The warm 1974 vintage was our first exposure to Mendocino Cabernet, a late ripening grape variety. Richard and Karen Keene grew Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and since the spot market for grapes in 1974 was down, they decided to ferment the grapes and make wine to sell in bulk. We purchased enough of the delicious juice to fill a few barrels, but most was purchased by wineries outside Mendocino—federal labelling regulations allow up to a 15% addition of a different appellation. After making wine in Mendocino for over four decades, we think there is much to recommend a Mendocino Cabernet to be labeled as such. Although Mendocino daytime harvest temperatures may be similar to Napa Valley, it is the nighttime temperatures that typically differentiate the two appellations. Napa's climate is tempered by the refreshing ocean breezes coming through the San Francisco Bay whereas Mendocino's location is moderated by a more frigid northern breeze.

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