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This blog was updated in December of 2024.
In previous posts, we’ve explored the three new appellation-series wines from Kendall-Jackson’s Jackson Estate collection (Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay). We’ve seen how these regions are some of the best growing areas on the California coast. But what’s up with that word, Estate?
What is an Estate Wine?
When you see “estate wine” on a label, it’s more than just a fancy term; it signifies a commitment to quality and authenticity. By definition, an estate wine comes from grapes grown on land that is owned or controlled by the winery itself. In the world of wine, this is a big deal.
By it, we mean to suggest a couple things that all contribute to the wines’ quality, and to assure people that Kendall-Jackson is doing its utmost to create the finest wines possible.
The Federal government, in the form of the Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) of the Department of the Treasury, is in charge of most legal things concerning wine. They use the word “estate” in the context of the term “estate bottled.” That’s a phrase some wineries put on their labels, if they’re able to. Consumers believe, rightfully, that a wine marked “estate bottled” is likely to be better than one that’s not.
The History and Tradition of Estate Winemaking
The concept of estate winemaking isn't new—it has deep historical roots that stretch back centuries, particularly in Europe. Historically, the finest wines were those made from grapes grown on the estate of the winery itself. In places like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Tuscany, this tradition became synonymous with quality, as estate ownership allowed winemakers to cultivate the land over generations and pass down expertise. The practice of estate winemaking ensured that every step of production was tightly controlled—from vineyard to cellar.
In California, the rise of estate-grown wines began to gain traction in the mid-20th century, with pioneering wineries like Kendall-Jackson leading the charge. For many wineries, owning the vineyard became a way to secure consistency and quality, ensuring that the grapes harvested each year were up to their high standards. Over time, this commitment to estate-grown fruit became a hallmark of quality, and wines labeled as "estate" often signaled an extra level of care, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
What’s the Difference Between Estate Wines vs Estate Bottled Wines?
According to the TTB, “estate bottled” can be used only when “100% of the wine came from grapes grown on land owned or controlled by the winery.” This is important; you can easily see that if the winery owns or controls the vineyard, it has much more influence over the way the grapes are grown and harvested than if the control is in the hands of someone else. The fact is, growers and wineries that buy grapes sometimes have far different and competing objectives in mind.
Why Estate Wines Are Often Considered Superior
Estate wines are often viewed as superior for a few important reasons. First and foremost, having control over the vineyard allows winemakers to ensure the highest quality grapes. From choosing the best site for planting to deciding how the vines are cared for, estate ownership means that the winery can make decisions that directly impact the final product. This level of oversight often results in better consistency and overall quality in the wine.
Moreover, estate wines are a direct reflection of their environment—vineyard owners can cultivate and harvest their grapes exactly as they see fit, without the influence of external growers or suppliers. This is why estate wines tend to have a distinctive character that ties them to their terroir, which brings us to the next point: terroir.
The Role of Terroir in Estate Wines
Terroir—the unique combination of soil, climate, and topography—plays a crucial role in defining the character of an estate wine. When a winery owns its land, it has the ability to carefully manage these factors, adjusting their farming practices to get the best expression of the land possible. For example, Kendall-Jackson’s Jackson Estate collection draws from different growing regions along the California coast, each with its own distinct terroir. The Anderson Valley Pinot Noir thrives in the cool, foggy climate, while the Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon benefits from the warmth and sun of the valley floor.
Estate wines are a direct reflection of these natural elements. The winery has the freedom to select the right varietals for each parcel of land, monitor the climate fluctuations during the growing season, and even adjust farming practices to ensure that each vintage is the best possible expression of the land. This connection to terroir is what gives estate wines their uniqueness and sense of place, making them a favorite for wine enthusiasts who appreciate authenticity.
What does Estate Wine Mean at Kendall-Jackson?
But with Jackson Estate, we actually own 100% of the grapes that go into the wines. Having absolute control — over viticultural practices like pruning, trellising, irrigating and harvesting — means that our winemakers can translate their vision of the ultimate wine into reality, dependably and consistently. This sounds routine: you’d think it was the case with every winery and every wine. But it’s not. That’s the huge advantage of having estate-grown grapes.
Jess Jackson, our founder, understood how important it was to own his own grapes. He acquired quite an extensive network of estate vineyards in his lifetime, a process now being continued by Barbara Banke. Having those vineyards and that land is the foundation stone, not only of Kendall-Jackson, not only of Jackson Estate, but of all Jackson Family Wines.
Jackson Estate
2022
Anderson Valley
points
750ml
$45
bottle
Jackson Estate
2021
Alexander Valley
750ml
$70
bottle
Steve Heimoff is one of America’s most respected and well-known wine writers. The former West Coast Editor for Wine Enthusiast Magazine and a contributor to Wine Spectator, he has also authored two books on the subject of California wine, including “New Classic Winemakers of California: Conversations with Steve Heimoff,” published in the fall of 2007.
