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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reservetext
89POINTS
16¼/20

Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve 2021

California, United StatesWinemaster Randy Ullom has made subtle tweaks to this wine over the last decade, tightening the structure and restraining the fruit and oak in favour of a livelier palate while keeping its millions of fans happy. It begins with impressive fruit sourcing up and down the Golden State's coolest hillside vineyards influenced by the Pacific Ocean from Mendocino to Santa Barbara. The alcohol is 13.5%, and the sourcing is 51% in Monterey County, 32% in Santa Barbara County, 16% in Mendocino County, and 1% in Sonoma County. The fruit is whole cluster pressed and kept in small vineyard lots throughout the winemaking process. It is all barrel fermented and sur lie aged with monthly bâtonnage reflected by its creamy textures and subtle bread dough notes. The fruit is tropical but never over the top, with a delicious lime butter finish. Impressive for the price and quantity produced. 2020 spent only five months in French (4.5% new) and American oak (7% new).Tasted: 05 December 2022Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:
BC$24.99750mlBCLS
AB$22.99750mlselect private retailers
MB$23.95750mlManitoba Liquor Mart
ON$20.95750mlLCBO
QC$21.05750mlSAQ
Producer: Kendall-Jackson Vineyards and WineryDistributors: Summit Fine Wines
Grape: ChardonnayCSPC: 296566UPC: 081584013105