Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Zinfandel 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Zinfandel is crafted from grapes grown in the North Coast appellation, primarily sourced from Mendocino County (92%) and Sonoma County (8%). The vineyards are situated in fractured rock and gravelly loam soils, known for excellent drainage and low yields, which are essential for producing high-quality grapes. These vineyards are predominantly older and dry-farmed, contributing to the rich, concentrated flavors in the wine.

Mendocino County's diverse microclimates and Sonoma County's coastal influences provide ideal conditions for growing Zinfandel and Petit Sirah, resulting in grapes that express full potential with great fruit intensity and chalky tannins.

Winemaking

The winemaking philosophy at Kendall-Jackson focuses on small vineyard lots and meticulous vineyard management to ensure each grape varietal is matched to its ideal climate and soil type. For this vintage, the composition is 78% Zinfandel and 22% Petit Sirah.

The grapes are whole-cluster pressed to retain fresh fruit qualities. The wine is aged for 7 months in French and American oak barrels, with 9% new oak, which adds layers of complexity and depth. The sur lie aging process with monthly battonage (lees stirring) contributes to the wine's signature velvety texture and enhances its creamy flavor profile.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, inky purple with vibrant red hues.
• Aroma: Aromas of plum, raspberry jam, and blackberry mingle with hints of cedar and spice.
• Palate: Flavors of plum, raspberry jam, and blackberry are supported by solid, chalky tannins. Sultry cedar and spice accents linger on the palate, leading to a captivating, long finish.

Did you know?

Kendall-Jackson is renowned for its proprietary approach to winemaking, which consistently produces wines with rich layers of flavor and delicate balance. The Vintner's Reserve Zinfandel is a prime example of their commitment to quality and sustainability, showcasing the best of the North Coast terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Barbecued Ribs: The smoky, tangy flavors of barbecued ribs complement the rich fruit and spice notes in the Zinfandel.
• Grilled Sausages: The robust flavors of grilled sausages pair well with the wine's bold fruit and chalky tannins.
• Spicy Mexican Dishes: The wine's fruitiness and spice can stand up to the heat and complexity of spicy Mexican cuisine.
• Dark Chocolate Desserts: The wine's berry flavors and spice notes enhance the richness of dark chocolate desserts.

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.