Kudos to Kunde

2001 Kunde Merlot
Sonoma County
Jen’s Notes
$20.00

After bearing witness to an overoaked Carmenere, and the absence of tannins in the 2004 version of our house red, Kunde renewed our spirits with its subtle and well-made Merlot. I'd also like to smugly note that we liked it way-hay-hay-hay more than the Duckhorn, which was twice the price.

On the nose, the Kunde boasts intense cassis and cedar scents. The palate is silky-smooth, with sweet blueberry fruit over a whisper of tannins. We detected spicy/herbal notes, suggesting a flirtation with oak, but certainly not too much. Just enough to highlight the other flavors and lend a warm, slightly woody accent.