Varietal: Merlot | Location: United States - California
WA 89
The 2008 Grand Reserve Merlot (98% Merlot and the rest other Bordeaux varietals) offers notes of graphite, charcoal, plum sauce, black cherries, mocha and toast. This dense, structured, medium to full-bodied Merlot is approachable now, but is capable of lasting 7-8 years.
Kendall-Jackson enjoys a well-deserved reputation for over-delivering quality vis a vis price for its wines.
Tel. (800) 769-3649; www.kj.comThe 2008 Grand Reserve Merlot (98% Merlot and the rest other Bordeaux varietals) offers notes of graphite, charcoal, plum sauce, black cherries, mocha and toast. This dense, structured, medium to full-bodied Merlot is approachable now, but is capable of lasting 7-8 years.
Kendall-Jackson enjoys a well-deserved reputation for over-delivering quality vis a vis price for its wines. -- Robert Parker
Varietal: Pinot Noir | Location: New Zealand - Marlborough
Bright red color with purple and crimson notes. An enticingly aromatic wine showing notes of dark cherries and strawberries with the alluring complexity of well integrated oak. Vibrant, fresh fruit flavours underpinned by nuances of sweet, smoky oak. Good firm tannins give the wine length and weight. You can savour the wine long after it has left your palate. Ideal with lamb or pork chops. Suited to most red meats and exceptionally good as a wine to enjoy all on its own!
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend | Location: France - Bordeaux - Lalande-de-Pomerol
WA 89
A sleeper of the vintage, the slightly oaky 2008 exhibits sweet, fleshy raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with hints of flowers, caramel, coffee and chocolate. Consume it over the next 6-8 years.A sleeper of the vintage, the slightly oaky 2008 exhibits sweet, fleshy raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with hints of flowers, caramel, coffee and chocolate. Consume it over the next 6-8 years. -- Robert Parker
The 2008 Malbec Reserva spent 12 months in a mix of new and used French oak. Cedar, Asian spices, incense, red licorice, and black cherry notes are followed by a ripe, forward, flavorful Malbec that has enough structure and balance to drink well for another 5-6 years. It, too, is a very good value.
Varietal: Merlot | Location: United States - California - Napa
WS 91
Sleek and well-focused, with appealing aromas of red currant and toasty tomato leaf that lead to rich flavors of plum, mocha and cedar. Tannins firm up the finish. Drink now through 2017.
A drier style of kabinett, balanced on the acidic side, with an austere profile. This etches its nectarine and lime flavors in relief and leaves a mouthwatering impression. Best from 2010 through 2022. 450 cases made. –BS
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon | Location: Australia - South Australia - McLaren Vale
Deep crimson, with brick red hues. the 2008 Jester Cabernet shows liquorice, nutmeg and cassis notes which provide a lift to the subtle hints of French oak. Well rounded on the palate, the firm tannins are complemented by nuances of chocolate, blackcurrant and earth. Food Match: Morrocan style lamb curry with eggplant and chickpeas