Kimmel Vineyards

2008 Mendocino County

Chardonnay

$32.00 a bottle

I was just recently given two bottles of Kimmel Vineyards wines to taste and review. Having a crab dinner the other night gave a good excuse to open a bottle of Chardonnay. Now being primarily a red wine drinker there are still times when you need a good Chardonnay and Kimmel Vineyards ‘08 Chardonnay did not disappoint. Kimmel Vineyards is located in Potter Valley California in Mendocino County. The Kimmel family first planted grapes in 1986. Their family ranch produces over 40 acres of grapes. Their ranch has 25 acres of Chardonnay, 9 acres of Merlot, 1 acre of Sauvignon Blanc, 1 acre of Cabernet Sauvignon, ⅓ acre of Cab Franc, ⅓ acre of Petite Verdot, ⅓ acre of Malbec. Kimmel Vineyards winemaker is Bruce Regalia who was the founding winemaker of Goldeneye with Dan Duckhorn. This ‘08 Chardonnay is great in the fact you can taste lots of fruit but still has a very light oak finish. Strong aroma’s of green apple and a light scent of vanilla. First tasting crisp green apple, light pear, and a touch of apricot. This Chardonnay finishes with a very light creamy oak. I really enjoyed this Chardonnay! Love the families motto “Our Passions....Great Wines, Family, Friends and the Land.” I can tell drinking this wine that this is definitely the Kimmel family passion. Can’t wait to try their Merlot next, which has won awards!

Robert Young

2005 Alexander Valley

Scion

Cabernet Sauvignon

$58.00 a bottle

I have always been a huge fan of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon’s. So I felt it only fitting to blog about Robert Young’s Cabernet Sauvignon since he was the first to plant this grape in the Alexander Valley back in 1963. Robert Young Estate Winery is located in the small town of Geyserville, CA. in the heart of Alexander Valley.

A Photo I took of Cabernet grapes at
Robert Young Estates back in Sept. '06

All estate grown grapes and aged in 100% French oak barrel’s. This 2005 Scion Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 85% Cabernet, 7% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Now usually my favorite Cabernet’s are very earthy and hardy that would compliment a great steak but this Cabernet is great to drink on it’s own. Robert Young’s Scion Cabernet is not hardy and earthy. This Cabernet is elegantly full of fruit, complex and rich with structure. Great aroma’s of dark berries with a hint of ceder. First tasting strong black berries, light cherry and plum. This wine finishes with a taste of smooth creamy vanilla and spice, giving this wine a wonderful lingering finish. I really like this Cabernet because there are so many parts to it. I love that I can drink a Cabernet that is so structured and complex on it’s own without needing food to pair with it. This Cabernet Sauvignon comes very highly recommended. In August of 2010 Wine Enthusiast gave this wine 93 points.