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.