Three iconic wines and recipes
from Kendall-Jackson
YOU need to try
By: Linda Kissam
Kendall-Jackson is one of America’s most popular wineries and for good reason. They continue to produce wines that are affordable and consistent. If you haven’t tried one of their wines lately, you are definitely missing out. In this article I have three iconic favorites I think you should take for a spin and a sip.
Founder Jess Jackson, converted what began in 1974 as an 80-acre pear and walnut farm in Lake County, CA., into a vine-covered global empire with properties in Chile, Australia, Italy and France.
Photo courtesy of Kendall-Jackson
The winery was founded in 1982.The winery’s first result, released in 1983, was Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay. It was an instant hit with wine drinkers. In the same year, Grand Reserve was introduced, a line of ultra-premium wines.
The Kendall-Jackson label is now one of the most popular brands in the United States. It is currently led by Jess Jackson’s wife Barbara Banke and their children. Kendall-Jackson is located in Sonoma County and offers a large variety of much-celebrated wines grown on the family’s estate vineyards along the coastal ridges of California.
Try the recipes!
Kendall-Jackson presents a benchmark of excellence and reliability in family-owned California winemaking. Wine enthusiasts and novices alike love the wines enjoying the marine influence and high elevation vineyard sites, which produce grapes with rich flavors and unique character.
I was recently sent three wines to review. I enjoyed each wine and recommend you give them a try.
Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay 2018
$10 -$17
Vintners Reserve Chardonnay
This is America’s #1 selling Chardonnay for 26 years! It’s the winery’s most popular release. Handcrafted in small vineyard lots throughout the entire winemaking process, the grapes come from California’s cool, coastal growing regions. Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay is unoaked, fruit-forward, palate friendly and goes well with many foods.
On the nose and palate think lemons, figs, pear and a hint of apple spice. It has an intriguing minerally mid palate. I would consider this more of a lightly tropical wine with just enough body to get your attention. Lingering finish. California label designation.
Pairs well with seafood and Alfredo dishes. The ideal glass shape to use with this wine is a white Burgundy one.
Here’s an interesting Mango Shrimp Salad recipe for you.
Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
$18-$25
Vintner’s Reserve Cab
This is a mid-range Cab. It is excellent for those just learning about what a solid cab should be or for anyone looking for a cab that does not shout over food. Serious wine aficionados will find it a bit of a light weight, but almost everyone else is likely to love it.
Aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, vanilla and cassis will tempt you. Tannins on the mid-palate do not overwhelm. Lovely ending notes of vanilla and a mocha dawdle on the finish. It is approachable wine at a great value.
Try drinking it from a Bordeaux glass for maximum flavor. It will pair will with a Rib Eye Steak or Lasagna.
Here’s a great Prime Rib with Rosemary Garlic Butter recipe for you
Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir 2018
$15- $20
Vintner’s Reserve Pinot
Delivering a lively cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruit combo with dusty undertones on the nose, I think you’ll like this one…I certainly did. This is a great wine to serve at any of the major holiday dinners. The infused notes of mild spice are pretty darn cool. There’s some oak aging that helps present the palate with a tasteful finish of vanilla. It’s a lighter ruby color in the glass opening on the palate with cranberries, red cherries, and sweet spice. It’s like a taste of autumn sunshine in a glass. Expect a lighter body, but still with good intensity. Serve in a Burgundy wine glass. A great pairing would be ham or lamb chops.
