I generally felt the Grand Reserve series to be one of the most successful groups of wines from Kendall-Jackson. All of the offerings reviewed in this segment tend to be above average in quality, but they did not possess the breadth of flavor and aromatic dimension I had anticipated. I thought the 1996 Chardonnay Grand Reserve was a well-made, lighter-styled wine. I particularly admired its citrusy, tangerine, tropical fruit flavors that are presented in a pure, crisp, medium-bodied style. It should be drunk over the next 1-2 years.As well as Kendall-Jackson's Artisans and Estates wines performed in my tastings, the overall quality level of KJ's Vintner's Reserve and Grand Reserve offerings was less impressive than in previous vintages. There is no doubt that 1996's short crop (and consequently higher prices) may have made access to the large quantities of high quality white wine juice more problematic, but I also noticed that the red wines tasted more tart, with less expansive textures, and higher acidity. After all, these are price point wines.Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (707) 579-3419
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