“Fair play is a jewel.” – Sir Walter Scott

Obviously, the famous 18th-century writer wasn’t talking about the California AVA.

But this 94-point hidden gem from one of the state’s most underrated wine growing regions is a shining example of what’s possible when you look beyond the big-name areas like Napa or Sonoma.

With a rockstar winemaker behind the scenes and a 50% price drop on deck, you have a short window of time to lock some in before it’s gone. Although, we do have a backup lined up when this inevitably sells out…

As San Francisco Chronicle wine editor Jon Bonné noted, “Even by the standards of the mountains, Fair Play is up there - the appellation, created in 2001, has the highest average elevation of any in California. All the things that elevation can bring, including intense sunlight without baking heat, can be found in abundance. And so, it has become a spot for those who want to reach for the heights.”

Enter Kehret, stage left.

Bill and Bonnie Kehret arrived at their Mount Aukum estate, sitting at 2,615 feet elevation with a vision to plant vineyards and make wine in the early 2000s. To make this dream a reality, the brought winemaker extraordinaire Steve Leveque on as a consultant. Leveque’s resume includes Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Chalk Hill, and HALL where he worked alongside Michel Rolland, crafting countless high scoring wines.

Needless to say, these wines left our panel spellbound with their intensity and finesse. This 2018 Zin, while not from their Fair Play vineyards but another high-altitude single vineyard in Amador County, is tightly structured despite 6 years on the vintage, while it remains refined and polished with elegant and brooding raspberry jam, blackberry, rhubarb, bitter chocolate, and stony mineral flavors that build richness toward plush, sweet, and round, well-groomed tannins. There’s a magical balance it shares with the highest-elevation wines in the world, be it Mendoza, or Ribera, at a price grounded as can be.

Do not miss out on this one - it will redefine your expectations from Zins.

94 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“Just plain yummy blackberry and black-cherry aromas give this full-bodied wine an irresistible entry before perfectly ripe and generous fruit flavors take over the palate. It reveals nuances of bay leaf, sage and clove with each sip, backed by good acidity and moderate tannins. It is a great debut for this Sierra-region winery. Best through 2028.”