Owner Jess Jackson’s credo is to make extraordinary wines. Having bought 80 acres in Lake County in 1975, Jess set up the Kendall-Jackson empire in 1982. Today the business spans grape origins from 14,000 acres of coastal vineyards. The flagship wine is Stature 04, cabernet, merlot, franc, verdot, malbec of amazing aging capability. Amongst a mass of wine labels I wish to single out the single vineyard Highland Estates series: they are serious drinks. Chardonnays from 07: Camelot Highlands (Santa Maria), Seco (Arroyo Seco), Piner Hills (Russian River) and Alisos Viognier (Santa Barbara). Pinot Noirs from Boont Ridge 07 (Andersen Valley), Los Robles 07 (Santa Barbara) and Seco 06 (Arroyo Seco) are recommended. Try merlots from Boont Ridge 06 (Anderson Valley), Napa Mountain 06 (Howell Mountain) and Taylor Peak 05 (Knights Valley). Or cabernets from Hawkeye Mountain 05 (Anderson Valley), Napa Mountain 04 (Howell Mountain), Raptor Peak 06 (Anderson Valley), Trace Ridge 05 (Knights Valley) or the Trace Ridge meritage 06 (Knights Valley) cabernet merlot verdot.