Recently we attended Kelley & Young Winery’s first Meet the Winemakers Dinner and enjoyed a selection of this California-based operations products. Here’s our impression of the wines served.

2015 Kelley & Young Sauvignon Blanc finishes fermenting at a lower alcohol content a month after crushing the grapes. This Sauvignon Blanc has a clear pretty yellow color and a bright scent, reminiscent of grapefruit, that is less brassy than many other Sauvignon Blancs on the market. The palate of lemon, vanilla, and pear mingle nicely. It has a light dry finish, making it the perfect wine to go with appetizers. B / $27

2015 Kelley & Young Kathleen Rosé has a blush rose color. On the nose, strawberries and cherry notes hint at an overall sweetness. Five varietals of grapes are used to make it. A / $25

2014 Kelley & Young Zinfandel has a beautiful, ruby red body with a lovely bouquet. While aromatically rich, I get a nose of phosphorous. The taste of dark, sweet cherries comes through with a light but spicy dryness on the finish. B+ / $36

2014 Kelley & Young Late Harvest Zinfandel starts off with a rich, blood red color. As you would expect from a dessert wine, it is sweet both in scent and palate, but not syrupy. The palate hints at a Port with notes of cherry and chocolate — which is particularly clear because the winemakers indeed add dark chocolate tannin to the blend. Coming through that are notes of dark cherries and oak. A+ / $35

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