Proprietor's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (1985)

About this wine

The 1985 Kendall-Jackson Proprietor's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon presents a sleek and elegant profile, with an overlay of toasty French oak that complements its layers of spice, currant, cassis, and cherry flavors. The wine is beautifully balanced, featuring supple tannins and a long, satisfying finish. Notably, this vintage received a 95-point rating from Wine Spectator, highlighting its exceptional quality. As a product of the 1985 vintage, known for its cool growing season and graceful longevity, this wine exemplifies the elegance and balance characteristic of that year.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, emerged in France in the 17th century and has become one of the world's most recognized red wine grapes. In Sonoma County, California, the grape's cultivation dates back to the 1850s, with notable early plantings by John H. Drummond near Glen Ellen. By the 1970s, winemakers like André Tchelistcheff were consulting on Cabernet Sauvignon production in the region, contributing to its growing reputation. The 1985 Kendall-Jackson Proprietor's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon reflects this rich history, showcasing the varietal's adaptability and the region's commitment to quality winemaking.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1985 Kendall-Jackson Proprietor's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon received a 95-point rating from Wine Spectator, highlighting its sleek elegance, toasty French oak overlay, and layers of spice, currant, cassis, and cherry flavors.
• 🌞 The 1985 vintage in California was exceptional, characterized by a long growing season with warm days and cool nights, leading to well-balanced wines with fine tannins and aging potential.
• 🏡 Kendall-Jackson was founded in 1982 by Jess Jackson, a former San Francisco attorney, who transformed an 80-acre orchard into a vineyard, leading to the creation of the renowned Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay.
• 🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon, the grape variety used in this wine, is known for its thick skins and hardy vines, contributing to the wine's full-bodied nature and high tannins, which enhance its aging potential.
• 🌄 Sonoma County, where this wine originates, is one of California's largest wine-producing regions, known for its diverse climate and soil conditions that contribute to the unique characteristics of its wines.

Palate profile

Producer

Kendall-Jackson, founded in 1982 by Jess Jackson, began with the release of its inaugural Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay, which quickly gained acclaim and became America's best-selling Chardonnay by 1992. The winery is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, with all estate vineyards certified under the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing program since 2010. The estate features a four-acre culinary garden that supplies produce for its farm-to-table events, emphasizing the synergy between wine and food. Additionally, Kendall-Jackson has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2017 'American Winery of the Year' by Wine Enthusiast.