Tasting Kenwood wines from the store is nothing like tasting with the winemaker himself. So much the better if you can do it after a tour of the vineyards and winery. Seeing the historic estate sitting amongst acres and acres of vines, really gives the “big name brand” wines a sense of time, place, and personality.
Sauvignon Blanc has never been my go-to wine, but I’ve recently found a new appreciation for the varietal. I mean, I guess it’s true with any wine — there will by bad ones and there will be good ones and it all depends on the land, the hands, and the man (or woman). What I mean is, regardless of grape, the end result will be a product of its environment as well as the winemaker’s hand in the winemaking process. I had a chance to sip and savor this Sauvignon Blanc alongside Kenwood Vineyards winemaker himself, Pat Henderson, and learn first hand what went in to crafting this SB.
This Jack London Cabernet Sauvignon was included in the line up during my one-on-one tasting with Kenwood Vineyards winemaker Pat Henderson. Previous to this, I had only tasted the Jack London Zinfandel, which I had a mixed-review for. But this Cab — well, you’ll just have to read the review.
Kenwood Vineyards Six Ridges line is named after the mountain ridges that border the Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Valley and Sonoma Coast. I had the opportunity to taste and talk with Kenwood Vineyards winemaker Pat Henderson about the Six Ridges Pinot Noir. Here are our collective tasting notes.
“Now this is a Wednesday wine.” I’m quoting my partner in wine crime here because I think this statement is spot on. I must be on a Kenwood kick because I had several of their wines in my cellar and, thus, several reviews to publish. Thoroughly impressed by the depth and complexity of their Sonoma County Zinfandel and Chardonnay, I had high hopes when I pulled the cork on Kenwood Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
