Sourced from four locations in Sonoma and Lake counties, this mostly Merlot was blended with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, then aged for 20 months in French and American oak barrels. The color is a lively deep ruby, while the up-front aromas offer spice, blackberry and mocha notes. It’s plump and nicely textured, with 13.5% alcohol and good supporting tannins. This is a value-Merlot with length, structure and best of all, layers of subtle fruit.
Kenwood, Sonoma County (California) Merlot 2009
By Gerald D. Boyd