Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/711666
{ SOMMjournal.com } 67 Chief Winemaker Pat Henderson in the vineyards at Kenwood. "We found that we had really interesting wines, but wanted to beef up our offerings to the consumer" Tasting Kenwood Notes by Jeff Cox. All prices are sug- gested retail. Kenwood 2014 Six Ridges Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($32) A cool-climate wine with a mouthful of red fruits: currants, raspberries, and pomegranate from a small amount of Syrah in the blend. A careful tasting reveals hints of spices like cloves and nutmeg with a bit of vanillin oak. It has bright flavor, full mouthfeel and soft tannins. Kenwood 2014 Six Ridges Chardonnay, Russian River Valley ($26) There's apple and citrus at first, but then the wine opens in the mouth to reveal white peach, a smidge of tropical fruit and allspice. Sur lie aging with a weekly stirring produces a pleasant yeasty note. Kenwood 2012 Six Ridges Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley ($35) This rich, full-bodied Cabernet first pleases the nose with aromas of cherries, cassis, spicy cinnamon and cloves, and hints of lavender. Then it's black fruits on the palate: Bing cherries, black plums, and blackberries. A well-balanced wine with silky tannins on the lingering finish. Kenwood 2013 Jack London Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Mountain ($35) Here's a Cab of true terroir, grown on the site of Jack London's Beauty Ranch. Its cherry and plum flavors are enhanced by spicy notes of spearmint and even cardamom with a hazelnut component in the background. This is a big wine with sturdy tannins from a great vintage and can be cellared for years. Kenwood 2013 Jack London Zinfandel, Sonoma Mountain ($28) An exceptional vintage year yielded intensely flavored Zinfandel at the Jack London ranch. Dark and brambly blackberry flavors join with bright red currants and raspberries. Zin's typical spiciness is present, along with a little vanillin oak. The finish is remarkably long.