Buying Guide > All Wineries > K >

Kenwood Wines

Kenwood Vineyards is a Sonoma County winery, founded in 1970 at the site of the former Pagani Brothers Winery. In 1998, Gary Heck of Korbel Champagne Cellars became the sole owner of Kenwood Winery. Grapes are grown in a wide range of vineyards located throughout Sonoma County. Kenwood wines are derived from Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Zinfandel. The winery’s many bottlings include the Artist Series, Sonoma Series, Jack London and Reserve. Wine Enthusiast Magazine has awarded many Kenwood wines with the Editors’ Choice designation along with high ratings. Among those were Jack London and Artist Series Zinfandels, Reserve Sauvignon Blanc and Kenwood’s Pinot Noir. In reviewing Kenwood wines, Wine Enthusiast Magazine selected Kenwood’s 2005 Red Blend–Petite Sirah, Merlot and Sangiovese–as a Best Buy for its value.

Sort By:

Kenwood 1997 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County)

Price $75

From one of the largest and most highly touted vintages in a great decade, this is large and fairly fat. The cassis, fruitcake and menthol nose and sweet blackberry and chocolate palate aim to please…and do just that. It feels a bit low in acidity, making it lush and forward, displaying a bit of heat and a looser structure. Still, this pleasure package is young… — W.E. (4/1/2002)

Kenwood 2006 Jack London Vineyard Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $25

This Zin shows classic Sonoma County character, but it’s also a tannic, young wine that wants a little time in the bottle. Tasted at the age of two, it’s astringent and jammy, with pepper-infused blackberry and mulberry flavors and a gamy touch of smoked beef. Give it until mid-2009, when it will be fantastic with grilled beef. — S.H. (4/1/2009)

Kenwood 2004 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County)

Price $70

With this wine, Kenwood is seriously poaching on Napa Valley cult Cab territory. Shows powerful, intense chocolate, blackberry pie filling and smoky new oak flavors wrapped into soft but complex tannins. Yes, the alcohol is high, but the wine is dry and frankly delicious. — S.H. (4/1/2009)

Kenwood 1994 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County)

Price $75

A strong performance from a vintage considered among the best; this comes on and stays intense through the close. However, the wine’s scale caused some doubts to be registered about its balance—it’s pretty hot, and high in alcohol. Still, few argued with the toast, dark berry and licorice nose, the dark spicy-sweet flavors or rich, even mouthfeel. Closes long and a… — W.E. (4/1/2002)

Kenwood 1997 Massara Vineyard Merlot (Sonoma Valley)

Price $25

Dark, oaky, and fine in every respect. Sonoma Valley, often underrated as Merlot country, lends the fruit a very deep and satisfying blackberry component, which is highlighted, in this case, by toasty oak. The tannins are soft and finely etched. Gorgeous stuff, quite lovely now, but the solid core of fruit indicates mid-term aging potential. — S.H. (2/1/2001)

Kenwood 1995 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Valley)

Price $65

The lovely nose of rich briary fruit, licorice, vanilla cream and anise pulls you in to this luscious and lushly textured wine. It’s very smooth and suave on the tongue, offering deep cassis flavors and tobacco accents. Long and dry, the finish shows spicy oak, berries and espresso. Drink now-2008. — W.E. (4/1/2002)

Kenwood 2009 Jack London Vineyard Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $20

A picture-perfect Zinfandel from this famous vineyard. It’s dry and soft in tannins and acids, and while it’s a little high and sweet in alcohol, it’s not too much. The raspberry, cherry, tobacco and bacon flavors finish in a swirl of peppery spices. — S.H. (12/15/2011)

Kenwood 2003 Reserve Zinfandel (Sonoma County)

Editors' Choice

Price $20

Lots of Zinny character in this wine, with its flavors of just-picked wild berries, pepper, and that brambly, briary character that marks the variety. There’s a deep juicy character that’s simply scrumptious. Best of all, the wine is dry and balanced. — S.H. (12/31/2005)

Most Reviewed Varietals [All]

Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Gewürztraminer Merlot Pinot Grigio/Gris Pinot Noir Red Blend Rosé Sauvignon Blanc Shiraz/Syrah White Blend Zinfandel

Most Reviewed Regions

Russian River Valley Sonoma County Sonoma Mountain Sonoma Valley

2009 Rodney Strong Reserve

A lovely restaurant-style Pinot Noir, showing lots of class and elegance…

(Sponsored)