Review: 2019 Kirkland Signature Malbec


I have been told by various sources of ill repute this is Trapchie Broquel, and if that’s the case you’ll find no quarrel with me. I suppose if I had looked at the name Sergio Case on the back of the label, I would have picked that notion up sooner. Whether or not this is discarded stuff from their label or a special blend made for Costco is still to be determined, but either way this is a $8 bottle that I’ve seen go for $15-20 under its own label, so there’s already incentive to drive across town to the local Costco and pick up a few bottles. I received this from someone last autumn and there was minimal desire to explore this bottle until I got down to my last few left on the rack. Unwilling to sacrifice some bigger shoots, I uncorked this while watching a DVD of old Wu-Tang music videos. Not exactly the tasting environment that the big guns like Suckling are utilizing, but whatever works at this point.

After decanting about 5 or 6 videos in length (needed a break from Shaq’s “No Hook” with Method Man and RZA), this wine put its best foot forward: loads of cherry and pepper with a mouthfeel that’s chewy but welcome. A bit too floral on the nose but that mellows out, too. Don’t expect a dragdown knockout miracle tasting session like the Zapata Argentino my ace reviewed the other day, but it’s solid and holds its own as an everyday drinker if you’re on a budget.

$7 USD