California’s premium wine pioneer, Kenwood Vineyards, is introducing a new terroir-driven range, Six Ridges. The latest innovation from the Sonoma winery, Six Ridges underlines Kenwood’s commitment to crafting premium wines that capture the best of Sonoma County’s diverse appellations.

“Six Ridges is a tribute to the mountains and ridges that border this very special place,” says Pat Henderson, chief winemaker. “With this new range, we wanted to bottle the very best of the County. We’ve chosen only the best varietals from each appellation and provided extra special treatment from grape to bottle.”

Six Ridges was developed to celebrate the diversity and premium quality of Sonoma’s key American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). The six-strong range of four reds and two whites comprises:

2012 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.99 SRP): Fruit aromas of cherry and cassis join complex aromatic notes of lavender and cloves. Full-bodied with smooth tannins characteristic of this warm climate.
2014 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($24.99 SRP) and Chardonnay ($21.99 SRP): Classic varietals enhanced by the cooling effects of fog from the Pacific Ocean. The Pinot Noir has red fruit flavors of raspberry and pomegranate with spicy notes of clove, nutmeg and vanilla. The Chardonnay exhibits fruit flavors of Fuji apple and white peach with notes of vanilla, tropical fruit and allspice.

2013 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel ($24.99 SRP) and Merlot ($24.99 SRP). Both wines showcase densely-concentrated character and rich flavor resulting from rocky and well-drained soil. The Merlot offers fruity aromas of fig and dragon-fruit layered onto complex spicy notes of nutmeg, sage and sweet vanilla oak; while the Zinfandel reveals spicy notes of white pepper, allspice and cocoa joined by fruity flavors of red raspberry and dried cherry.

2015 Sonoma Coast Sauvignon Blanc: Available May 2016.

The Six Ridges range is focused on wines made within the ridges of the Mayacamas Mountains that stack themselves all the way to the Pacific Ocean. As each ridge is defined by its distance from the ocean and its geological faults, Kenwood Vineyards employs small-lot winemaking to showcase each area’s unique terroir. Vineyard lots are kept separate from picking through fermentation and aging to allow for individualized treatment.

“Six Ridges brings together everything I love about winemaking: that magic blend of art and science,” continues Henderson. “With our focus on small-lot winemaking, we’ve compromised nothing. We hand-pick as many of our grapes as possible to ensure we work with only the best fruit, and taste each parcel in the winery at least once per day to monitor the wine’s development.”

Kenwood Vineyards, one of Sonoma County’s original premium wineries, has been shaping Sonoma’s wines for more than 45 years. The release of Six Ridges is the latest step in the winery’s renaissance, which also includes significant investment and a renewed focus on small-lot winemaking.

The range will be available beginning in February 2016, with the 2015 Sonoma Coast Sauvignon Blanc available in May 2016.

 

About Kenwood Vineyards

Established in 1970 in the heart of Sonoma Valley, Kenwood Vineyards produces premium wines that showcase Sonoma County’s world class vineyards. For additional information visit www.kenwoodvineyards.com

 

About Pernod Ricard USA

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA, which employs a workforce of nearly 19,000 people worldwide and is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI).

The company’s leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod®, Ricard® and Avión™ Tequila (through a joint venture with Tequila Avión); such superior wines as Jacob's Creek®, Kenwood® Vineyards and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.

Pernod Ricard USA is based in New York, New York, and has roughly 850 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org