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Kenwood Vineyards
– Sonoma County, California

“Devoted to Kenwood Vineyards’ “Cuvèe” winemaking method – where the harvest from each individual vineyard is handled separately to preserve its individuality and true character.” “This “small lot” or “cuvee” style of winemaking also enables the winemaker to draw on an exceptionally broad “palette” to assemble wines that showcase classic character, subtle complexity and superb balance.”

The Monthly Selection

2007 “Sonoma Series” Sauvignon Blanc 

Winemaker Comments: At Kenwood Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc has been our most popular wine for more than twenty-five years, and we have long been recognized as one of California’s top Sauvignon Blanc producers. The fruit sourced for this wine comes from vineyards located in five different appellations in Sonoma County. The cooler regions of Carneros and the Russian River Valley bring grassy characteristics to the wine, while grapes from the warmer Dry Creek, Sonoma Valley and Alexander Valley regions create melony, fruity flavors. The result can be found in this well-balanced, award-winning wine.

The 2007 Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc features intense varietal character. The concentrated aromas of fresh lemongrass, boxwood, guava, kiwi fruit and newly cut hay are accented by subtle herb notes. Fresh and crisp, with a lively palate, the vibrant lemon, lime, and melon flavors likewise show herb nuances that expand on the palate. Flavorful, medium-bodied, this delicious Sauvignon Blanc culminates with a crisp, lingering finish that invites a second glass.

Regular Price $9.99 Web Special $7.99

The Kenwood Vineyards Story

Kenwood Vineyards was established by wine enthusiasts from the San Francisco Bay Area in 1970, who set about to refurbish and modernize what was the former Pagani Brothers Winery, a historic cellar dating back to 1906. True to history, the winery is housed in the original winery buildings. Inside, the winery has been redesigned with winemaking versatility in mind, giving the winemaker flexibility and diversity in production. The winery has earned the reputation of producing consistent, quality wines from the classic varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.

The facility now boasts more than 125 stainless steel and large oak upright fermenting tanks, and 20,000 small French and American oak barrels – all devoted to Kenwood Vineyards’ “Cuvèe” winemaking method – where the harvest from each individual vineyard is handled separately to preserve its individuality and true character. Such “small lot” winemaking allows our winemaker to bring each lot of wine to its fullest potential, as shown in the blending of Kenwood Vineyards now famous Reserve and Jack London series of wines. This “cuvee” blending of the finest barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon also produces the acclaimed Artist Series wines, revealing the evident rewards of this dedication to excellence. This “small lot” or “cuvee” style of winemaking also enables the winemaker to draw on an exceptionally broad “palette” to assemble wines that showcase classic character, subtle complexity and superb balance.

In addition to Kenwood’s own 22-acre vineyard surrounding the winery, Kenwood sources grapes from dozens of exceptional “partnering” vineyards – many of which are farmed sustainably, using natural soil amendments and pest controls whenever possible rather than chemicals. These collateral vineyards lie in Sonoma County’s very best appellations, including Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Valley and Sonoma Mountain. Each lot from these individual vineyards is kept separate throughout the winemaking process, enabling the winemaker to bring each “cuvee” to its fullest potential.

Fourth generation Sonoma County vintner and owner, Gary Heck, is dedicated to perpetuating this quarter century of Kenwood excellence, and is extremely optimistic about the winery’s continuing growth into the 21st Century. Winemaker Pat Henderson, currently Senior Winemaker at Kenwood, shares this vision. A veteran of more than 25 vintages in the wine business – many of these in the Sonoma Valley -- Pat is in addition to his work at Kenwood, also a winemaking instructor at Santa Rosa Junior College where he has taught since 1991. A graduate of the Viticulture and Enology program at the University of California at Davis, Pat supplemented his formal education by apprenticing at five different wineries while he was still going to school. After graduation he worked in both the Napa and Sonoma valleys, as well as Washington State before he returned to Kenwood Vineyards as Senior Winemaker where he had previously served as enologist 10 years before.

Pat strives to make unique wines, which are multi-dimensional in character, and his philosophy of winemaking is one that relies heavily on the quality of a wine’s flavors and balance. “Wine is fascinating – so many different flavors in one beverage, explains Pat, the more concentrated and attractive the flavors, the better. I feel particularly fortunate to be able to work with fruit grown in Sonoma’s distinguished appellations. Having access to fruit of this caliber makes my job all the more enjoyable, and certainly easier!”

December 2009 SPECIAL FEATURES

Kenwood Vineyards - Sonoma County, CA
• 2007 "Sonoma" Sauvignon
  Blanc