Winemaker Jordan Kivelstadt has traveled the world making wine in California, Australia, Chile, and Argentina. He draws inspiration both from his new world experiences and from European cuisine, art, and culture. For his inaugural vintage in 2007, he made 125 cases of Syrah from his family's estate vineyard in California. The winery employs sustainable practices wherever possible, including using a wine on-tap system to eliminate wine spoilage, offering refillable growlers, and switching to biodegradable corks. This has resulted in a savings of over 6 thousand pounds in waste every year. A true boutique winery, they produce very small quantities of each wine. We feel a real connection — kismet, shall we say — with this winery. We will taste:

Family Secret Sauvignon Blanc 2019 — The 40-year-old vines planted in the Indian Springs Vineyard in Kenwood. With a combination of neutral oak and stainless steal fermentation and aging this wine has all of the great aspects of both old and new world Sav Blanc. The juice is fermented and aged in 50% neutral French oak barrels and 50% stainless steel; the wine in barrel is aged on the lees for six months. These methods create a wine of balance, that has vibrant acidity complemented by texture from barrel fermentation and aging, which brings depth and complexity. Only 926 cases produced. 12% ABV. $24/$8

Sibling Rivalry Estate Pinot Noir 2017 — This Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir is a cornerstone of the Kivelstadt Cellar’s portfolio. Three acres of Pinot sit on the southeastern slope of the winery’s estate vineyard, which is a cool-climate hillside site with volcanic soils. A brilliant ruby red with aromas of black raspberry, cherry-cola, Asian spices and dried flowers. It offers a vibrant palate with red and dark berry flavors, with hints of tomato vine and dried spice. The wines acid pulls through to the finish with notes of vanilla bean, dried flowers and anise. An elegant, nuanced style of Pinot Noir, the wine has a core of intense red fruit and spice. Fermented with native yeast, employing 30% whole clusters, it spends ten months in 20% new French oak barrels and goes to bottle unfiltered. Only 212 cases produced. 12.4% ABV. Regularly $50, now $46/$15

Father's Watch Rhone Red Blend 2018 — Rhône-style blend made from Grenache Noir (34%), Syrah (36%), and Carignane (30%); With 14 months in barrel, the wine balances between its primary aromas and softened tannins. The Carignane and Grenache bring high-tone fruit, approachability, and energy to balance out the earthier Syrah. This red blend has richness on the attack, yet finishes brightly thanks to the acid profile of the Grenache and Carignane. Nice balance of fruit and earth, which is characteristic of southern Rhone blends, but due to its California roots this wine’s fruit enlivens the entire drinking experience. There is distinct high-toned red fruit on the nose, with of dried herbs and spices rounding out the palate and finish. Only 794 cases produced. 13.4% ABV. $25/$8

See y’all Friday!!