Kendall-Jackson’s Grand Reserve Merlot proves a point many have been making for years about the merlot grape’s potential in Sonoma County, where it is closer to the Pacific and generally cooler than neighboring Napa Valley. Merlot likes cool weather and it shows. This vintage of K-J Grand is dense and rich, with layered black-fruit aromas and a generous helping of sweet oak. It would stand out in any crowd.
Kendall-Jackson, Sonoma County (California) Merlot 2012
By Robert Whitley