1996 Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Merlot

Kenwood Vineyards is a 263-acre winery in Sonoma Valley. It was founded in 1970 and in 1999 it was acquired by Gary Heck, who also owns Korbel Champagne Cellars and other California wineries. The estate makes numerous wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and dessert wines. It is also known for its 30 years of producing an artist series of Cabernet Sauvignon, in which artworks by living and deceased artists are used on the labels.

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.