Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont – Sonoma Meets Monterey in Every Sip Updated → September 2025 Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont is a vibrant California white wine that artfully blends grapes from Sonoma and Monterey counties. This approachable Chardonnay delivers a harmonious mix of bright fruit, subtle oak, and a creamy finish – offering a taste of two renowned wine regions in every sip. What Is Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont? Kenwood Vineyards: A Sonoma Legacy Sonoma and Monterey – A Tale of Two Regions Crafting the Wine: Oak and Fermentation Tasting Notes: What to Expect Serving and Pairing Suggestions How It Compares to Other Chardonnays Quality at an Affordable Price Where to Buy: Union Wine & Liquor Frequently Asked Questions What does "Son Mont" mean on the label? Is Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont dry or sweet? Should I serve this Chardonnay chilled or at room temperature? What foods pair well with Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont? Can I age this wine or is it best enjoyed young? What Is Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont? Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont is a California Chardonnay that highlights the union of two celebrated wine regions: Sonoma County and Monterey County. The name “Son Mont” is a shorthand nod to these regions (Sonoma + Monterey), indicating that the grapes in this wine are sourced from both areas. Produced by Kenwood Vineyards – a winery known for its quality and heritage – this Chardonnay is crafted to showcase the best characteristics of each region in one bottle. It’s an easy-going yet flavorful Chardonnay, balancing ripe fruit, subtle oak, and refreshing acidity in a versatile package. Kenwood Vineyards: A Sonoma Legacy Established in 1970, Kenwood Vineyards has built a legacy as a Sonoma Valley pioneer. Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country, the winery has long been dedicated to producing wines that reflect the region’s diverse terroir. Kenwood’s “small-lot” winemaking philosophy means they ferment and age grapes in smaller batches, allowing for greater attention to detail and quality control. Though the winery now boasts a state-of-the-art facility with hundreds of fermentation tanks and thousands of oak barrels, the team remains focused on traditional craftsmanship. This blend of heritage and innovation has made Kenwood a respected name, and their experience shines through in Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont. Sonoma and Monterey – A Tale of Two Regions The hallmark of Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont is its dual-origin fruit. Sonoma County and Monterey County each contribute something special to the wine’s character. Sonoma, with its cooler nights and well-drained soils, produces Chardonnay grapes with crisp acidity, balanced structure, and classic apple and pear notes. Meanwhile, Monterey’s warmer daytime temperatures and cooling ocean breezes foster grapes with lush tropical fruit flavors and ripe aromas. By blending Chardonnay from both regions, Kenwood achieves a harmonious profile: Monterey’s pineapple and mango-like sweetness is balanced by Sonoma’s citrusy zing and minerality. This “best of both worlds” approach is what sets Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont apart from single-region wines, delivering complexity and depth through regional synergy. Crafting the Wine: Oak and Fermentation Kenwood’s winemakers employ specific techniques to bring out the full potential of the Sonoma and Monterey grapes. After harvest, the Chardonnay juice is fermented and partially aged in oak barrels sourced from both French and Hungarian oak. This oak aging imparts a gentle vanilla and toasted brioche note to the wine without overpowering its fruit character. In addition, a portion of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation – a secondary fermentation common in Chardonnay production. Malolactic fermentation converts tart malic acids (think green apple acidity) into softer lactic acids, lending a creamy, buttery texture to the finished wine. By only allowing a small percentage of malolactic fermentation, Kenwood strikes a balance: Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont gains a smooth mouthfeel and subtle butteriness while retaining bright acidity and fruit freshness. The result is a Chardonnay that is rich yet refreshing, with winemaking choices carefully tuned to highlight the dual regional fruit sources. Tasting Notes: What to Expect Pouring a glass of Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont reveals a pale golden hue – a visual hint at its warmth and richness. On the nose, the wine is inviting and complex. You may notice aromas of ripe pear and crisp green apple, layered with a whisper of tropical fruits like pineapple or guava from the Monterey influence. There are also subtle floral and sweet notes – some tasters detect a touch of honeysuckle. Swirling the wine in the glass coaxes out the influence of oak: gentle scents of toasty oak and baking spices like vanilla and nutmeg. When you take a sip, the palate is greeted with fruit-forward flavors of Asian pear, citrus zest, and stone fruits. The texture is medium-bodied and smoothly creamy, thanks to that partial malolactic fermentation, yet it still finishes with a bright, mouth-watering acidity. A faint note of buttered toast lingers on the finish, reminding you of the wine’s time in oak. Overall, Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont delivers a pleasing balance of fruity richness and refreshing vibrancy, making each sip both indulgent and crisp. Serving and Pairing Suggestions To fully enjoy the nuances of Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont, serve it at the proper temperature. Like most Chardonnay, this wine shows its best flavors when slightly chilled – aim for around 50–55°F (10–13°C). Too cold (straight out of an icy fridge) and some of its aromatics might be muted; too warm and it could taste less crisp. A short stay in the refrigerator (or an ice bucket) before serving will get it to the right temperature. When it comes to food pairings, Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont is quite the crowd-pleaser. Its blend of creamy texture and bright fruit makes it versatile on the table. It pairs beautifully with seafood – think grilled salmon, seared scallops, or shrimp in garlic butter – as the wine’s acidity can cut through richness and its fruit complements the ocean flavors. It also matches well with poultry and pasta: try it alongside roast chicken, turkey, or a creamy chicken alfredo. For vegetarian options, consider dishes like butternut squash risotto or a creamy brie cheese – the Chardonnay’s notes of pear and vanilla will enhance the sweetness and creaminess of such foods. Given its balanced profile, this wine is equally enjoyable sipped on its own as an aperitif. