Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2004

Rating: 16/20 - As reviewed by Jancis Robinson (52% Monterey, 48% Santa Barbara) Richer nose, broader palate - certain pineapple character. More youthful and stirred every two weeks. Not yet ready.

Most recent vintages have been drier (than its earlier way-too-sweet versions), making this chardonnay drinkable. It's now a good everyday table wine that doesn't over-power the food.

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July 2009

Rating: 15/20 - As reviewed by Jancis Robinson Quite fresh nose (no longer the classic fruit bomb and much drier than of old). Pretty full front palate but lots of acid on the finish. Quite long.

The Vintner’s Reserve series includes the 2004 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, perhaps the finest example of this cuvee yet produced. There are 1.9 million cases, and it is the same wine no matter when it is bottled. Approximately 80% comes from the estate vineyards, and, amazingly, the entire cuvee is aged for 6.9 months in both French and American oak. Lees stirring is done for about one month. Undeniably the best Chardonnay for the price in the marketplace, it offers notes of crushed minerals intermixed with lemon custard, orange skins, and tropical fruits. This crisp, medium-bodied, read more...elegant, dry Chardonnay is an astonishing achievement considering the quantity produced as well as its price. - Wine Advocate Generous tropical fruit, apple, citrus and melon aromas and flavors are complemented by buttery, toasty oak complexity. The rich, polished palate leads to a crisp, lingering finish. A delicious aperitif and a fine accompaniment to seafood, chicken and creamy pastas.    (hide)

The Grand Reserve wines from Kendall-Jackson are superlative expression of the art of blending terroir from key vineyard sources. Each harvest, the tri-county appellation percentage varies and the subtle nuances that winemaking adds achieve the proper balance of grace. It is this harmony of terroir and winemaking skill that makes these wines outstanding. The 2004 Grand Reserve Chardonnay is lush and tropical with bright citrus notes and ripe apple flavors. Sur lie aged, and beautifully balanced, this Chardonnay is richly layered with elegance and a creamy texture enhanced from the gentle read more...stirring of the lees. A delight for the senses. This wine is particularly exceptional in that all the Chardonnay grapes were grown on vineyardsthat we own or control via a long-term leaseor similar arrangement. Controlling our ownvineyards ensures that our precision farmingmethods are used to manage our Grand Reserveblocks. We know that our grapes are handledwith the utmost care and are harvested at thepeak of their maximum potential. Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate said that this Chardonnay is a serious, unmistakably California Chardonnay exhibiting loads of honeyed tropical fruit, medium to full body, and admirable freshness as well as texture and awarded this wine 91/100 points.    (hide)

Bright and easy-drinking, with tangy peach pit, pear and pretty honey notes, picking up richer, toasty oak character on the finish. Drink now.50,000 cases made.
Vanilla, spice and toasty aromas integrate and complement layers of citrus, apple and ripe tropical fruit. Generous balancing acidity and polished texture contribute uncommon finesse to the palate and finish. Randy Ullom, Winemaster Acclaim: Gold & Best of Class - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Gold - International Eastern Wine Competition Gold - Japan Wine Challenge