The 2010 White Wine Blend Vintner’s Reserve Summation is a blend of mostly Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Roussane. The aromatic varieties provide the bouquet while the Chardonnay gives mid-palate presence to the fruit. This is a pretty, harmonious wine in its price range. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014. I must say I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted from Kendall-Jackson. Qualitatively the wine are head and shoulders above the vast majority of what is available in the same price points, but what amazes me most is Kendall-Jackson’s ability to achieve such a high average level of quality with production levels that are truly eye-popping. In 2010, which was not an abundant year, Kendall-Jackson produced nearly 2,000,000 cases of the flagship Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay. This is a brilliant showing from winemaker Randy Ullom and his team comprised of Matthew Smith (reds) and Mark Theis (whites).Tel. (800) 769-3649; www.kj.com

Any offering from Kendall-Jackson bearing the Vintner’s Reserve designation will offer much more quality than its humble price suggests. A new addition to the portfolio is the 2009 Vintner’s Reserve Summation, an intriguing blend of 33% Sauvignon Blanc, 27% Viognier, 15% Chardonnay and the rest Semillon, Roussanne, Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Muscat Cannelli, all largely fermented in stainless steel and neutral oak. It is a terrific perfumed, juicy white displaying a rainbow of tropical fruits in addition to crisp acids, medium body, a dry, flavorful mid-palate and lots of purity. This is a pleasure-giving, exciting, dry white that sells for a song. The only problem is that it needs to be consumed over the next 12 months, before they release the 2010. Kendall-Jackson enjoys a well-deserved reputation for over-delivering quality vis a vis price for its wines.Tel. (800) 769-3649; www.kj.com

The winery tells us this is a blend of Loire and Rhone varieties. It’s crisp in the attack and followup, then shows its ripe fruit wit jammy apricots and citrus fruits. The finish is rather sweet.——S.H.(9/1/2010)—— 85