KENWOOD VINEYARDS SONOMA COUNTY 2OO8 ZINFANDEL and CABERNET SAUVIGNON

KENWOOD VINEYARDS SONOMA COUNTY 2OO8 ZINFANDEL and CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for 19 months, this Zinfandel has zesty, forward aromas of raspberry and dried cranberry that combine with eucalyptus and subtle vanilla notes.  Intense raspberry and cherry flavors are backed by pepper and spice accents.  Suggested retail is $14.  The Cabernet Sauvignon receives 24 months in a mixture of French, Eastern European and American oak barrels.  Eastern Europe was the original oak source for barrels used to mature Bordeaux reds and remained popular there until the late 19th century, when it was superseded by locally-grown French oak.  Aromas of cassis and blueberry, complemented by bay leaf and coffee nuances, introduce the Cabernet.  Cassis and blueberry also dominate the flavors, which gain complexity from a background note of cedar.  Medium weight and moderate – yet soft – tannins meld nicely on the palate, leading to a long, balanced finish.  Suggested retail is $16.  Both wines are available from Horizon Beverage Company.