Readers interested in learning more about Kimberly’s background and many fascinating projects can check out the article I wrote last year by clicking HERE.

I attended a two-day tasting of KJS’ new releases in February this year. Among the highlights is the 2021 Scarecrow, which is firing on all cylinders and then some after bowing out of the 2020 vintage because of the wildfires that year. Readers on the mailing list will know there has been a hefty price hike for Scarecrow this year, yet for those whose budgets just can’t stretch, its sibling wine, the 2021 M. Etain, is well worth checking out as it is not far off Scarecrow in terms of quality.

“This is a different expression of the vineyard,” said winemaker Celia Welch. “M. Etain is not declassified Scarecrow. The blend is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec, 11% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot. This is the first vintage where this is actually a red wine rather than a Cabernet Sauvignon, as it can usually be labeled legally.” 

Also worth consideration, winemaker Sam Kaplan has produced a number of phenomenal 2021 Napa Cabs that truly evoke a sense of place, including the wines he makes for Arkenstone on Howell Mountain and Vangone Estate, which is nestled in the Vaca Mountains, not far from Stagecoach Vineyard.

Some personal favorites from the KJS new releases include the Chardonnays from Hudson Estate as well as those from French-born newcomer Marie-Laure Ammons under her Nid Tissé label. I also love the old vine beauties lovingly crafted by Michael Hirby and Schatzi Throckmorton at Relic. The 2021 Ritual, a blend of 33% Carignan, 25% Syrah, 26% Grenache, and 16% Petite Sirah, is an incredible bargain for its quality and expression. Rhône rangers will also love Paso Robles newcomers to the KJS portfolio, Terre et Sang. For full details about this inspirational Mother and Son duo, head over to R. H. Drexel’s recent article by clicking HERE.

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention Kimberly Jones’ passion project, Courier, the wine she makes from an ancient Maury vineyard she rescued.

“After being oppressed and endangered, Courier is the first message, the first expression of this rescue of vineyards,” says Kimberly. “I’m just the messenger for these vines, some of which are 100 years old. They produce less than ½ ton an acre—sometimes barely ¼ of a ton. They are dry-framed in schist, hand-harvested, and only free-run juice is used.”

Because yields are so low here, only 168 to 288 cases of Courier are made each year. Kimberly’s most recent vintages are among her best.

Happy Wine Hunting!