1988 John French @ Seventeen +++ Kenwood Jack London Series

In 1988 the year when I was graduating from H.S. my parents

where gone on one of their trips -

leaving me alone w/ my older brother, Mrs. B., and one of the handiest of men, Frank L.

They brought me home an empty bottle of the

Jack London series by Kenwood Wines in Sonoma in which they drank

w/ an Exec from CBS while visiting w/ folks of Duke University in Raleigh, N.C.

I kept that bottle. I loved it for some reason and the preppy tie they also brought me.

My fascination w/ wine already had started but my fascination w/

Jack London was just beginning as well as Kenwood's Jack London series of Sonoma.

Jack London Series

Author Jack London once wrote of Sonoma County,
"The air is wine. Across Sonoma Mountain, wisps of sea fog are stealing. The afternoon sun smolders in the drowsy sky. I have everything to make me glad I am alive."

This patch of earth that so captivated Mr. London is home to Kenwood Vineyards. Kenwood plants, farms and harvests the historical, lava-terraced vineyards of Jack London's ranch, producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Merlot wines. Made only from Jack London vineyard grapes, these three wines are savored for their mint-accented berry flavors and smooth finishes. The dramatic Jack London label --a replica of the wolf's head Jack London used as his book-plate logo -- has created tremendous consumer interest and recognition in the wines.
Over 800 acres of Jack London's Beauty Ranch are now owned and operated by the California State Parks System. Visitors have the opportunity to hike, bike or horseback ride through much of the property, as well as view many of the ranch's buildings and Jack London home and grave, including the remains of the Wolf House.

2005 Jack London Zinfandel

WINE DESCRIPTIONS

Intense aroma of boysenberry accented by hints of white pepper, rich viscous body with flavors of dried cherries and a long excellent finish.
WINEMAKER NOTESLong recognized for its superior red wines, the first Zinfandel was produced from the Jack London Vineyard in 1988. Located on Sonoma Mountain with a southeasterly exposure, the climatic conditions and long, cool growing season of this viticultural area create complexity and balance in the fruit. The influence of the vineyard’s red volcanic soil and the fruity characteristics of the grapes combine to produce an excellent, very distinctive Zinfandel. Following a long growing season and a warm Indian summer, Kenwood harvested the 2005 Zinfandel crop in late September and early October. The juice was fermented in stainless steel and then aged in French and American oak barrels for 17 months.
FOOD RECOMMENDATIONSThe wild berry and spicy flavors of this rich and elegant Zinfandel are a perfect complement to tomato sauce dishes, grilled fish and steak, and rich chocolate desserts.

Composition:100% Zinfandel

Aging:17 months in French and American oak barrels.Alcohol:14.5%Production:6,202 casesBottled:June 2007Acid/pH:6.9/3.63

Awards & Ratings
2004 Jack London Vineyard Zinfandel
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Silver, January 2007
CGCW, 87 Rating/1 Star, January 2007
Restaurant Wine, 5 Stars, February 2007
Wine Enthusiast, 87 Rating, December 2006
Houston Rodeo Wine Competition, Bronze, November 2006
California Grapevine, 90 Rating, October 2006

Best of Sonoma Roses,

John French

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