Kenwood Vineyards 2015

by Rick Rodger

Kenwood Vineyards was established in 1970 in the heart of the Sonoma Valley by wine enthusiasts from the San Francisco Bay area.

They bought the former Pagani Brothers Winery, a historic cellar dating back to 1906. The winery was refurbished and modernized and now has more than 125 stainless steel fermenting and upright oak tanks. These tanks are used with their 14,000 French and American Oak barrels, giving the winemaker flexibility and diversity in production.

Ideally located in the Sonoma Valley, Kenwood Vineyards is committed to producing premium wines. The business wants to reflect Sonoma’s finest vineyards and define the region’s grape varietals in their true character and style. The employees of the vineyard follow sustainable growing practices and treat the earth with the utmost respect. Kenwood sits on 22 acres, and some of its vines are more than 140 years old and still producing grapes. The winery also produces wines from fruit sourced from some of Sonoma County’s best vineyards.

Kenwood’s most popular wines come from the vineyard’s Sonoma County Series, and I suggest you try these offerings.

» Kenwood Sonoma County Chardonnay, the vineyard’s most popular wine, wins many accolades each year. It’s described as having “aromas of Gravenstein apples, lime and ginger” combined with “toasty vanilla notes, a lush and viscous mouth feel, with a crisp mineral quality to the finish.” It retails for $17.99.

» The taste of Kenwood Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon is described as “intricate aromas of boysenberry, cherry, mint, vanilla and bay leaf” complemented by “well-structured tannins … medium bodied with an excellent finish.” It retails for $19.99.

» Kenwood Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc has “fragrant aromas of white nectarine, honeydew melon and lemongrass” combined with “zesty citrus and tropical flavors that give way to a crisp and refreshing finish.” It retails for $15.99.

In the 330, you can find these wines at Acme Fresh Market, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, West Point Market, Papa Joe’s Wine Shop, Heinen’s, Giant Eagle, Mustard Seed, Regency Wine Sellers and other fine retailers.

Wine Wisdom

Wine is best enjoyed when served at the proper temperature: 40 to 45 degrees for sparkling, 40 to 50 degrees for whites, 50 to 55 degrees for lighter reds, and 60 to 65 degrees for full-bodied reds.

/ Rick Rodger is a manager at Heidelberg Distributing Company.

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