Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon

Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon is a Sonoma County red wine bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2019 vintage earned Gold medals at both the Critics Challenge Wine Competition and the Sunset International Wine Competition, underscoring its consistent quality across recent releases.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Sonoma County, California  |  Varietal: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 0.9% Petit Verdot (2021 vintage)  |  Winery: Kenwood Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Kenwood Vineyards is situated in the heart of Sonoma Valley and sources its Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from three distinct growing areas: Sonoma Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley. The winery employs a small-lot approach in which fruit from each vineyard is kept separate throughout the entire winemaking process, allowing the winemaking team to evaluate and blend individual lots for complexity and balance. Kenwood also holds the distinction of being the exclusive producer of wines from the historic Jack London Ranch, located on Sonoma Valley's western slope, where deep red lava soils and sustainable farming practices dating back over a century contribute to wines with concentrated color and rich varietal character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Intense black currant and ripe plum lead, followed by dried fig and a subtle thread of pipe tobacco. Hints of menthol and cedar add aromatic lift and complexity.

Taste: The entry is juicy with dark bramble fruits and crème de cassis, building into a mid-palate layered with Earl Grey tea, licorice, and savory touches of sage and black pepper. The body is full and round, with cocoa-powder tannins providing structure without harshness.

Finish: Medium-long and fruit-filled, carrying lingering notes of blackberry and a whisper of vanilla. The tannins resolve smoothly, leaving behind a clean, slightly minty close.

How to Drink Kenwood Cabernet

This Sonoma County Cab drinks well at cellar temperature — around 60–65°F — poured into a large-bowled glass that lets its dark fruit aromatics open fully. Decanting for 20–30 minutes softens the tannins on younger vintages. For cocktail-curious drinkers: a Cabernet Cobbler (muddled seasonal berries, simple syrup, crushed ice) showcases its berry-forward nature; a classic Kalimotxo (equal parts red wine and cola over ice) makes an easy warm-weather option; and a New York Sour (bourbon sour topped with a red wine float) benefits from the wine's deep color and tannic backbone.

Best For

• Weeknight steak dinners where you want a reliable, well-made Sonoma Cab
• Gifting to a California wine enthusiast exploring Sonoma County reds
• Building a mixed case of everyday Cabernet Sauvignons under premium price points
• Hosting a blind-tasting night comparing Sonoma vs. Napa Cabernets

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kenwood Cabernet taste like? It leads with ripe black currant, blackberry, and plum flavors, supported by savory notes of sage and black pepper, with round cocoa-powder tannins and a fruit-filled finish.

How does Kenwood Cabernet compare to Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are widely available California Cabernets, but Kenwood sources exclusively from Sonoma County's Sonoma, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valleys, while Bogle draws from broader Central Valley and Clarksburg fruit. Kenwood generally shows more tannic structure and darker fruit concentration, whereas Bogle tends toward a softer, more immediately approachable style at a slightly lower ABV of 13.5%.

Is Kenwood Cabernet good for sipping neat? Yes — its full body, layered dark fruit, and well-integrated tannins make it a solid choice for drinking on its own, especially with 20 minutes of decanting on younger vintages.

Where is Kenwood Cabernet made? Kenwood Vineyards is located in Sonoma Valley, California, and the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are sourced from vineyards across Sonoma Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley within Sonoma County.

What foods pair well with Kenwood Cabernet? Grilled ribeye steak matches its full body and tannic grip. Braised short ribs echo its dark fruit and savory depth. Aged cheddar or Gruyère complement the wine's vanilla and cedar undertones. Lamb chops with rosemary mirror its herbal complexity. Dark chocolate desserts align with the cocoa-powder tannin profile.

What sizes does Kenwood Cabernet come in? The standard release is available in 750ml bottles.

Is Kenwood Cabernet worth the price? Kenwood Cabernet positions as an accessible, everyday Sonoma County red that over-delivers relative to its price tier — gold-medal recognition at the Critics Challenge and Sunset International competitions confirms its standing among the stronger values in California Cabernet.

Why Kenwood Cabernet?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of California Cabernets is Kenwood's small-lot winemaking discipline and its access to fruit from three of Sonoma County's most respected valleys. The blend — predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with small additions of Malbec and Petit Verdot — adds layers of complexity that many wines at this price tier lack. The winery's connection to the historic Jack London Ranch and its century-old sustainable farming heritage provide a sense of place that goes beyond a simple regional label. Consistent gold-medal performance at juried competitions confirms that the quality in the bottle matches the story behind it.