AVANT CHARDONNAY. The Wine: Tasting Notes: Serving / Pairing Suggestions: Technical Information: The Vineyard/Terroir: Accolades:

Transcription

1 The Wine: The Vineyard/Terroir: 60% Monterey County 39% Mendocino County 1% Santa Barbara and Sonoma Counties Monterey County fruit contributes lemony citrus and mineral notes; Mendocino County adds juicy green apple flavors; Santa Barbara County delivers a dash of fresh pineapple flavors; and Sonoma County delivers a touch of ripe apple and pear AVANT CHARDONNAY Avant takes its name from the French word for before and reflects the vibrant expression of the fruit before oak has the chance to impart much flavor. Vivid, crisp and bright, the 2010 Kendall-Jackson Avant Chardonnay continues our nearly three decades of pioneering distinguished varietal wines from California s cool coastal appellations. With flavors that mirror California s fog-laden coastline, this wine achieves a balance of vibrancy and complexity through gentle whole-cluster pressing and fermentation in a combination of neutral oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. The subtle use of neutral oak adds a graceful structure while cool stainless steel fermentation preserves the fresh, intense fruit flavors inherent to Chardonnay grown along the coastline. Distinctive flavor profile: fresh, crisp, fruit-driven Chardonnay with subtle oak nuances. This refreshing Chardonnay erupts with captivating layers of fresh pineapple, bright green apple, crisp Meyer lemon, juicy pear and wildflowers. It shows refreshing acidity and sleek mineral notes which are balanced by a rounded mid-palate and a long, pure fruit finish. Best served between 45 and 50 F. Drink now. 100% Chardonnay. Handcrafted in small vineyard lots throughout the entire winemaking process. The whole grape clusters are pressed to preserve fresh fruit character. 54% is fermented in stainless steel tanks; 46% fermented in neutral oak barrels. Partial malolactic fermentation gives a rounder mid-palate. Alcohol: 13.5%; T.A.: 0.62; ph: Country: USA Region: CALIFORNIA Type: Dry White Wine Advocate 87 Pts 11; 86 Pts 10; 88 Pts 09 Wine Spectator - 86 Pts 11; 87 Pts 10 Wine Enthusiast 90 Pts 10; 90 Pts 09 Wine Name: Avant Chardonnay CRC / AAFES Stock #: / UPC:

2 The Wine: The Vineyard/Terroir: 100% Jackson Estates Grown. The grapes from Sonoma County mountain and hillside vineyards add black cherry flavors and superb wine structure. Those from Napa County mountain vineyards lend wild blackberry, cassis, and cedar flavors. CABERNET SAUVIGNON Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are blended with Merlot for softness, Cabernet Franc for tannins, Malbec and Carmenere for a hint of chocolate and complexity, and Petit Verdot to enhance the mouthfeel. then handcraft each vineyard lot throughout the entire winemaking process. Their proprietary approach to winemaking has earned them their world-renowned reputation for red wines that consistently exhibit intense layers of flavor with complexity and The aromas of deep black cherry, blackberry, and cassis draw you in. Well-defined, round tannins provide a robust backbone throughout the middle. Notes of cedar, vanilla, and a hint of mocha round out the lingering finish. Serve at approximately 60 F. Anticipated maturity: 2-5 years from vintage. The wine is made from 91.3% Cabernet Sauvignon; 4.7% Cabernet Franc; 2.5% Merlot; 0.8% Petit Verdot; 0.6% Malbec; and 0.1% Carmenere. Artisan winemaking techniques, such as cold soaking and extended maceration, were used to enhance and simultaneously soften the tannins, deepen the color and intensify the flavors. Aged 15 months in French (61%) and American (39%) oak barrels for a wine that is rich and round. Alcohol: 13.5% vol.; ph: 3.62; T.A.: 0.58/100ml. Country: USA Region: CALIFORNIA Type: Dry Red Wine Enthusiast - 87 Pts 09; 92 Pts 08 Wine Advocate - 88 Pts 10; 88 Pts 09 Wine Name: VR Cabernet Sauvignon CRC / AAFES Stock #: / UPC:

3 The Vineyard/Terroir: 100% Jackson Estates Grown Chardonnay, grown in California s cool coastal vineyards: Monterey County provides citrus and lime flavors (51%); Santa Barbara County imparts mango and pineapple flavors (47%); and Sonoma County adds apple and pear flavors (2%). The Wine: CHARDONNAY then handcraft each vineyard lot throughout the entire winemaking process. Their proprietary approach to winemaking has earned them their world-renowned reputation for wines that Beautifully integrated tropical flavors such as pineapple, mango, and papaya with citrus notes that explode in the mouth. These flavors delicately intertwine with aromas of vanilla and honey to create depth and balance throughout. A hint of toasted oak rounds out the long, lingering finish. Serve at F. Drink now. Handcrafted in small vineyard lots throughout the entire winemaking process. Whole cluster are pressed to retain the fresh fruit qualities without the bitterness from stems and seeds. Fermented and aged in French and American oak barrels for richness, toastiness, and complexity. Sur lie aging with monthly battonage (lees stirring) for our signature velvety texture and creamy flavor. Alcohol: 13.8% vol.; T.A.: 0.70/100ml ; ph: 3.35 Country: USA Region: CALIFORNIA Type: Dry White #1 Selling Chardonnay 20 years & running! Wine Enthusiast 88 Pts 10; 87 Pts 09 Wine Advocate 88 Pts 11; 87 Pts 10; 89 Pts 09 Wine Spectator 86 Pts 11; 88 Pts 10 Wine Name: VR Chardonnay CRC / AAFES Stock #: / UPC:

