Kendall Jackson Grand Rs 2003 Chardonnay - 就是那個 Kendall Jackson 啦!!

Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve 2003 Chardonnay
Vintage: 2003
Varietals: Chardonnay
Appellation: Monterey, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, California
WA: 90
Price: $ 12.99
Dealer: Costco

Content Info:
Monterey 53% + Santa Barbara 42% + Sonoma 5%
13.5% Alco. By Vol.

Background Story:
記得 Kendall Jackson 的創辦人 Jess Jackson 說過這麼一句話, 讓我有著很深刻的感受, 意思上大致是這樣的: “當年法國人曾告訴我什麼是 Terroir (大地所賦予的風格與特色), 但我以我的頑固與堅持釀造出今天不同凡響的 Kendall Jackson.” (原文)”The French taught me about ‘terroir.’ I learned to be stubborn on my own” 這不就是今天被人們越來越重視的自我特色, 而不是國際化的大眾口味, 可以想像當年為了這份堅持, Jess Jackson 付出不知多少年的耐心與培養, 如今大大小小的酒商或大型商場都或多或少地呈列著 Kendall Jackson 的酒款, 最後更以今年為例, Kendall Jackson 在Wine & Spirits 的報告裡, 收集美國350家頂級餐廳所票選出前十名的酒廠名單中, 名列第三名, 我想這應該就是一種肯定與認同.

Official Comment:
“…Each vineyard lot is selected for intense and distinct flavor characteristics: Santa Barbara’s lush, tropical texture, Montery’s bright citrus notes, Sonoma’s ripe red apple flavors. Slow, cool barrel fermentation followed by eight months of twice monthly stirring and sur lie aging in French and American oak barrels creates a richly layered and elegant wine with a creamy texture.” – Jess Jackson, Founder

WA Comment:
"The 2003 Grand Reserve Chardonnay, which is accessed from Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and Monterey, sees about 30% new French oak, enjoys 100% malolactic in barrel, and is aged sur-lies. This gorgeous Chardonnay displays vanilla cream, white peach, lemon butter, and popcorn-like characteristics. Medium to full-bodied, with good underlying acidity, an alluring texture, and tremendous purity, it is a fine value and, there are 77,542 cases!"

Personal Comment:
Sight: Strong amber color. Beautiful vivid thin tears are nicely displayed.
Nose: A huge oaky aroma spreads out entire atmosphere. Smoky, buttery and citrus aromas.
Taste: Spicy, medium dry and creamy white wine. Full-bodied. If you don’t get offended with oaky aroma, this will be a nice choice. If not, don’t even try it.
在中文的個人品飲感想還未出爐前, Alex 的 Feedback 不經意地提醒我一下, 在 Barrel fermentation加上8個月熟成, 這款 Chardonnay 不就很是橡木桶味, 其實在一打開軟木塞地第一個印象便是濃郁的橡木味, 身旁的親人則形容是木頭腐朽壞掉的味道, 當然啦!!我的嗅覺並沒有對這橡木味有這如此強烈的反應, 只是在心中覺得, 嗯!!多了一味, 不錯!!不錯!!
琥珀般地金黃色, 酒柱於杯中均勻地環佈在杯壁之上, 似乎有著一種生動活潑躍躍欲出的感覺, 整個屋子的空氣早已瀰漫著 Chardonnay 的香氣, 室友在一進們便說: “The whole house is fulfilled with those white’s smell.” 可想而知, 這 Chardonnay 氣味早已迅速地散播著, 其中則包含著燒烤的煙燻, 濃郁的奶香, 以及熱帶水果味席捲而來, 在口中細細地來回品嚐, 微辛, 微澀, 並有牛奶般觸感在舌頭上滑動著, 對我而言是一款重度酒體的白葡萄酒, 應該是近來最夠味的一款白葡萄酒.


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