my eye. This particular Bordeaux is a red blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Franc. As the wife is dusting as I try to taste this wine, everything seems to taste like Pledge ;)

Seriously though, this is a good blend for the $9 price point. Light cherry on the nose. Overall, a very smooth wine and not overbearing. The granite undertones of this wine are striking – I could see some folks not enjoying that. For a lighter bodied wine, the tannins can sneak up on you. Also of note, the stubby little cork…it was only 2/3’s the length of a normal cork. Interesting first impression. 7/10 rating – I’d get this again, especially great value for the price.

Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

This wine really came out after a few days of being opened and went from a weak 6/10 to a strong 8/10. Great buy for $11 at Costco for this organically grown gem. Earthy tones with a nasal spice. Great finish with vanilla. Bold dark cherry and dark fruits. Sadly, these are the wines that never last long at the Costco…get one while you can.

2008 Catena Cabernet Sauvignon

I swear most wine from Mendoza, Argentina tastes similar - that nutty, earthy flavor - even when it's a Malbec vs. a Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is even a deep purple color like a Malbec as well. Basically, I'm convinced this wine is made from Malbec grapes ;) $15 at Costco is a bit steep for this bottle, although that's a few bucks less than you can find it for on the net. Heavy on dark fruits, with that "Mendoza flavor" (I'm going to trademark that). Not a fan, 3.5/10 - not something I'd pay more than $8 for...and even then, not my style.

Newman’s Own 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

I’ve seen Paul’s mug in a few aisles at Wal-Mart, but didn’t expect to see his grin in the wine section. Cool Hand Luke aims to please the general populous with this vino…it should appeal to the masses with it’s smooth, medium-bodied and somewhat sweet flavors. With all profits going to charity, I’ll spring the $9.50 for this one. Cherry flavors with a bit of sweetness, ending with a slight peppery bite. Medium dry finish. Aims to please. 5.5/10…slightly above average, but very even keeled.

Kirkland 2008 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Back up, step away, and let it breathe...

Even on the third night, the tannins are strong. We tried to drink this immediately out of the bottle a few nights back, but I couldn't do it. If you have this on your shelf, don't rush it as it should grow into itself in another year or so. Tough to hog precious rack space on a $13 wine, so I have to rate this a 4/10. Disappointing as my previous Kirkland "vineyard" purchases have done well.

Very dark in color with heavy currant on the palate. Almost sour-tasting. Very slight vanilla on the finish, but very overpowered by the tannins. You'll want a heavy red pasta dish or fatty steak with this one. Pizza night tomorrow...hope it's still good.

Ugly Duckling 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Dry with overt black cherry. The currant was very heavy on night 1, but has mellowed since. Still on the tart side, but a good balance. 5.5/10 as I was happy with it, but not sure it's one I'd repurchase. That said, with a name like Ugly Duckling, it will certainly standout on a menu. $11 at Total Wine.

Line Shack 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Hailing from the San Antonio Valley of northern California, Line Shack is a name derived from the shelters workers stayed in while they were away from home.

This wine was a hit at my BBQ on Sunday night. For $15 a bottle, it should be good. I'd buy it again and will rate it 6.5/10 as it's above expectations...but didn't blow me away.

Very intense flavors of dark cherry & vanilla. Spice on the finish that dries up nicely. Decent tannins as expected with a 14.8% concentration of the goodness. I'm a fan.

Alterra 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Another staff pick from Total Wine does well on A Wine A Week. I'm a fan; very cherry forward with well-balanced, mild tannins. Dries up fairly quickly on the finish.

At $14, it's slightly better than expected and I certainly enjoyable. That said, I'd probably roll the dice on an unknown in this price range before going after the Alterra again. 6/10 rating.

Marques de Casa Concha 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Chilie's largest wine house, Concha y Toro, puts this one out. Hold on to your socks, because this is one strong, dry cab. I didn't like it on the first sip, but it quickly grows on you.

The strong currant flavors grab you quick, and licorice and coffee flavors make this wine quite unique. Dark, ripe blackberries also stand out.

There is a lot going on for the $15 price tag, but again, it's very unique and strong. You'll want a hearty meal with this one, but I did enjoy the change from your typical cab. 6/10 rating.

Daglia Canyon 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

The vanilla stands out on the finish and on the nose. Black cherry, slight spice, slight dryness. A bit gummy. Priced at $16 at Total Wine, it came highly recommended by the Total Wine staff.

Unfortunately, it wasn't anything special as it hit the average rating right on the nose - 5 out of 10. I'd roll the dice on a stranger in this price grouping before trying this one again, but it was nice. Warning: very red lips and teeth to follow.

Cruz Alta 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

I drank this a few nights ago as it was recommended by the Total Wine staff. Can't remember too many specifics, but decent bottle for $12 - 5.5 out of 10 rating. Blackberry, cherry...not too overwhelming and good to serve to guests.

I'm posting this one for my own records, but good reviews can be found on Cellar Tracker.

Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

It's the second time I've purchased this wine - the first was a random pick up to complement a Costco pizza and unfortunately wasn't equipted to blog about it. It's a top notch, rich red wine that A Wine A Week readers need to try. I'll rate it a 7 out of 10 and suggest you give it a go. $12 from Costco.

Smoky, spice and everything nice. You'll really notice the strong tobacco flavors. Black cherry and slight vanilla. Great with food or for sippin' - excellent immediately upon uncorking. This bold wine will overshadow most food, so best to pair with your average pasta or grilled meat meal.

One warning, it does bring the dreaded purple teeth...so keep wiping!

Excelsior 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Too tart for this guy...the hint of strawberry sweetness is quickly covered up by the currant tidalwave. Mostly plum, blackberry and hints of chocolate. Very juicy.

While it's 90% Cab, it also contains 8% Shiraz and 2% Petit Verdot. Here is a better review than mine. :)

Overall, not a fan. 3/10 rating despite the inexpensive price tag of $7 from Costco.

Edna Valley Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Surprisingly strong and flavorful for a $9.99 bottle. Very dry as well - overall a strong 8/10. I found this being promoted on an end cap at the local grocery, Harris Teeter.

This wine hails from the central coast of California, where the warmer climates let Cabernet grapes florish. Blackberries, black cherries, hints of cocoa, with a lightly spiced oaky finish. Slight vanilla in the nose. Tannins are strong and compliment the dry finish nicely. No complaints here - the Edna Valley Cabernet makes the A Wine A Week top inexpensive wine list.

Francis Coppola 2007 Diamond Claret Wine

For those who know the four P's of Marketing, this wine covers 3 of the 4 well:

1. Price: $13, not too steep
2. Promotion: With the black and gold, the design is top-notch. Plus, the gold thread is unique and certainly makes it stand out.
3. Place: Costco, known to have great value on quality wines
4. Product: yeah...the wine could have been better

3 out of 4 ain't half bad ;). I'll give it 5.5/10.

"Claret" isn't some new grape, it's just a fancy way of saying it's made in the traditional Bordeaux style. A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc.

Once I opened the bottle, the aromas filled the room - very strong, especially with the oak/vanilla scents. The dryness came out on the second night, which helped it along. Coppola's Director's Cut Zinfandel blows this out of the water, spend a few extra bucks (stocked at Trader Joe's).

Step Rd Beacon Hill 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Step Rd Cabernet was a surprisingly good pick up from Total Wine for $10. I'll give it a strong 6.5 out of 10. Definitely drinks like ~$14 wine...not blowing my socks off, but beats out the normal $10 bottle of vino.

Dark berries with tannins biting nicely on the finish. Cola flavors as well with oak. Could be a bit dryer, but not complaining. A great weeknight wine.