Rogers & Company Wines

Kenwood Vineyards

Sonoma Valley

Kenwood Vineyards was founded in 1970 when wine enthusiasts from the San Francisco Bay Area refurbished and modernized the former Pagani Brothers Winery, which was originally established in 1906. Ideally located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, Kenwood Vineyards, named after the town, is committed to producing premium wines that reflect Sonoma County's finest vineyards and define the region's grape varieties in their true character and style.

The winery sits on a beautiful twenty-two acre producing estate. Using the "Cuvée" winemaking method, the harvest from each vineyard is handled separately to preserve its individuality and true character. Such "small lot" winemaking allows winemaker Pat Henderson to bring each lot of wine to its fullest potential as shown in the blending of Kenwood Vineyard's Reserve, Jack London, and Single Vineyard Wines. A blend of the finest barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon also produce the acclaimed Artist Series wines revealing the evident rewards of this dedication to excellence.

Rogers & Company offers a selection of wines from 4 of Kenwoods wine-making series: The Sonoma Series, the Yulupa Series, Jack London and the Artist Series.

The Sonoma Series

The Sonoma Series wines were the first produced at Kenwood Vineyards from 1970 onwards. The first two varietals were Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and lastly Pinot Noir were added over the years. Only top quality grapes from Sonoma County's vineyards are used in the production of our Sonoma Series. Reviewers often find these wines to be "best buys" in the premium wine category.

Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Sonoma County
"Lively varietal aromas of grass, Meyer lemon and freshly cut honeydew melon. Fresh and crisp, with lively body and a lingering finish."

For many years Kenwood Vineyards has been recognized as one of California's top Sauvignon Blanc producers. It is their most popular wine. The fruit sourced for this wine comes from their growers in five different appellations in Sonoma County. Grapes from vineyards in the cooler regions of Carneros and the Russian River Valley bring grassy characteristics to the wine, while grapes from the warmer Dry Creek, Sonoma Valley and Alexander Valley regions create melony, fruity flavours. The end result can be found in this well-balanced, award-winning wine.

The Sauvignon Blanc fruit was harvested in September 2006 following a long growing season. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, a small portion of the juice was aged in 2000 gallon French oak tanks to mellow the wine without adding oak character. Winemaker Pat Henderson held the fruit from each vineyard lot separate throughout fermentation and aging, blending just prior to bottling for optimum flavours.

Gold Medal San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2008
87 points, Great Value Wine Spectator, October 2007
Gold Medal California State Fair, July 2007
Gold Medal Orange County Fair, June 2007

Chardonnay 2007 Sonoma County 375 mL
"Bright fruit aromas of green apples and Bosc pears followed by tropical notes and French oak; lush, rich mouth feel with a lingering, slightly crisp finish"

Combining grapes from the cool climate regions of southern Sonoma Valley and the Russian River Valley, Kenwood's Sonoma County Chardonnay nicely balances the classic fruit flavours of this varietal with subtle notes of French oak aging. The 2007 harvest produced Chardonnay with excellent fruit flavours and crisp acidity. The grapes were harvested in late September after a long and cool growing season. Two thirds of the juice was fermented in French oak and aged on the lees for five months to add viscosity and complexity to the blend. The remaining juice was fermented in stainless steel and aged in upright oak tanks to retain the varietal's fresh natural flavour. After fermentation the wine underwent a secondary malolactic fermentation to enhance the wine's rich, round flavours.

"Gold hue. Fresh-sliced pineapple and lemon drop scents. Rich butterscotch and pineapple flavours, with a tart, youthful edge. Soft, balanced, fruit-driven finish."
88 points, The Wine News, Oct 2008

Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County

Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Sonoma County
"Complex flavours of cherries and plums followed by hints of nutmeg and cigar box. Full-bodied and smooth with rich tannins and a lingering finish."

Kenwood Vineyard's Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is made predominantly of fruit sourced from mountain ranches in Sonoma Valley. Winemaker Pat Henderson keeps each vineyard lot separate throughout fermentation and aging to preserve the unique flavours of the individual vineyards that create a consistent, award-winning wine.

The growing season of 2004 was capped off with perfect fall weather which produced wines with intense fruit flavours. After fermenting the grapes in stainless steel tanks, the wine was aged in French and American oak barrels for 24 months. Merlot and Cabernet Franc were then added to the final blend to further enhance the wine's rich berry flavours. Enjoyable now, this wine will continue to improve with bottle age.

