Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2022
full-bodied white · Kendall-Jackson
Vintage: 2022
Type
full-bodied white
Producer
Kendall-Jackson
Country
United States
Vintage
2022
Region & Appellation
Santa Barbara County, California
Grape Varieties
Chardonnay
Color & Appearance
Brilliant straw-gold with medium-plus viscosity and slow-moving legs that signal a rich, extracted profile.
Aroma Profile
Pronounced aromas of baked green apple, Meyer lemon curd, and ripe pear, complemented by secondary notes of toasted brioche, vanilla, and a subtle hint of wet stone minerality.
Tasting Notes
A rich and layered palate that opens with tropical fruit and bright citrus, moving into a creamy mid-palate laced with toasted oak, finishing with refreshing acidity and impressive length.
Flavor Profile
Flavors of grilled pineapple, ripe yellow peach, and lemon zest, accented by baking spices, butterscotch, and a touch of roasted hazelnuts.
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a luxurious, creamy, and viscous mouthfeel balanced by a rich textural extract.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-plus acidity that provides a lively, refreshing cut through the wine's rich, buttery texture and generous weight.
Sweetness Level
Dry
Alcohol Content
14.5%
Aging & Oak
Barrel-fermented and aged for several months in French and American oak barrels, with regular lees stirring (bâtonnage) to enhance mouthfeel and complexity.
Food Pairings
Roasted chicken with herbs, pan-seared scallops in a lemon-butter sauce, lobster with drawn butter, and creamy mushroom risotto.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled at 50-55°F in a generous Burgundy-style glass. No decanting strictly necessary, but letting it breathe for 15 minutes opens up the aromas.
Price Range
$20 - $30 USD
Quality Assessment
91 Points - Premium tier, offering exceptional consistency and reliable quality representing classic California cool-climate Chardonnay style.
Production Methods
Hand-harvested grapes, whole-cluster pressing, 100% malolactic fermentation to soften acidity, and extensive barrel aging with lees contact.
Terroir
Cool coastal influenced vineyards in Santa Barbara County featuring sandy loam and calcareous soils, benefiting from cooling Pacific breezes and morning fog.
History & Heritage
Founded in 1982 by Jess Jackson with the release of their iconic Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay, Kendall-Jackson revolutionized American wine by popularizing fruit-forward, approachable premium wines.
Interesting Facts
Kendall-Jackson's Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay was America's best-selling Chardonnay for over two decades, making the winery a household name in American wine culture.
Cellaring Potential
Drink now through 2027 to enjoy its vibrant fruit and creamy texture at peak freshness.
Similar Wines
La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay, Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay