2006 Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay

Tasting Notes

"Tropical flavors such as mango and pineapple dance with aromas of peach, apple and pear. Richly layered and balanced throughout. Lightly buttered toast headlines the indulgent, lingering finish." – Randy Ullom, Winemaster

Acclaim

89 Points - "There are some terrific values in this portfolio, none better than the 2006 Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay. It is certainly one of the best Chardonnays for the money. This wine, which comes from coastal vineyards owned by Jackson, is 90% barrel-fermented and put through 100% malolactic, which is remarkable given the quantity of wine made. Crisp orange marmalade and lemon oil notes as well as some tropical fruits always characterize this wine, which seems to show very little evidence of oak, with gorgeously lush fruit, and zesty acidity in a fresh, lively style. It's a remarkable value..."
Robert M. Parker Jr., Wine Advocate, December 2007

89 Points/Highly Recommended - "Medium-light golden yellow; attractive, lemony, slightly tropical, pear and apple aroma with floral notes and a hint of charred oak; medium-full to full body; supple, slightly viscous, toasty, ripe tropical fruit flavors with notes of vanilla and butterscotch and a touch of residual sugar; lingering aftertaste." - Nicholas Ponomareff, California Grapevine, February 2008

89 Points - "The '06 has the slightest whiff of lees on the nose that serves to lift the VR out of the realm of the ordinary. A treat to sip and packed with honey, melon, pineapple and mineral fruit, and just a hint of butterscotch in the finish. Elegant, stylish, modern California chardonnay."
Anthony Gismondi, Wine Access, April 2008

4+ Stars/Excellent - "Fragrant nose, full body, crisp, and finely flavored (apple, lemon peel, roasted nut), with a long finish. Great value." - Ronn Wiegand, Restaurant Wine, January 2008

Excellent - "Look for fresh mango, honey and pineapple nuances with a brushing of oak and cool, mineral, citrus and peach flavours. A terrific holiday party wine." - Anthony Gismondi, Canada.com, December 2007

Chairman's Award - 2008 Riverside International Wine Competition
Gold Medal - 2008 Hilton Head WineFest

Wine Statistics

Appellation: California
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Growing Regions: 42% Santa Barbara, 38% Monterey, 8% Mendocino counties, 12% other coastal regions
Alcohol: 13.5%
T.A.: 0.68g/100ml
pH: 3.48

Downloadable PDF Wine Information Sheets

2006 Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay
2005 Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay
2004 Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay