Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1986)
SommeliAI Insights
A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with rich tannins, an elegant mouthfeel, and a long finish.
About this wine
This 1986 Cabernet Sauvignon from Kenwood Vineyards' Jack London Vineyard offers a complex bouquet of blackcurrant, black cherry, and subtle mint, reflecting the vineyard's unique red volcanic soil. On the palate, it presents a full-bodied structure with well-integrated tannins, delivering flavors of ripe dark fruits, hints of roasted cocoa bean, and a touch of eucalyptus. The wine's elegant mouthfeel leads to a long, satisfying finish. Notably, the Jack London Vineyard, located on the western slope of Sonoma Valley, was once owned by the famed author Jack London, adding a historical dimension to this exceptional wine. The vineyard's red volcanic soil contributes to the wine's distinctive character and depth.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that emerged in 17th-century France from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and resilience, making it suitable for diverse climates. In Sonoma Valley's Jack London Vineyard, the unique red volcanic soil and favorable climate conditions contribute to the cultivation of this grape, enhancing its distinctive characteristics. Kenwood Vineyards, since 1976, has exclusively produced wines from this historic vineyard, with the 1986 vintage being a notable example of their commitment to showcasing the terroir's influence on Cabernet Sauvignon.
Quick facts
- 📚 The Jack London Vineyard, established in 1972, is located on the historic Beauty Ranch once owned by famed author Jack London, who was also a pioneer of sustainable farming in Sonoma over 100 years ago.
- 🌋 The vineyard's unique red volcanic soil contributes to the distinctive character of its wines, imparting deep colors and rich varietal flavors.
- 🌿 Surrounded by eucalyptus trees, the vineyard's Cabernet Sauvignon often exhibits subtle minty notes, a characteristic attributed to the nearby trees.
- 🍷 Kenwood Vineyards has been the exclusive producer of wines from the Jack London Vineyard since 1976, crafting award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Syrah.
- ☀️ The vineyard's elevation at approximately 920 feet places it above the morning fog line, allowing for ample sunlight exposure and contributing to the development of full-bodied wines.
Palate profile
Producer
Kenwood Vineyards, established in 1970, is located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, California, within the historic Pagani Brothers Winery, a cellar dating back to 1906. The winery is renowned for its 'small lot' winemaking approach, meticulously fermenting and aging each vineyard lot separately to preserve the unique characteristics of Sonoma County's diverse terroirs. In 1976, Kenwood became the exclusive producer of wines from the historic Jack London Ranch, crafting varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel from this storied vineyard. In 2014, the winery was acquired by Pernod Ricard, integrating it into a global portfolio while maintaining its commitment to quality and tradition.