Wine Spectrum 2019 Top 100 

#5 Wine is 2015 Kathryn Kennedy Lateral

2015 Kathryn Kennedy Lateral

Red Blend |  Napa Valley |  Wine Spectrum 94 | Buy Here

A crowd pleasing Napa wine inspired by Bordeaux

Kathryn Kennedy Lateral has earned a respected cult following for being quite simply the finest Bordeaux-style blend at its price point. It is a masterful expression of Merlot & Cabernet Franc. The interplay of these two grapes gives Lateral a complexity unlike most California blends. Therefore the label has become known as a “go to wine” for the dinner table. It’s complexity and like-able mouthfeel lends well to pairing with every dish imaginable. Year after year it is one of our best values and most popular buys. Now at only $38, you might grab a case quickly, before this deal goes sideways…

For Marty Mathis, Lateral has been a continual pursuit of quality. Over twenty years ago, with the fine wines of St. Emillion Bordeaux as his inspiration, Mathis set out to create a balanced, luxurious blend from the finest grapes he could access. Therefore his pursuit has never wavered. Eventually leading him finally to select Napa Valley sources, including top level vineyards such as Robert Sinskey, Yount Mill and Pat Garvey.

Tasting Notes:

Inspired by St. Emilion wines this beautifully proportioned Napa Valley blend is crafted by winemaker Marty Mathis. Who is most importantly one of the top Bordeaux style winemakers in the state. You might recognize Marty from producing his high-scoring Kathryn Kennedy wines…  This is a perfect example of just how inspiring Right Bank influenced blends from Napa Valley can be.  This wine is really singing now and promises another decade of sheer enjoyment.

Dark garnet color; Controlled impression of sweet oak aromas combine with cranberry, mocha and purple plums. Loamy earth and mineral notes are present. Refreshing plush entry leads to medium weight texture with fresh acid balance. This is a perfectly balanced young dinner wine showing off crushed strawberry, bramblewood flavors and moderate tannins. Very reminiscent of Bordeaux’s more feminine characteristics… in keeping with its “right bank” inspirations.