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, serving Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont will elevate the meal with ease. How It Compares to Other Chardonnays Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont occupies an interesting spot in the world of Chardonnay. In comparison to some other popular California Chardonnays, it offers a more nuanced take on the classic style. For instance, big-name California Chardonnays (often from Napa or large producers) can lean heavily on oak and butter, resulting in a very full-bodied, toffee-and-butter style. Kenwood’s approach is a bit more balanced – thanks to the blend of Sonoma and Monterey fruit, it doesn’t come off as a one-note “butter bomb.” Compared to a Chardonnay made entirely with Monterey grapes, the Son Mont blend tends to have a crisper finish (courtesy of the Sonoma grapes) rather than just tropical sweetness. In summary, Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont distinguishes itself by marrying the fruit-forward California Chardonnay style with a refreshing lift of acidity and restraint. It stands up well against others in its category, often surprising wine drinkers with its sophistication given its accessible price. Quality at an Affordable Price One of the most attractive aspects of Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont is the value it offers. California Chardonnays from reputable wineries can sometimes carry hefty price tags, especially those highlighting specific regions or special winemaking techniques. In contrast, this Kenwood offering provides a premium taste experience without breaking the bank. Priced at well under twenty dollars – in fact, often around the $10 range – it delivers a level of complexity and pleasure that rivals some more expensive bottles. The dual-county blend means you’re essentially getting the essence of two great wine regions for the price of one bottle. Critics and casual wine drinkers alike often remark on how Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont punches above its weight in quality. It’s the kind of wine you can confidently bring to a dinner party or pour at a holiday gathering, knowing it will satisfy a range of palates, yet it’s affordable enough to be a go-to house wine for everyday enjoyment. In short, Kenwood has managed to craft a Chardonnay that feels a bit luxurious but remains accessible in price – a combination that savvy wine shoppers certainly appreciate. Where to Buy: Union Wine & Liquor If you’re ready to experience this distinctive Sonoma-Monterey Chardonnay yourself, you can find Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont at Union Wine and Liquor. Our store proudly offers this wine at a competitive price, making it convenient for local wine lovers in the Cheektowaga, NY area to pick up a bottle (or a few). Whether you’re shopping for a special dinner or just restocking your wine rack, we have you covered. Union Wine and Liquor 2675 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14227 Phone: (716) 608-6190 Business Hours: Mon–Thu 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Fri–Sat 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sun 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Frequently Asked Questions What does "Son Mont" mean on the label? “Son Mont” is an abbreviation combining “Sonoma” and “Monterey.” It signifies that the Chardonnay’s grapes come from Sonoma County and Monterey County. Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont uses fruit from both of these California regions, and the name pays homage to that unique blend. Is Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont dry or sweet? Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont is a dry wine. While it offers fruity flavors (pear, tropical notes), it contains virtually no residual sugar and finishes crisp and clean. In other words, it won’t taste sweet or sugary – expect fruit balanced by acidity and a touch of oak, as is typical of a dry Chardonnay. Should I serve this Chardonnay chilled or at room temperature? It’s best to serve Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont chilled, but not ice-cold. Aim for about 50–55°F (10–13°C), which is the temperature range where Chardonnay shows its aromas and flavors best. In practical terms, this usually means about an hour in the refrigerator before serving. Avoid serving it at room temperature, as the wine may taste flabby or less refreshing when too warm. Likewise, an overly cold wine straight from a very cold fridge can mute the nuanced flavors. What foods pair well with Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont? This Chardonnay is quite food-friendly and versatile. It shines with seafood dishes – for example, grilled or baked fish, scallops, shrimp, and crab cakes all work wonderfully. It also pairs nicely with poultry: think roasted chicken, turkey, or chicken in creamy sauces. Soft cheeses (like brie or camembert) and creamy pastas or risottos complement the wine’s creamy texture and fruit notes. Because Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont balances rich flavors with refreshing acidity, it can handle slightly richer dishes (like buttery or creamy recipes) without overwhelming them, while also elevating simpler fare like herb-grilled vegetables. Can I age this wine or is it best enjoyed young? Kenwood Chardonnay Son Mont is designed to be enjoyed relatively young, while its fruit flavors and vibrant acidity are at their peak. You don’t need to age this wine for it to improve; in fact, it’s typically best within a couple of years of the vintage. That said, an unopened bottle can sit comfortably in a cool, dark place for a year or two without issue. Just don’t expect it to gain complexity from extended cellaring in the way a high-end, oak-heavy Chardonnay might. Once opened, it’s recommended to finish the bottle within 2–3 days (keeping it corked and refrigerated) to enjoy it at its freshest. In summary, buy this Chardonnay to drink now or in the near term, rather than laying it down for long-term aging.
