2016 Kirkland Signature Series Stags Leap District Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Wine Wednesday!  It's been unseasonably warm and today it was raining much of the day, signaling that the weather is about to turn remarkably fall like by the weekend.  But for now, it's still 68 degrees out and I can grill my dinner under the eave of the garage.  To pair with my dinner, I've decided to open a second bottle of Costco's Kirkland Signature wines I bought a few weeks ago.  The Brunello was a bit unimpressive, so let's see if we can do better with the 2016 Kirkland Signature Series Stags Leap District Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon!

The wine is a deep, inky purple at the center, with bright ruby along the edges, typical of a big, bold Napa Cabernet.  The nose is somewhat elegant, with earthy aromas of leather and green grass, over some notes of blackberry and a hint of lavender.  The taste is a rush of black fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum that transition to some dusty limestone and black pepper notes midpalate.  There is a bit of tartness on the back end, before the rather youthful tannins bring you into the smooth, dry finish.

Overall, I'd rate this wine a solid 8, this was a nice example of a descent Stags Leap Cabernet, at a much more approachable price (I think this was around $27).  Like many Napa Cabernets, this wine would be perfect with steak, prime rib or a variety of hearty meals coming up this fall.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a nice filet mignon grilled rare, along with some grilled asparagus and a big, loaded baked potato.  Cheers!