2012 Kenwood Jack London Cabernet Sauvignon – Jack Tipple’s Wine of the Week 3/30/2016

Since 1976, Kenwood Vineyards has been sole producer of the distinctive wines from the vineyards of Jack London’s historic ranch. Located above the small town on the slopes of Sonoma Mountain, the vineyard’s unique red volcanic soil vineyard grows grapes with full‐bodied texture and exceptional flavors vintage after vintage.

The vintage of 2012 started with a dry and mild spring which gave way to a summer with nearly perfect growing conditions. The fruit was harvested over the course of several weeks in late September/early October as each vineyard block attained its maximum flavor and ripeness. After fermentation, the young wine was pressed and settled before being placed in barrels for aging. After two years in the barrels, the blend was assembled and a small amount of Merlot and Syrah was added to give additional flavor and complexity to the wine. The result has rich mouthfeel, as well as powerful aromatics and fruit flavors. The wine is drinkable now, but should continue to develop for an additional five years.