Kendall-Jackson Merlot Grand Reserve 2013

Wine Advocate 89 points - Even better than the Vintner’s Reserve is the 2012 Merlot Grand Reserve, which comes from their estate vineyards in Sonoma. This is a 21,000-case cuvee, and for the extra few dollars, I’d opt for this one. Espresso roast interwoven with blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, forest floor, vanilla and spice jump from the glass of this wine, which is essentially 100% Merlot (in actuality 99.7%, with the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec). About 22% new French oak was used in the upbringing of this wine. It should drink nicely for 7-8 years..Robert M. Parker, Jr., December/2014

Grand Reserve is a winemaker’s blend of our mountain, ridge, hillside and benchland grapes grown along California’s cool coastal appellations. We select grapes from our best estate vineyards and then monitor, taste and guide each individual lot throughout the winemaking process. Each lot is kept separate, barrel-aged and crafted-boutique winery style. Our winemakers have an unmatched palette of flavors, toast levels and terroir nuances from which they masterfully blend these exemplary rich, deep and complex wines.