88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc from Sonoma County, California.
SRP of $28 and available for as low as $19. Sample submitted for review.
From the bottle:
"Our Grand Reserve is crafted with grapes hand-selected from specific areas of our Jackson Estates Grown vineyards on Alexander Mountain estate and other nearby properties. Growing vineyards on these mountains and hillsides has produced intense, concentrated grapes. This Cabernet has cassis, currant and black cherry tones with enticing aromas of mocha, nutmeg and cinnamon that are the effects of 17 months of barrel aging.
13.5% Alcohol"
Today's wine is the first we have reviewed from the very popular Kendall-Jackson. As far as I can tell the Grand Reserve line is a mid-tier line of wines, a step up from the Vintner's Reserve but not to the level or expense of the Highland Estates line. Honestly, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by this wine. And if you're into apps for your phone, they have a pretty cool one that gives you all different kinds of recommendations (expert, Facebook friends, even by mood) as well as a rather unique food/wine pairing system based on colors. But let's get to the wine, shall we?
The 2009 Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon begins with a really pleasant aroma, especially after a couple of hours in the glass. Blackberry, cola, licorice and spice are the dominant flavors. Tasting the wine reveals a very smooth, easy to drink texture along with good balance and complexity. You'll also find more blackberry flavor along with black currant, a little coffee and smoke and nice soft tannins. The finish is dry and delicious with good length. It was just as good on day 2 so have no fear about wasting this one if you don't finish it the first day, it'll keep on the counter just fine until tomorrow (if you can wait that long).
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 7.3
