2021 Moon Mountain District Lex’s Cabernet Sauvignon

Lex’s Cab emerges from the rugged beauty of Blocks 12, 13, and the top of 14, where the rockiest volcanic soil on the ranch yields low production but exceptional character. This challenging terrain, rich with stones, drains beautifully and requires us to nurture it with water every other day to keep it thriving. The unique temperatures on these terraces, literally carved into the mountainside, create a harmonious balance of day and night, allowing for a slow and deliberate ripening process. As a result, the wine is imbued with intense flavors and layers of rich fruit character and texture.

The inspiration for this wine is deeply rooted in love and friendship. Named after my father’s best friend, Lex, this Cabernet honors a bond that lasted a lifetime. Their friendship blossomed in high school and deepened during World War II when they served together in England. Lex, a tail gunner on B-29s, and my father, the lead mechanic, shared a connection that transcended the perils of war. My father often recalled the sleepless nights filled with anxiety every time Lex took off, waiting in hope until his friend safely returned. Their story began in a high school gym class, where a fight sparked an unexpected camaraderie. With gloves on and laughter in the air, they sparred in front of their classmates, neither emerging as the victor. Instead, they sealed their bond with a heartfelt hug that would endure through the years, until Lex’s untimely passing in his early 40s from cancer. My father never fully recovered from the loss of his dear friend—a truly great man. Lex’s Cab stands not only as a tribute to the exceptional land it comes from but also as a celebration of a friendship that weathered life’s challenges and remains forever in our hearts.