In 1980, screenwriter Robert Kamen purchased 280 acres of the southwestern slopes of the Mayacamas Range in Sonoma County. This mountainous property was rugged, overgrown, extremely rocky and very remote: virgin territory with no roads and no power. It was isolated, wild, beautiful and full of potential. Viticulturist Phil Coturri was brought into the project to develop and oversee the master plan. The vineyards are all biodynamically farmed. His vineyards are located in Sonoma Valley, on the backside of Mount Veeder, and year after year this is one of the finest Cabernets to come out of the area. 2018 was not a only great vintage in Napa; in fact, this shows that some of the Napa guys can still learn a thing or two from Sonoma!
The Lava Block is a 14 acre micro-climate within Kamen Estate. Planted in 2008, it is the rockiest slope in the vineyard requiring extensive planting efforts. The wines grown on this parcel of the estate showcase a distinct and unique expression of Kamen Estate vineyard.
ANTONIO GALLONI 96 POINTS - "Kamen is now one of the more historic estates in Sonoma’s Moon Mountain District. Longtime winemaker Mark Herold clearly has a natural affinity for this site. His 2021s are rich, dense and beautifully layered, but also a bit less bombastic than in the past. If that sounds pretty appealing, well, it is."
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Lava Black is a potent, explosive wine. Rocky soils yield a potent, intensely mineral-drenched Cabernet Sauvignon. Crushed rocks, graphite, chocolate, lavender, incense and crème de cassis all race across the palate, supported by salivating acids and big yet well-balanced tannins."
JEB DUNNUCK 95 POINTS - "A youthful black/purple color, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Lava Block is deep and a bit reserved before revealing dark, pure aromas of blackcurrants, plum compote, lavender oils, pine sap, and cigar box. The palate is well-detailed and full-bodied, with a plush, velvety feel, but it’s fully dry and has a lot of length and the ability to go the long haul. It has a more complete feel in the range and was one of the highlights of the Cabs at this tasting. Drink 2027-2057."
WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS - "Sporting vivid boysenberry, plum and loganberry fruit, with hints of iris, alder and earth, this red offers a suave mouthfeel. A late swirl of espresso crema on the finish gives this a hefty edge, but the fruit glides through with aplomb. Drink now through 2037."
The Lava Block is a 14 acre micro-climate within Kamen Estate. Planted in 2008, it is the rockiest slope in the vineyard requiring extensive planting efforts. The wines grown on this parcel of the estate showcase a distinct and unique expression of Kamen Estate vineyard.
ANTONIO GALLONI 96 POINTS - "Kamen is now one of the more historic estates in Sonoma’s Moon Mountain District. Longtime winemaker Mark Herold clearly has a natural affinity for this site. His 2021s are rich, dense and beautifully layered, but also a bit less bombastic than in the past. If that sounds pretty appealing, well, it is."
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Lava Black is a potent, explosive wine. Rocky soils yield a potent, intensely mineral-drenched Cabernet Sauvignon. Crushed rocks, graphite, chocolate, lavender, incense and crème de cassis all race across the palate, supported by salivating acids and big yet well-balanced tannins."
JEB DUNNUCK 95 POINTS - "A youthful black/purple color, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Lava Block is deep and a bit reserved before revealing dark, pure aromas of blackcurrants, plum compote, lavender oils, pine sap, and cigar box. The palate is well-detailed and full-bodied, with a plush, velvety feel, but it’s fully dry and has a lot of length and the ability to go the long haul. It has a more complete feel in the range and was one of the highlights of the Cabs at this tasting. Drink 2027-2057."
WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS - "Sporting vivid boysenberry, plum and loganberry fruit, with hints of iris, alder and earth, this red offers a suave mouthfeel. A late swirl of espresso crema on the finish gives this a hefty edge, but the fruit glides through with aplomb. Drink now through 2037."
