Kathryn Kennedy Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Made of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Kennedy made her reputation on her estate-grown Cabernet, the only varietal produced at the winery between 1979 and 1988 and a bottling that is still limited to 600 cases per year. This 2009 exhibits a firm core of cedar, currant, spice and licorice, offering a classy, Bordeaux-like expression of structure, grace and refinement.

The vines cover gentle slopes in Saratoga, California on the inland side of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Eight acres of vines were planted on their own roots by Kathryn in 1973. Excellent soil, a climate possessing just the right amount of marine influence, and personal attention combine to yield outstanding grapes. Each vintage is grown by hand and vinified in small lots followed by gentle barrel aging with 90% French oak. The result is big, full-flavored wine with deep color and a decade or more of aging potential.