Wine Tasting Note: Kendall Jackson Chardonnay, 2005, California

Snooth Wine Search:

Interesting how winemakers identify specific characters in wines and how they blend different parcels together to unite the differing aspects. This Chardonnay for example combines estate grown grapes from three regions in California; grapes grown in Monterey County (south of San Francisco) was selected for its citrus and lime flavours, the grapes from Santa Barbara County (further south heading to Los Angeles) gives mango and pineapple while apple and pear flavours were added from Monterey County (north of San Francisco) grown fruit. Obviously the growing areas have differing weather and temperature differences that influence the flavours but it is how these characteristics are combined n such multi-regional blends that excites me. "Distinctly pineapple... " "That'll be the Santa Barbara fruit..."

Kendall-Jackson are particularly exceptional in that all the Chardonnay grapes used are grown on vineyards that they either own of control via long-term leasing. They also remain one of the last independent and family-run wineries in California.

Wine Tasting Note: Kendall Jackson Chardonnay, 2005, California.
Available from Morrisons for £8.99.
Buttery aroma - Brazil nuts. Rich, oaky aroma but not over-the-top. Palate too has a richness but a nice texture too with vanilla pear flavour and a citric burst to keep it all fresh. Creamy with a lovely pineapple flavoured finish. "Pineapple? That'll be the Santa Barbara fruit..." Alcohol 13.5%.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100 [3.75 out of 5]