The 2019 vintage of The Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone ($12.99) has finally arrived at our local Costco and I think is better than the recent vintages I have tried.

Once again the wine is produced by Patrick Lesec. He is not a vigneron (grower) and does not own any vineyards but his specialty is sourcing the best possible fruit from a range of growers and then blending to achieve a consistent style each year. M. Lesec makes great efforts to search out the finest terroirs, the best soils with old vineyards — and thus the finest sources of grapes. These are often growers who own parcels of the best sites, but who may not bottle wine under their own label.

The wines are usually a blend of grapes, with each variety contributing its own individual characteristics. Grenache, the main grape of the area for red wines often forms the basis of the wines giving fruitiness, warmth and body. Syrah and Mourvèdre adds spice, colour and strength to the wine, allowing it to age well. Some are ready to drink soon after bottling, while others have the ability to age for a decade or more depending on the vintage. The finished wine should be a ruby red/purple colour with aromas of warm blackberry and cherry fruits and scents of dried herbs such as lavender, juniper, bay leaf, fennel, rosemary, sage or thyme.

This is a traditional blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. A huge wine for the price, look for fragrant aromas of smoked meat, sweet raspberry, kirsch, strawberries, spice box, dried herbs, leather and french oak. The palate is well structured with its rich flavours of black and red fruits, spice, garrigue, soft acidity and firm tannins. This is not a fruit bomb but an elegant, refined wine. Fantastic to enjoy now for the sheer deliciousness of it but will reward with 3-5 years of cellaring.

In Vino Veritas