Kenwood Six Ridges Pinot Noir

Kenwood Six Ridges Pinot Noir

Note: We received the Kenwood Six Ridges Pinot Noir as a sample.

The Kenwood Six Ridges Pinot Noir is a Russian River Valley wine. The Russian River Valley AVA lies within Sonoma County. Cool morning fog rolls into the valley from the Pacific, making it ideal for growing Pinot. Nearly, 20% of California’s Pinot is planted in the Russian River Valley.

Zeke Neeley is Kenwood’s winemaker. He is a California native, born in Daly City, south of San Francisco. Zeke holds a Masters degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. 

The wine had a dull garnet colour; an old-world hue. Earthy notes dominated the nose, with a swirl of tobacco. Hints of cherry emerged as the wine opened. These aromas combined to create a classic Pinot nose. 

Taking my first sip, I found a wine with delightful complexity. Dust, smoke, and sour cherry swirled in my mouth. A long finish exposed a buttery texture. The wine lacked the all too common fruitiness of California Pinot. If I want a wine laden with fruit, there are many other varietals from which I can choose. When I drink Pinot, I want those earthy notes and subtle fruits. The Kenwood Six Ridges Pinot Noir delivers that experience. Moreover, it does so for $30.  

I look forward to trying the Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc.