WEEKEND WINE PICKS
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner’s Reserve 2016, California $23.99 | 89/100
UPC:
081584013105
K-J owns all fruit that goes into its two-million-plus case brand. Winemaker Randy Ullom describes the blend as Monterey County citrus and lime flavours, with the mango and pineapple flavours of Santa Barbara County, green apple notes of Mendocino County, and Sonoma County’s ripe pears. The wine is fermented and aged in French and American oak barrels and aged sur lie. Soft, round and fresh, it is fully ready to drink. Try it with a chicken salad or a favourite creamy pasta dish.
Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner’s Reserve 2014, Sonoma County, California $20-$30 | 90/100
UPC:
081584013174
If sommeliers drank a little less Alsace and a little more K-J occasionally, a lot of wine lists would improve. This vintage was a cracker, and the wine simply sings at three years old. Look for a seamless mix of black fruit and cassis with a dollop of vanilla and mocha, all with some finesse. Ready to drink and perfectly suited to red meats. Back up the truck. Private wine shops only.
Kendall-Jackson Jackson Estate Camelot Highlands Chardonnay 2015, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California $49.95 | 91/100
UPC:
081584003144 Unabashedly Californian Chardonnay from a hillside that sits above the Santa Maria Bench in Santa Barbara. The Chardonnay blocks known as the Camelot Highlands is what winemaker Randy Ullom calls the filet mignon section. The vines, planted to their own roots and over 40 years old, are deeply set in an ancient seabed. Tropical fruits mark the nose with scents of pineapple, mango and papaya, previewing a creamy rich mid-palate laced with butter, mineral, cinnamon, vanilla, orange and creme brulee. Another crowd pleaser. Private wine shops only.
Kendall-Jackson Jackson Estate Outland Ridge Pinot Noir 2014, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California $56.99 | 91/100
UPC:
081584003199
This has nothing to do with Burgundy but everything to do with the Anderson Valley and the wild Sonoma Coast — remote, distant, yet memorable. The nose is a mix of raspberry, pepper, smoky, blueberry, mocha with a savoury undercurrent of celery salt, plus vanilla aromas. The attack is clean, fresh, juicy and elegant but with intensity and more peppery, savoury, herbal, compost notes with a vanilla, licorice finish. Bring on the duck, quail, turkey and smoked meats. Private wine shops only.
Kendall-Jackson Jackson Estate Hawkeye Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California $60.99 | 94/100
UPC:
081584003120
A half year down the road there are no substantial changes here. The Hawkeye Mountain is K-J’s signature Alexander Mountain property, planted from 270 to 660 metres above sea level. Shallow, rocky and gravelly loam on steep, westward facing hillsides with some terracing is the home to the limited release Hawkeye Ridge Cabernet — an island in the sky above the fog line. The mountain textures are accentuated by spicy, licorice, tobacco, black cherry fruit. The finish is long, savoury and persistent. This will easily repay a decade in the bottle. Private wine shops only.