Reviews & Ratings

2012 Kendall Jackson Merlot "Grand Reserve"

Winery: Kendall Jackson

Vintage: 2012

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Grand Reserve"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 99% Merlot & 1% Cabernet Sauvignon & Malbec

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Sonoma County

State or country: CA

Price: $28

Cases produced: unknown

KWG Score: 90 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: October 13, 2014

Wine Review: This opaque and very very dark ruby colored Merlot from Kendall Jackson opens with fragrant boysenberry and black raspberry bouquet. One the palate, this wine is medium bodied, robust and fruit forward. The flavor profile is a ripe blackberry jam with notes of anise, black cherry, and oak. I also detected a hint of boysenberry as well. The finish is dry and its fruit flavors and moderate tannins stick around for a long while. This Merlot from KJ is pretty robust. As a result, I would aerate it briefly and pair it with a thick and juicy Angus burger. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Red currant and mixed cherry flavors with background notes of chocolate and cedar box. The wine is smooth and the chalky tannins are refined and elegant through the lengthy finish. - Randy Ullom, Winemaster

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Kendall Jackson 2012 Grand Reserve Merlot.