Wines

2004 Kendall-Jackson Highland Estates Taylor Peak Merlot

Tasting Notes

"Rich and round, with ripe plum, cooked cherries and chocolate flavors. Medium-bodied with a lingering finish." - Randy Ullom, Winemaster

Acclaim

93 Points - "Lots of structure in this refined, polished Merlot. The tannins are strong but sweetly ripe, and with the crisp acids, they provide a rich framework to the cherry, cassis, cola and mocha flavors." - Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, June 2007

93 Points - "Intense, ripe-cherry fruit is the centerpiece of this deep and keenly defined young Merlot, and it is joined by lots of sweet oak spice, suggestions of chocolate and hints of fresh herbs that make for a genuinely complex and involving expression of the varietal. The wine is fairly plush and fleshy in feel as only a good Merlot can be."
- Charles Olken, Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, December 2007

90 Points - "Aromas of white chocolate, black cherries, and mountain berries are followed by medium to full-bodied flavors as well as a striking underlying minerality that comes from the rocky soils of this high elevation vineyard. This gorgeous Merlot has a European-like delicacy combined with the richness and power of California."
- Robert M. Parker Jr., Wine Advocate, December 2006

90 Points - "Brooding black-garnet hue. Pungent black cherry aromas with a whiff of vanilla. Sweet cherry flavors, with youthful, peppery tannins that add structure to the already muscular wine. A spicy, chalky finish that has plenty of heft and staying power."
- Tom E. Smith, Wine News, June 2007

Highly Recommended - "Perhaps the most seductive of the wines in this collection is the 2004 Taylor Peak Merlot which comes from the cool Bennett Valley. The wine manifests an earthy amalgam of sassafras spice and dark chocolate wrapped in velvety tannins."
- Brett Anderson, Robb Report, December 2007

Gold Medal & Best of Class - 2007 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
Gold Medal - 2007 National Orange Show-Pacific Rim International Wine Competition

Wine Statistics

Appellation: Bennett Valley
Composition: 100% Merlot
Barrel Aging: 15 months in French oak barrels, 53% new
Alcohol: 14.5%
TA: .55 g/100 ml
pH: 3.62
Cases Produced: 1,506

Downloadable PDF Wine Information

2004 Highland Estates Taylor Peak Merlot
2003 Highland Estates Taylor Peak Merlot
2002 Highland Estates Taylor Peak Merlot