New arrivals: June 2011
The Carneros American Viticultural Area
(AVA) is located in the southern portion of the
Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley wine regions. It is
directly north of San Pablo Bay, where the cool
Pacific temperatures create one of the best climates
for growing high-quality California Pinot Noir.
There is plenty of sunshine and enough warmth, but
the famous fog cools down the vines and grapes
every afternoon. The result is grapes with high acidity and the rich, ripe red and black cherry and strawberry flavors, plus a hint of earthiness.
The 2009 growing season in Carneros was cool
and long, and this led to thicker skins with increased
flavor and color, and the essential acidity.
Kirkland Signature 2009 Carneros Pinot Noir
was made by winemaker Anthony Austin, one of the
best known pioneers of the California Pinot Noir
movement. He has more than 28 years of Pinot Noir
production experience in California, and no one is
more dedicated to the production of 100 percent
pure Pinot Noir.
Tasting notes
“To express the complex and plush gracefulness
of this grape, the best clones from many of the cool-
est Carneros vineyards were selected,” says Austin.
“The aromas of raspberry, cherry and mocha are
supported by vanilla and spice from maturation in
small French oak barrels, with brilliant lifting acid-
ity on the finish.”
Kirkland Signature 2009 Carneros Pinot Noir
pairs best with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin and
grilled salmon.
Kirkland Signature 2008
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Region and vintage
The Alexander Valley is located in the northeastern section of Sonoma County, in Northern
California, and is the largest and most fully planted
wine region in Sonoma. The. The Alexander Valley
is a warm area, but the nearby Russian River, which
flows down the valley and is surrounded by vineyards on both sides, serves as a moderator of the
heat, and contributes to early-morning fog that
burns off in the morning sun.
In 2008, the Alexander Valley started with a wet
spring and some areas experienced a late frost.
However, a sunny, warm September matured the
fruit so the grapes were harvested at peak ripeness.
The Alexander Valley’s terrain adds to the palette of
textures and flavors of this Cabernet Sauvigno.
Tasting notes
Kirkland Signature 2008 Alexander Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon is a vibrant ruby color with
elegant medium body, excellent structure, and moderate tannin and grip. Aromas of red cherry, vanilla
and mocha are coupled with a complex note of
loamy earth. The flavors are dominated by red currant, cherry, bittersweet chocolate and coffee bean.
The fruity Cabernet flavors marry precisely
with the hints of spice and vanilla derived from oak
maturation. The result is a wine that pairs well with
grilled rib-eye steak, roasted lamb shank and rich,
hearty pasta dishes.
Send wine questions to
kswineconnection@costco.com.
Annette Alvarez-Peters oversees
Costco’s national wine, spirits and
beer program.
PHO TO: MICHAEL FALCO
