Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay is sourced from diverse regions across California’s cool coastal vineyards, which are meticulously selected for their unique climates and soil types. These regions include Monterey County (51%), Santa Barbara County (32%), Mendocino County (16%), and a small portion from Sonoma County (1%).

Monterey County, known for its cool, foggy mornings and warm afternoons, contributes to the wine’s crisp acidity and bright fruit flavors. Santa Barbara County, with its maritime influence, adds complexity and tropical fruit characteristics. Mendocino County’s cooler temperatures help retain acidity and structure, while Sonoma County provides a touch of elegance and balance.

Winemaking

Kendall-Jackson’s winemaking philosophy emphasizes crafting wines in small vineyard lots throughout the entire winemaking process. This ensures that each lot retains its distinct characteristics, contributing to the wine’s complexity. The grapes are whole cluster pressed to preserve the fresh fruit qualities, and the wine undergoes sur lie aging with monthly battonage (lees stirring), which imparts a signature velvety texture and creamy flavor.

The Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay is aged for 5 months in a combination of French (4.5% new) and American oak (7% new). This aging process adds subtle layers of toasted oak and butter to the wine, enhancing its depth and balance.

Tasting Notes

• Color: A luminous golden hue that hints at the richness within.
• Aroma: Enticing aromas of pineapple, mango, and papaya, interwoven with vanilla and honey.
• Palate: Explosive tropical flavors harmonize with citrus notes, creating a mouthwatering experience. The wine’s creamy texture is complemented by a touch of toasted oak and butter, leading to a long, lingering finish.

Did you know?

Kendall-Jackson has built its reputation on a proprietary approach to winemaking, consistently producing wines that exhibit rich layers of flavor and delicate balance. Their commitment to quality and sustainable vineyard practices ensures that each bottle of Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay embodies the best of California’s diverse terroirs.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Lobster with Garlic Butter: The wine’s tropical fruit flavors and creamy texture complement the richness of the lobster and the savory garlic butter.
• Roast Chicken with Herbs: The subtle oak and butter notes in the Chardonnay enhance the flavors of the roasted chicken and herbs, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Butternut Squash Risotto: The wine’s acidity and creamy texture balance the richness of the risotto, while the tropical fruit flavors add a delightful contrast.
• Mango and Avocado Salad: The vibrant tropical notes in the wine echo the fresh flavors in the salad, making for a refreshing and elegant pairing.

For the last 21 consecutive years, the winery’s Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay has been the #1 selling Chardonnay in America.

One aspect that distinguishes Kendall-Jackson’s wines from their competitors is vineyard sourcing. Kendall-Jackson owns more than 12,000 acres located on the mountains, hillsides and benches of California’s greatest cool, coastal sub-regions throughout Sonoma, Napa, Monterey, Mendocino and Mendocino counties.

Since 2011, all of these vineyards have been third-party certified sustainable by CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing) and SIP (Sustainability in Practice).

Each year, under the direction of Winemaster Randy Ullom and winemakers Matt Smith and Mark Theis, Kendall-Jackson conducts the largest barrel fermentation of Chardonnay in the world. This labor-intensive process is used by all boutique wineries to create more texture and complexity in the wine.

To guarantee a consistent source of high-quality oak for their barrels, the winery is in partnership with a stave mill in France and a cooperage in the U.S.

From the Vintner’s Reserve to single-vineyard and other luxury-class bottlings, Kendall-Jackson’s wines offer fruit-driven aromatics, strong varietal characteristics, remarkable balance and delicious flavors.