Sink It and Drink It: Kenwood Sauvignon

Kenwood Vineyards resides in the heart of the picturesque hamlet of Kenwood in Sonoma Valley, along Highway 12 roughly halfway between the towns of Glen Ellen and Santa Rosa. The winery was established by the Lee brothers in the 1970s, and quickly emerged as a fine wine powerhouse. In the 1980s and 1990s, Kenwood Vineyards was the embodiment of a classic Sonoma Valley winery, producing remarkably intense red wines without pretension. Along the way, the winery also carved a big niche with Sauvignon Blanc. Alas, the Lee brothers sold the winery to a larger interest several years ago, but their legacy remains, as is evident in the winery’s 2005 Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County. This wine is a steal for $8 at Trader Joe’s and other outlets. It boasts aromas of citrus and hay, followed by seamless flavors of pear, melon and grapefruit. This wine is utterly smooth and composed, with fresh acidity for a perfect finish.

When visiting the rustic and friendly Kenwood Vineyards tasting room, don’t forget to pack your golf sticks. Just a few miles up the road you will find Oakmont Golf Club, which consists of two classic Ted Robinson-designed courses. The West Course is a traditional par 72 layout, while the East Course is shorter but narrower, and thus equally challenging.