Jackass Hill

This rugged vineyard is referred to by the Martinelli family as “Jackass Hill”, because only a jackass would farm a hill that steep. Jackass Hill is the steepest non-terraced hillside vineyard in Sonoma County, boasting slopes of 65 degrees. Lee Sr. is the third generation Martinelli farmer to care-take the original family homestead land; farming the ancient vineyard much as his grandfather Giuseppe had in the 1880s, without irrigation, pesticides or trellising.

The year 2024 provided much-needed relief and a welcome return to normalcy following the extreme temperatures of 2022 and 2023. The growing season was nearly ideal, beginning with a cool spring and transitioning into a warm, yet not excessively hot, summer. Abundant rainfall throughout the season fostered even and robust cluster development. While a brief heatwave occurred in early October, the ample water availability helped mitigate its impact. Unlike the challenges faced in 2023, this year saw no significant rain events during harvest. We are thrilled to share this exceptional vintage with you.

Captivating on the nose with aromatics of stone fruits, raspberry cordial, and a whisper of cola. Almost paradoxical in the mouth with elegant tannins and supple flavors of red currents, raspberry and integrated oak.  The finish is refined and lingering with fresh white peach.