New arrival: March 2011
Kirkland Signature 2009 Rutherford Meritage
Region
The Rutherford AVA (American Viticultural
Area) is one of the smallest sub-appellations within
the world-famous Napa Valley AVA. The rich soil is
of a volcanic nature, a combination of loamy sand
and gravel, which helps to promote drainage and the
development of deeply rooted vines. California
winemakers recognize Rutherford as one of the finest locations in the world for the production of high-quality Bordeaux varietals.
Winemaking
Meritage wines are a combination of more than
one of the Bordeaux varieties and are traditionally
dominated by either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
The winemaking team of Zach Long and Marco
DiGiulio carefully crafted the 2009 Kirkland
Signature Rutherford Meritage with 70 percent
Cabernet Sauvignon, 15 percent Merlot, 12 percent
Petit Verdot and 3 percent Cabernet Franc. Careful
maturation in small French oak barrels layered this
wine with fully integrated spice notes, supported by
a seamless thread of natural, ripe acidity.
Tasting notes
“Rutherford dust” is one of the most compelling
and identifiable aromas and flavors in the wine
world.
“It is a flavor and bouquet that starts in the vineyard,” says DiGiulio. “The soft powder, fine dust and
perfumed soil of Rutherford have a beautiful, earthy
bouquet, which is transferred to both grapes and
wine. It is present in the vineyard, in the air and in
the grapes. You could say it is a classic expression of
the specific terroir of Rutherford. It is truly a driving
component behind the 2009 Kirkland Signature
Rutherford Meritage. You can taste and smell the
classic and inviting notes that wine lovers all over
the world simply call Rutherford dust.”
Send wine questions to
kswineconnection@costco.com.
Annette Alvarez-Peters oversees
Costco’s national wine, spirits and
beer program.
PHO TO: MICHAEL FALCO
