New arrivals: September 2011
The year 2008 in Napa Valley was one of the
most intricate vintages for vintners, marked by dras-
tic changes in weather. Winemakers in the Napa
Valley were faced with a conglomeration of almost
every weather condition possible. Due to the harsh
weather conditions, the 2008 crop was significantly
smaller for some vineyards. According to Wine
Spectator, after the harsh weather conditions were
over, “It was smooth sailing … resulting in wines of
very good to exceptional quality.”
Despite the drought, frost and blazing heat at
times during the growing year, overall the remain-
ing months of 2008 were relatively calm. The extra
stress on the vines during the harsh weather led to
extra attention by the vintners. This added to the
strength and brilliant color of this 2008 Kirkland
Signature Napa Valley Meritage.
Pairing notes
The 2008 Kirkland Signature Napa Valley
Meritage is a rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and
Merlot, making it a terrific match for braised beef,
lamb and pork. The robust flavors of Meritage also
pair well with heavily marbled steaks and meats
with rich sauces or a vegetarian dish based on wild
grains and hearty mushrooms.
2010 Kirkland Signature Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Vineyards and vintage
The finest Pinot Noir grapes need a long growing season full of sunshine and cool temperatures.
Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley meets these
conditions, with a cooling fog from the Pacific
Ocean that lowers the temperatures at night by as
much as 35 degrees. This change in temperature in
the Russian River Valley results in a slow ripening
process, allowing the grape skins to become both
thicker and darker. This increases the vibrancy and
intensity of the flavors and allows for a refreshing
acidity. The thick skins also shield the fruit from the
sun and prevent cooked or baked undertones. This
unique characteristic allows the Russian River
Valley AVA to produce some of the most spectacular
Pinot Noirs worldwide.
Although the 2010 vintage was challenging for
varietals throughout the Sonoma County, the Russian
River overcame the taxing conditions to produce
some of the finest Pinot Noir in recent years. Cool,
wet weather defined most of the 2010 growing season, and almost decimated the crop. In late September,
the warm Indian summer weather finally came and
settled in the valley, extending well into October, providing just enough sunlight for ripening.
Pairing notes
Kirkland Signature Russian River Valley Pinot
Noir is one of the most food-friendly wines on the
market. The black cherry–mocha notes with lifting
acidity are an excellent match for salmon, roasted
chicken, ham and 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
