Description
Founded in 1982 when founder Jess Jackson purchased and replanted an 80-acre pear and walnut orchard north of Napa Valley, Kendall Jackson has continually crafted award-winning
wines, including presidential recognition from the Reagans. The only American Winery to share ownership in a French stave mill, Kendall-Jackson is committed to aging and fermenting their wines in French oak barrels to produce one of the number one
chardonnays in America. On their Alexander Mountain Estate (AME), each grape gets nearly twice the attention compared to the average grape which is only touched 12 times. In 1990, The Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate and Gardens was built by Ken De Baun. Originally meant for tasting and special events, it has become an educational destination for all things food and wine. Kendall-Jackson has continually strived to make their process environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically viable through various methods, partnerships, and practices. In 2016, they won the prestigious “Green Award” for its strides in sustainability. Each varietal is sustainability cared for, continuing to produce rich and complex flavors. Their flagship wines, Vintner’s Reserve, highlight the vivid fruit flavors coaxed by the cool California coast. The Vintner's Reserve Merlot is approachable and deeply concentrated, with soft and supple tannins and flavor imbued by oak. With a splash of
Cabernet Sauvignon, this
Merlot has layers of blackcherry, plum, currant, and wildberry with notes of spice. The finish is long, lingering and silky. For pairing, the team at
CWS suggests herb crusted pork chops or roasted root vegetables.