4 The Wine: The Vineyard/Terroir: North Coast sourcing: Sonoma County mountain and hillside vineyards provide plum and black cherry flavors (77%); cool Mendocino Ridge vineyards add wild berry and anise notes (17%); and Napa County mountain vineyards lend chocolate, currant, and cedar undertones (6%). MERLOT Primarily Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and a splash of Malbec and Syrah for added backbone and complexity. then handcraft each vineyard lot throughout the entire winemaking process. Their proprietary approach to winemaking has earned them their world-renowned reputation for red wines that Intricate layers of black cherry, plum, currant, and wild berry flavors with a hint of spice. The soft, delicate tannins of this Bordeaux varietal carry these aromas and flavors to a long, lingering finish. Serve at approximately 60 F. Anticipated maturity: 2-5 years from vintage. Comprised of precisely 98.2% Merlot; 1.1% Cabernet Sauvignon; 0.4% Cabernet Franc; 0.2% Malbec; and 0.1% Syrah. Artisan winemaking methods such as cold soaking, saignée method and extended maceration were used to enhance and simultaneously soften the tannins, deepen the color and intensify the flavors. Aged 14 months in French (63%) and American (37%) oak barrels. Alcohol: 13.5% vol.; T.A.: 0.58/100ml; ph: Country: USA Region: CALIFORNIA Type: Dry Red Wine Advocate 87 Pts 09; 86 Pts 08 Wine Enthusiast 86 Pts 10; 86 Pts 09; 90 Pts 08 Wine Name: VR Merlot CRC / AAFES Stock #: / UPC:

5 The Vineyard/Terroir: Grown on Jackson Estate s cool California coast vineyards with steep benchlands and mountainsides that develop small, densely flavored grapes which become wellstructured wines. Santa Barbara County (53%) infuses the wine with cola and hints of white pepper. Monterey County (41%) grapes develop the floral nuances along with flavors of ripe strawberry. Elevated Mendocino vineyards (5%) impart aromas of cherry and currant. The Wine: PINOT NOIR grapes grown in California s cool coastal vineyards. They carefully then handcraft each vineyard lot throughout the entire winemaking process. Their proprietary approach to winemaking has earned them their world-renowned reputation for red wines that This garnet gem delivers bright cherry, strawberry, and raspberry fruit with elegant earthy notes infused with cola and mild spice accents. Oak aging adds a hint of vanilla and a soft, smoky finish. Appropriately served at 58 F. Enjoy this wine now or cellar for up to 2 years from vintage date. 100% Pinot Noir. Aged for 8 months in 96% French (19% new) oak barrels for hints of toast, vanilla and cedar aromas. Lots are kept separate until the final blend so that our winemakers have the ability to craft a wine that exhibits the perfect blend of flavors and aromas from each region. Alcohol: 13.5% vol.; T.A.: 0.53/100ml; ph: Country: USA Region: CALIFORNIA Type: Dry Red Wine Enthusiast 87 Pts 10; 85 Pts 09 Wine Advocate 88 Pts 11; 87 Pts 10; 87 Pts 09 Wine Spectator 88 Pts 10 Wine Name: VR Pinot Noir CRC / AAFES Stock #: / UPC:

6 The Vineyard/Terroir: Lake County (92%), the core of the blend, contributes floral, citrus and lemon grass notes as well as ripe melon and pineapple flavors. Mendocino County (5%) adds floral honeysuckle aromas, while Sonoma County (2%) lends a hint of ripe pear. Monterey County (1%) provides extra body and roundness along with crisp citrus notes. The Wine: SAUVIGNON BLANC then handcraft each vineyard lot throughout the entire winemaking process. Their proprietary approach to winemaking has earned them their world-renowned reputation for wines that Luscious honeysuckle, ripe pear and fresh lemon grass intertwine in this medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh lime complements the subtle mineral quality while added layers of fig and honeysuckle round out this crisp, aromatic wine. Best served between 45 and 50 F. Drink now. Wine Enthusiast Editor s Choice 89 Pts 10; 88 Pts 09 Wine Advocate 86 Pts 11 Wine Spectator 87 Pts 10 93% Sauvignon Blanc. A 2% touch of Chardonnay adds extra body while the Semillon (5%) rounds out the mouthfeel and provides the delightful fig tones. 12% of the blend was selected to undergo a reductive fermentation, protecting the grapes, juice and wine from oxygen. This adds a bit of that New Zealand gooseberry zing. 14% fermented and aged in oak, of which 4% was new American oak to add a hint of softness and a bit of smoke. Alcohol: 13.7% vol.; T.A.: 0.69/100ml; ph: Wine Name: VR Sauvignon Blanc CRC / AAFES Stock #: / UPC: Country: USA Region: CALIFORNIA Type: Dry White