Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2009

By Chris and Sherry Hardie
The California winery that single-handedly put chardonnay on the map with one of the most popular wines in the country with its Vintner’s Reserve also makes other labels from its stalwart grape.
This chardonnay, sourced fromSanta Barbara and Monterey counties, is fermented by lot to preserve the vintage’s unique geographical influences and then blended before bottling.
We’ve always enjoyed KJ because it tends to produce more creamy chardonnays thanks to its fermenting process that includes malolactic fermentation, where the tart acid flavors are converted into a more buttery and textured finish.
That’s noticeably missing in this chardonnay, which is more about the crisp tropical fruit.
Sherry: “Notes of lime and a little hot. A hint of butter on the finish.” 2-1/2 stars
Chris: “Pineapple, citrus and apple with a bit of creamy finish.” 3 stars
Available locally for about $15.
Coming next week: Sin Zin

By Chris and Sherry Hardie Chardonnay continues to be far and away America's most popular wine, representing more than 20 percent of all wine sales. With nearly 95,000 acres planted in California, chardonnay represents 27 percent of all wine shipped from that state. This Central Coast chardonnay thrives in the climate that features sunny days and cool nights. The wine features tropical flavors and a buttery finish, thanks to the malolactic fermentation that converts malic acid to lactic acid. There's also a hint of vanilla, courtesy of being aged for nine months in oak barrels. This is probably the best value chardonnay we've sampled in a while. Sherry: "Lemon flavor and a trace of butterscotch on the finish." 3 stars Chris: "Floral aroma, pear and a creamy finish." 3-1/2 stars Available locally for about $9. Coming next week: Seven Hawks La Crescent Reserve