Merlot 2005 Sonoma County
"Aromas of dried cherries, pipe tobacco and French oak. Full-bodied with smooth tannins and a long, lingering finish."

Kenwood Vineyards creates its award-winning Sonoma County Merlot from vineyards located in the Sonoma, Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys. Grapes harvested in the cooler Sonoma Valley region are deep in color with intense berry flavors. Their winemaker balances the blend with fruit from the warmer Dry Creek and Alexander Valley regions that grow fruitier grapes. The resulting wine is ripe, supple and well proportioned. Following a temperate growing season, the Merlot crop was harvested in September and October of 2005. Each vineyard lot was fermented separately in stainless steel tanks and aged individually in a combination of American and French oak barrels for 21 months. After ageing, the wines were removed from barrels and blended for taste and balance just prior to bottling in late June 2006. A touch of Cabernet Sauvignon was blended into the final wine for added complexity.

Pinot Noir 2006 Russian River Valley
"Fruity aromas of strawberries and raspberries followed by subtle aromas of rose petals and fresh herbs; viscous texture and supple tannins give way to a long, smooth finish."

Kenwood Vineyard's Winemaker, Pat Henderson is pleased to release the 2006 Russian River Pinot Noir. The cool climatic conditions of the Russian River Valley make it one of perhaps only four regions in California where the delicate Pinot Noir grape grows well. The Russian River empties into the Pacific Ocean, and serves as a channel for the cool ocean fog to move inland from the coast. Kenwood produces its Russian River blend from vineyards located off River Road, where the rocky soil and the ocean's cooling influence create the ideal conditions for growing Pinot Noir grapes.

The grapes for the 2006 Russian River Pinot Noir were harvested in late September and early October. Ten percent of the Pinot Noir crop was whole-berry fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fruitiness of the grape; the juice was then aged in newer French oak barrels for eleven months. This full-bodied Pinot Noir wine serves up an array of plum and raspberry flavours with a lingering finish.

Zinfandel 2006 Sonoma County
"Rich Zinfandel-character aroma of boysenberry, spices and subtle French oak. Broad velvety tannins give it excellent body and a long finish."

Kenwood prides itself on its highly acclaimed, consistent gold-medal winning Sonoma Zinfandel since it was first produced in 1970. The zest and zing of this varietal make it Winemaker Pat Henderson's personal favourite.

The Kenwood Sonoma County Zinfandel is blended from vineyards located in Sonoma County's best Zinfandel appellations, the Sonoma and Dry Creek Valleys. A portion of the blend comes from old-vine vineyards that have been producing excellent grapes since the 1940s.

The 2006 Kenwood Sonoma County Zinfandel displays generous aromas of blackberry and spice. Robust flavours of black fruit and spice are accented by a lavish note of spearmint. Big and assertive on the palate, it becomes more reserved in the finish. Firm tannins and solid structure suggest this Zinfandel - though currently a match for hearty foods - likely will benefit from short-term aging.

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The Yulupa Series

In the early 1990's, Kenwood launched a new series of wines created especially for the restaurant community. The goal was to create a wine with an attractive range of quality by-the-glass offerings for our on-premise customers. The first wine released was a Chardonnay, followed by a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Zinfandel, a Merlot and a Cuvée Brut. The wines feature unsurpassed smoothness, drinkability and an ability to pair well with a wide range of foods.

Chardonnay 2007 Yulupa
"Aromas of freshly cut pears and green apples with overtones of vanilla and butterscotch, followed by a rich mouthfeel and a fresh, crisp finish."

Kenwood Vineyards Yulupa Chardonnay was created in the early '90s to meet the growing demand for restaurant wine by-the-glass listings. The wine is made in a light, fruity style to pair well with a wide range of foods.

Grapes for the 2007 Yulupa Chardonnay were harvested in September and October after an extended growing season. Eighty percent of the juice was barrel fermented and aged on the lees in French oak barrels. A portion of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation to create a subtle round character. The remaining juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the bright, citrus flavours balanced in this wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Yulupa
"Aromas of blackberry and cherry; followed by a hint of vanilla and allspice. Medium bodied mouthfeel with soft, rich tannins and an excellent finish."

Kenwood Vineyards produces its Yulupa Cabernet Sauvignon with an emphasis on softness and drinkability. The grapes for this blend come from several vineyards in Sonoma County, chosen by Winemaker Pat Henderson. Striving to achieve a smooth, approachable wine, Pat Henderson looks specifically for fruit with softer tannins.

