Kendric Vineyards
2004 Syrah(Shenandoah Valley (CA))
Stewart Johnson and his wife Eileen Burke started Kendric Vineyards in 2000 and released their first wine, this 2004 Shenandoah Valley Syrah, in November 2006. Named after his father, Kendric, the source of this Syrah is a vineyard on mom Kathleen’s Reward Ranch Vineyard in Amador County. Stewart tends the vines and makes the wines, while Eileen, who has a legal practice in San Francisco, handles marketing. Kendric Vineyards also produces a Marin County Pinot Noir. No longer garagistes, they now produce their wines at Starry Night Winery in Novato.
This $18 Syrah, a good value, is bright, fairly saturated ruby and viscous. It has aromas of strawberry jam, raspberry, tarragon, mint, tar, and smoked meats. On the palate the wine is medium to full in body and very creamy with ripe berry notes, vanilla, mocha, and toast. Acid is on the low side and oak tannins pick up on the finish, so this is a good candidate for dishes like Rillette, duck confit, a creamy, nutty cheese such as Mahon from Menorca, Spain, or lamb shanks with eggplant and thyme.
Reviewed June 11, 2007 by Catherine Fallis.
Other reviewed wines from Kendric Vineyards
The Wine
Winery: Kendric Vineyards |
The ReviewerFounder and President of Planet Grape LLC, a company committed to bringing the joy of wine, food, and good living into the lives of everyday people, Catherine is creator of the “grape goddess guides to good living,” a series of books, television presentations, seminars, and e-learning programs. The fifth woman in the world to become a Master Sommelier, grape goddess Catherine Fallis is still very much down-to-earth. |