Enjoy a flight of four wines from Kenwood Vineyards for only $4! We are featuring their Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon from their Sonoma Series. We will be joined behind the bar by Stacy Rogg of Heidelberg wines to answer your questions about these amazing value driven wines!
A few Words on Kenwood Vineyards:
Underrated… Forgotten… These are two words that describe Kenwood Vineyards. That are so far from the truth. I believe that just because the brand has been around a long time (established in the 1970) they get overlooked. Their single vineyard Cabernet and Merlot from the Jack London single vineyards have been produced for more than 40 vintages and are still on the shelves here for $20. The Sonoma County series we are featuring in the tasting stands alone. Still listed as Sonoma County? Not just California? Nearly two years of barrel aging, including some French oak… At $10? That is how Kenwood has done it for more than 45 vintages now of the Sonoma Series. The time, materials, and effort that goes into these wines is just unreal for the pricepoint.
Featured Wines:
2016 Sauvignon Blanc; $9.99
Sourced from some unbelievable vineyards in Carneros and in the Russian River Valley to add crispness, and acidity. Those are blended with some of their estate fruit in Sonoma Valley that ripen a bit more and bring lots of melon and tropical fruit flavors to the party.
“Aromas and flavors of green pepper, candied grapefruit peels, and wheat grass with ginger with a bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and an interesting, medium-long golden apple, spiced kiwi and melon, and creamy nougat finish with fine, chewy, fruit tannins and no oak.” - $1.00 Sample
2016 Chardonnay; $9.99
The majority of the fruit for this was sourced from the Russian River Valley, amoung one of the most desirable Chardonnay regions in California. The grapes were all hand harvested, whole cluster pressed, and then aged on a mixutre of French and Hungarian oak for 6 months. As the primary fermentation in barrel ended (converting sugar to alcohol) a secondary malolactic fermentation was innoculated to create a bit of butteriness and a rich round texture.
“… Aromas of frosted lemon cake and apple yogurt with a vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a medium-long pineapplerelish, spiced nut brittle, and sweet cream finish with fine, dusty tannins and light oak. A very tasty, nicely balanced chardonnay that will be quite versatile.” Tastings.com - $1.00 Sample
2014 Merlot; $9.99
I forget about this wine every now and then just because of how long Kenwood has been around, but for under $10 this is the best Merlot there is. They blend grapes from their Estate Vineyard in Sonoma Valley with rich and spicy grapes from Dry Creek and Alexander Valley. The dry year produces low yields in the vineyard, but they are extremely concentrated grapes. Intensely flavorful with rich color and body. Aged 21 months in a mixture of French and American oak barrels(nearly unheard of this kind of aging at this price.)
Fruit forward with aromas of ripe plums and dried cherries witih spicy notes of cinnamon, licorice and vanilla. Unbelievable complexity , well-balanced tannins and velvety mouthfeel lead to a long finish. - $1.00 Sample
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon; $12.99
Blended with a touch of Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc to add some wonderful complexity. Aged just short of two years in French, Hungarian, and American oak barrels. Just a delicious value that is ready to be drank now.
“This Sonoma County wine showcases delicious aromas of cassis, plum, and black cherry accompany spicy notes of nutmeg, sage, and vanilla. This full-bodied wine has bright flavors with a lively pallet that end with a long, elegant finish.” - $1.00 Sample