2018 and the hits keep coming… another promising Zinfandel vintage in Sonoma County. 2018 had a few significant vintage events: (1) A very warm February caused early bud break, (2) average rainfall, (3) the rest of the season punctuated by hot spells, and (4) we had average temperatures during the growing season—we were not forced to pick by any extreme weather events. It was something normal; we love normal. There are innate qualities to 2018 that offer long term promise of polish and finesse and I think 2018 is very similar to our wonderful 2014 wines that our team loves.

Montecillo Vineyard (close to heaven) is a steep hillside vineyard that sits 1500 feet above the Sonoma Valley on the border of the Moon Mountain Appellation - just off Nuns Canyon Road. The vineyard was planted in 1984 by Mike Lee, founder of the Kenwood Vineyards, and it was an inside secret that the Cabernet off this hillside was saved for the best efforts at Kenwood. When our gifted winemaker, Clay Mauritson, informed me that Mike Lee put aside access for us at this Zinfandel block, I knew immediately I would make this wine with reverence to him; Mike was a personal mentor, hero and wine-making visionary who inspired both Clay and I to do great things… this one’s for you, Mike!