Critics Challenge Wine Competition, 2010: Silver
Dan Berger's International Wine Competition, 2016: Silver
San Diego International Wine Competition, 2014: Silver
San Francisco International Wine Competition, 2014: Gold
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, 2012: Gold
Critic Scores & User Ratings are based on an aggregated international Global Wine Score (GWS).
Kendall Jackson Merlot Vnt Rsv - Item Code: 02513
Tasting Notes and Characteristics:
Kendall Jackson Merlot Vintner’s Reserve offers a plush, velvety mouthfeel that makes it an inviting choice for relaxed evenings or celebratory dinners. With an approachable 13.5% ABV, this California Merlot is crafted using carefully selected grapes from cool coastal vineyards in the United States, ensuring a balanced and expressive profile that reflects its origin.
In the glass, you’ll find layers of ripe plum, black cherry, and subtle mocha notes mingling with hints of vanilla and toasted oak. These flavors create a harmonious match for dishes like lamb or mushroom risotto—the wine’s supple tannins and juicy fruit complement the richness of lamb while enhancing the earthy depth of mushrooms for a satisfying pairing experience.
Producer Information: Kendall-Jackson
Kendall-Jackson is based in Santa Rosa, California, within the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country. The winery was founded in 1982 by Jess Jackson, who initially purchased an orchard and converted it into a vineyard. Kendall-Jackson quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and sustainable viticulture practices, focusing on cool coastal vineyards that allow grapes to ripen slowly and develop complex flavors. Their production approach emphasizes meticulous vineyard selection, hand-harvesting, and careful blending to create balanced wines that reflect the unique terroir of California’s diverse wine regions.
Beyond their flagship Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, Kendall-Jackson offers a broad portfolio that includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah. The winery also produces limited-release estate wines from specific vineyards such as Alexander Valley and Santa Maria Valley. In addition to still wines, Kendall-Jackson has expanded into sparkling wines under their Avant label. While primarily focused on wine production rather than spirits or beer brewing, the company is part of Jackson Family Wines—a larger entity with holdings in Oregon’s Willamette Valley as well as international properties in Australia and Chile—further diversifying their offerings across global varietals like Malbec and Riesling.
Ordering and Delivery Options for this Merlot
Alcohol Delivery & Pickup Methods
All alcohol delivery orders will be confirmed by email during business hours within 1 business day. If there are any problems with your order, we will contact you via email. We use the following fulfillment methods:
Planning to pick up a bottle in person? Here’s how to reach our Bronx store from the Metro Botanical Garden station:
Directions:
From the Metro station, Head northwest on Bedford Park Blvd toward Webster Ave (282 ft).
Turn right onto Webster Ave (0.1 mi).
Turn left onto E Mosholu Pkwy S (1.0 mi).
Turn left toward Goulden Ave (0.1 mi).
Turn right onto Goulden Ave (259 ft).
Turn left onto Sedgwick Ave (0.3 mi).
Turn right onto Van Cortlandt Ave W (0.2 mi).
Slight left onto Bailey Ave (0.2 mi).
Turn right onto W 238th St (0.2 mi).
Turn left onto Broadway (364 ft).
You have arrived at our store.
Store Address:
Broadway Liquor & Wine Warehouse
5790 Broadway, Bronx, NY 10463, United States.
Merlot is a popular red wine grape variety known for its smooth texture and fruit-forward flavor profile. Characterized by notes of black cherry, plum, chocolate, and raspberry, it often features aromas of blackberry, vanilla, cedar, tobacco, and green bell pepper. This medium to full-bodied wine is typically produced in renowned regions such as Bordeaux in France, California in the USA, Chile, Italy’s Tuscany region, and Australia.
The winemaking techniques for Merlot include cold maceration and fermentation in stainless steel or oak barrels to enhance its complexity. Malolactic fermentation is commonly employed to soften the wine’s tannins. Merlot pairs beautifully with grilled meats like beef and lamb, roasted vegetables, pasta with red sauce, and duck dishes. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for casual dining occasions such as barbecues and family gatherings while appealing to both seasoned red wine enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