The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks, and subsequently aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for 24 months. The resulting wine is complex, deep in color with ripe wild berry, currant and subtle toast flavours with a soft finish.

Merlot 2005 Yulupa
"Fruity aromas of figs and plums with more complex notes of fresh herbs, well balanced tannins and rich mouth feel give way to a long, elegant finish."

This wine is produced from fruit of select California vineyards. Grapes from the cooler coastal climates bring deep colour and intense flavours to the wine, while grapes from the more northerly and warmer regions add fruity, cherry characteristics. The result is a supple, well-balanced wine, perfect for by-the-glass pours.

Following a long growing season, the Merlot crop was harvested in early October. Winemaker Pat Henderson kept each lot separate throughout fermentation in stainless steel and aging in a combination of American and French oak for 18 months.

Zinfandel 2006 Lodi Old Vines
"Aromas of ripe boysenberries and figs, followed by complex lanvender and bay leaf notes. This medium-bodied wine has a supple mouthfeel and a lingering, smooth finish."

The Old Vines Zinfandel wine comes from two vineyards in the Lodi Appellation that were planted in the early 1900s. These vineyards are owned by second- and third-generation family grape growers. The vineyards are old-style, head-pruned, and yield a very low two-and-a-half to three tons per acre.

This wine is aged for 18 months in American oak barrels, creating complexity of bouquet and softened tannins. The Lodi Old Vines Zinfandel has been crafted to showcase the inviting fruit qualities that are characteristic of its appellation, and to present soft and approachable flavours for ready consumption. This is a medium-bodied, vibrant wine with blackberry fruit aromas and flavours, with a smooth and supple mouth-feel.

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Jack London

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 flavours 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.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Jack London Vineyard
"Rich and complex with aromas of cigar box, mint and a hint of vanilla from French oak aging; a full-bodied wine with flavours of black currant and rich, elegant tannins with an excellent finish."

In 1976, Kenwood Vineyards was granted the exclusive rights to produce and market wines from Jack London's historic vineyard in Glen Ellen. This unique red lava soil vineyard, located on the western slopes of Sonoma Valley, was first planted in the late 1800s. It has always produced red wines distinct in depth and varietal character.

The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon fruit was harvested in late September, after an outstanding growing season, which produced very flavourful grapes. Following fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine was aged in newer French oak barrels for two years. The resulting wine is wonderfully complex with powerful berry, spice and earth flavours. Delicious now, this Cabernet will continue to develop and improve with further bottle aging.

"Dense garnet rim. Powerful scents of plum, black cherry and thistle. Rich flavours of cherry pie, brown sugar and blackberry. Full, refined tannins and lingering impressions of blackberry and brown sugar in the close."
91 points, The Wine News, Oct 2008

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The Artist Series

After more than two decades in the limelight, Kenwood Vineyards' highly-acclaimed Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as a premier marriage of fine art and fine wine. Kenwood's goal for combining its finest Cabernet Sauvignon with the work of contemporary artists was to create an elegant, easily identifiable package, while promoting beautiful artwork at the same time.

The grapes used to craft each Artist Series release are as carefully selected as the artwork that will grace the bottle. Each year, Winemaker Pat Henderson selects the finest small lots of Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and skillfully blends them to produce this Kenwood classic. While the winemaking philosophy of using only the most superior Cabernet fruit never changes, the style of Kenwood's Artist Series Cabernet has evolved over the years. The initial style of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon fruit with lots of oak aroma and flavour has evolved to a lighter Bordeaux-style blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc) with subtle oak complexity.

The Kenwood Artist Series is truly a successful marriage of wine and art, which has often been referred to as the "Chateau Mouton-Rothschild of America." Accordingly, the Artist Series collection has become highly sought after by wine collectors worldwide.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Artist Series
The 2003 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon is an opulent wine of great depth and concentration. The wine displays balance and refinement with aromas of raspberries, currants and dark chocolate. The wine is approachable when young, yet capable of aging gracefully for many years to come.

The Art: Vincent Van Gogh, born in Groot-Zundert, Holland, was a post-Impressionist whose work powerfully influenced modern Expressionism, Fauvism and early abstraction. His unique fusion of form and content is powerful and imaginative as characterized through his work "The Starry Night". Colour is the chief character of expression throughout this piece and is portrayed through his swirling brushstrokes, deep colour, and dramatic use of form and line.

Visit Kenwood Vineyards.

All wines are available by the unmixed case to Licensees and Private Consumers, subject to availability.

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