In 2021, I was unable to harvest my Gamay. Because of the drought and varying weather conditions, yields were low throughout the West Coast and I was willing to drive across state lines so I wouldn’t lose a vintage. My friend Ian Brand came through with Massa Cabernet Sauvignon and it turned out to be one of my favorite wines I made that year.

Located in the Carmel Valley AVA at 1,500 ft. in elevation, this vineyard is not easy to get to and I’m happy the fruit didn’t slide off my truck after harvest as I wove through the canyon. The Cabernet vines were planted in 1971, farmed organically since 1990, and provide classic, cool climate Cabernet expressions. This wine feels right in the line-up.