The 2009 Merlot Grand Reserve is a dark, full-bodied wine loaded with black cherries, plums, chocolate, spices and licorice. This is a far from easygoing Merlot. There is plenty of underlying structure to balance the fruit. The 2009 Grand Reserve has more then enough character to stand up to the heartiest of cuisines. A dollop of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon was added in the final blend. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. I must say I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted from Kendall-Jackson. Qualitatively the wine are head and shoulders above the vast majority of what is available in the same price points, but what amazes me most is Kendall-Jackson’s ability to achieve such a high average level of quality with production levels that are truly eye-popping. In 2010, which was not an abundant year, Kendall-Jackson produced nearly 2,000,000 cases of the flagship Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay. This is a brilliant showing from winemaker Randy Ullom and his team comprised of Matthew Smith (reds) and Mark Theis (whites).Tel. (800) 769-3649; www.kj.com