
The Kennedy Point Estate
Susan McCarthy and Neal Kunimura moved from Hawaii to Waiheke Island with only the passion and determination to grow and produce quality Red Bordeaux style and Syrah wines. Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in Marlborough were added to their selection of fine wine in 2000. Kennedy Point Vineyard, named for the Kennedy family who settled this area of Waiheke in the late 1800's, and still have an ancestral home on the Island today, was established in 1996 and their first harvest was in 1999. They are now Certified Organic.
The Kennedy Point Vineyard
The vineyard is planted on 2.5 acres. The beautiful site on the southeastern side of Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf provides a steep north-facing slope for optimum ripening of the grapes. Their philosophy of following natural viticulture methods allow them to work with premium quality grapes and use a little interventions as possible in the wine making process.
The wine produced on this property reflects the essence of the land, and supports our belief that great wine is grown in the vineyard.
Organic viticulture aims to sustain and enhance the fertility and life- supporting ability of the soil by not using chemical fertilizers and sprays. The health of the land for the long range production of quality wine and olive oil is the goal of our organic process.
Kennedy Point is fully certified by Organic Farms N.Z. as of August 2010, an organic certification program designed for small producers; it follows the strict BioGro International Standards. It was established in response to the growing cost of organic certification and the global movement towards using locally produced organic products. Our wines are fermented with wild yeast which enhances the complexity and unique qualities of each wine, which reflects the terroir of the vineyard.
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Long Shadows Saggi Red is made with 58% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon 12% Syrah. Among Tuscany's oldest and most prestigious wine families, Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari teamed with Allen Shoup to produce a wine that showcases Washington State's terroir with plenty of Italian character. Saggi (meaning "wisdom") is a stunning blend of two outstanding Washington Sangiovese vineyards. Candy Mountain Sangiovese gives the wine its dark fruit flavors and appealing notes of anise. Dick Boushey's Yakima Valley Sangiovese, planted in 1992, adds vibrancy and liveliness. Because Cabernet Sauvignon has the potential to overtake Sangiovese, the Folonaris work closely with Sagemoor Vineyards to carefully select blocks of Cabernet they know from experience deliver elegant character and refined tannins. Syrah, also from Sagemoor, adds to the wine's dark color and rich mid-palate.
Review:
-Vinous 95 Points
-James Suckling 93 Points
-Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points
G.D. Vajra Barolo Coste di Rose is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo.
The Coste di Rose is a very seductive wine right out of the gate. Cherries and roses burst on the nose, with hints of amarena, red hard candy, wild berries, wet stone, mint and thyme. The palate is radiant and expressive, with all of the signature elements of Coste di Rose in nice evi-dence: the ethereal character, the saline, up-front tannic structure, and further whiffles of roses and cherries in the finish.
G.D. Vajra is one of Barolo's most beloved family estates, farming organically in La Morra since the early 1970s and known for fragrant, high-toned, transparent Nebbiolo. Coste di Rose is one of the highest and coolest crus in Barolo, its sandy, well-draining soils yielding especially perfumed and graceful wines; the 2022 is a touch more structured and powerful than most.
Review:
Floral, as is typical of this estate, with crunchy red fruit and rose petals. The palate is medium-bodied, with a blanket of delicate, tender fruit defined by chalky, precise yet silky tannins. Drinkable now with proper aeration, but will improve with some bottle age.
James Suckling, 96 points
-Monica Larner (Robert Parker) 95 Points