Kerner, a Riesling-like varietal, is planted on the flattest part of the vineyard along Soda Creek. This tends to be the coldest part of the site, ideal for the varietal. These blocks were originally planted to Zinfandel, but our winemaker Jon Emmerich knew they were destined for another varietal. A few years later, he tasted a Kerner from the Alto Adige region in Italy while out to lunch and decided this northern Italian grape was just the grape for the site. Colder temperatures, due to the altitude and the canyon shading, make for longer growing seasons to produce a Kerner that is fresh and fruity, with milder acidity and an aroma of white stone fruits, red apple, and orange blossom.