Kendall-Jackson Merlot Vintner's Reserve

This has been maturing in the background and we needed a cup of red for cooking, so 10 years seemed like a good benchmark. On the nose, black and red cherries predominate with very slight oak, leather and earth. On the palate, black cherry over red cherry, blackberry, other dark fruit. Length is short-medium. Not much earth and very slight oak, but it seems like there is wood serving as the earth - I know it sounds strange but it …

Medium-bodied, medium-bold

- Garnet color with medium forming legs. It's balanced with a medium/full body. Smooth texture with a medium finish - Very nice, well balanced.

Good but can get better for the price

A bit light on the nose, medium bodied, fruity. Rather one-dimensional, but well-made and drinkable, just not very distinguised or memorable. Decent value for the price.

Light for a cab, but has dusty notes of black cherries, black raspberries, and hints of cinnamon and clove spice. Straightforward, moderately chalky tannins, solid acidity, good balance, and decent length.

A lot of snobs look down their noses at Kendall-Jackson, but I have always found their wines to be enjoyable, and this is no exception. Good bouquet and color, soft and fruity, simple but with good varietal character. A little short on the finish and a bit on the light side, but no major flaws. Decent value.

maybe no

A very nice wine, lighter structure than I was expecting, nice fruit early on but a bit hollow in places on the palate. A little thin in body as well, really nice flavors on the palate though and ends cleanly. An enjoyable wine and a good value.

Dark ruby color. Nose: black cherry, black raspberry, cedar, cinnamon, chocolate. Palate: consistent black cherry and black raspberry with accents of clove, cinnamon, and dusty earth. Moderate chalky tannins. Solid acidity. Moderate length. Excellent straightforward Cali Cab with nice dry structure and balance.

Very drinkable fruity black cherry taste with nice acid bite, great when chilled. Strong fruit, acid, low tannin.

NOSE: lots of heat here too, just like the Castro; a nice small touch of game on the back end; PALATE: green blueberries and just falls off on the back