Jordan Kivelstadt founded Kivelstadt Cellars in 2007 with 125 cases of Syrah from his family’s estate vineyard in Bennett Valley, Sonoma. Before launching his own label, he made wine across the globe, in California, Australia, Chile, and Argentina, experiences that shaped his vision of marrying organic farming, minimal intervention, and making wines that are both distinctive and affordable. The 2023 Father’s Watch comes from Mendocino County’s historic Venturi Vineyard, a 70-year-old, dry-farmed, certified-organic site planted on Pinole gravelly loam soils that has been the source for many a hipster label looking for high quality, yet affordable fruit. A blend of Grenache (34%), Carignane (30%), and Syrah (36%), the varieties were fermented separately, with native yeasts, around 30% whole clusters, and aged in neutral French oak to preserve purity. Syrah contributes plush dark fruit and savory spice, Grenache layers in strawberry and herbal lift, and Carignane adds high-toned raspberry. Polished tannins and juicy acidity make this a versatile red, suited to BBQ, asian or Mexican-style red meats.