Countless individuals relish a refreshing Mint Julep while observing the famed Kentucky Derby, known as ‘The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports.’ This edition, Kendall-Jackson is the Featured Wine of the 150th Kentucky Derby. Renowned for producing the top Chardonnay in America, this esteemed winery has launched two distinctive limited-edition wines to celebrate the event. They are ideal selections for hosting your own Derby viewing party.
Both the Kentucky Derby x Kendall-Jackson 2022 ‘150th Anniversary’ Mendocino County Chardonnay and the Sonoma Valley Kentucky Derby x Kendall-Jackson 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon wines present a unique label honoring the 150th jubilee of the ‘Run for The Roses’, featuring the retired American Thoroughbred racehorse Rachel Alexandra from Stonestreet Stables.
The Derby is often known as “The Run for the Roses”, where the victorious horse is draped in a blanket of exquisite roses. Stonestreet Stables stands for the Thoroughbred horse breeding and racing estate of the Jackson family nestled in the renowned Bluegrass Hills of Lexington, Kentucky. Rachel Alexandra, the beloved racehorse of Jess Jackson, claimed triumph in multiple races, including those at Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Racecourse.
This Chardonnay blend is curated using grapes from various AVAs within Mendocino County. Each glass offers delightful vanilla nuances coupled with lively hints of tropical fruits and tangerine. Recommended culinary partners for this wine include: Deviled Eggs, Fried Chicken, Baked Bourbon Chicken, and Pimento Cheese Spread with Crudites. Best served at 50° F in a Burgundy glass.
Winemaking specifics: Painstakingly fashioned in small vineyard lots and oak barrels to present Kendall-Jackson’s distinguished velvety smoothness and creaminess.
The exclusive Kendall Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 87% Cabernet grapes, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc for gentle tannins and enhanced texture. The winemaker adds a hint of 2% Merlot to elevate the wine’s silkiness and fullness.
This red wine is fruit-forward, showcasing vibrant scents of ripe cherries, red currants, cassis, and a touch of pomegranate. Tantalizing the palate are notes of baking spices and dark chocolate. Subsequent flavors like blueberries and caramel linger on the finish.
Winemaking specifics: Matured for 23 months in a blend of 74% French Oak and 26% American Oak. Culinary recommendations include Pulled Pork Sliders and Oysters Rockefeller with Pimento cheese. Optimal serving temperature is 65° F in a Burgundy glass.
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