The 2009 Red Wine Trace Ridge is an attractive wine, but it doesn’t quite offer the same visceral thrill of Kendall-Jackson’s top 100% Cabernets. Hints of mint, crushed flowers and licorice add a measure of complexity on the finish. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot from Kellogg Vineyard in Knights Valley. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. 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