Vineyards
We are committed to small-lot production of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, and single-vineyard production of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast region.
Our approach to winemaking begins in the vineyard. Great terroirs possess a balance that must be respected, and it is with this in mind that we thoughtfully select our vineyard partners and growers. We carefully evaluate vineyard sites in specific appellations that effectively express a sense of a place — sites with great soils, terrain and orientation, and farmed by talented people dedicated to quality and sustainable viticultural practices. It is through these critical partnerships that we are able to achieve our winemaking objectives.
In the winery, we believe in minimum intervention with a keen focus on capturing the subtle nuances of the vineyards and vintage. During the aging process, our team tastes the wine every few weeks to assess its development. Vineyard blocks remain separated for the first 12 months before further tasting to help us choose the best approach to the vintage and the blending process.
Reuling Vineyard
Sonoma Coast
Meticulously cared for and sustainably farmed by Tim and Jackie Reuling, this vineyard has developed into one of the premier Pinot Noir & Chardonnay properties of California. Planted in 2000, the vineyard benefits from the cool marine influences converging from the coast. The sandy Goldridge soils that make up the vineyard floor are ideally suited to these varietals, naturally stressing the vines, which results in low yields and concentrated flavors.
Platt Vineyard
Sonoma Coast
The Platt Vineyard is a stunning coastal hillside ranch covered in redwoods and firs. The vineyard sits along the ridgeline, high above the morning fog. All of the Chardonnay vines are planted in highly coveted Goldridge fine sandy loams. This is a truly spectacular coastal vineyard that ripens small crops of intense fruit.
Diamond Mountain District
Napa Valley
Diamond Mountain gets its name from the volcanic crystals scattered throughout the reddish, fine-grained soil. Located in the warmer northwest corner of the Napa Valley, the vineyards range in elevation from 1,200 to 2,100′. This elevation, combined with the rugged terrain of volcanic soils and unique microclimates, leads to wines with firm structure, richness and well-rounded tannins. Add full layers of dark fruit and spices, and you have many of the key elements necessary to craft exceptional age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon.
Pritchard Hill
Napa Valley
While not its own appellation, this region of hillside vineyards nestled among the Vaca Mountains is producing some of the finest wines in the Napa Valley. Known for its high elevation and rich volcanic, rocky, well-drained soils, this region is home to vineyards that produce intensely flavored grapes with thick skins. With very low yields per acre, we are quite fortunate to work with an exceptional grower of Petit Verdot as a key component of our winemaking program.
Oakville District
Napa Valley
Synonymous with excellence in winemaking and home to numerous world-class vineyards, Oakville benefits from a unique combination of soil, topography and climate. The soil on the western side of the district at the base of the Mayacamas range is dominated by large alluvial fans made up of gravels, clay loams and bale loams. The combination of this Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard site, soil and climate produces powerful fruit and complex wines.
Caldwell Vineyard
Coombsville — Napa Valley
A Napa Valley legend since the early ’80s, John Caldwell has continued to refine viticultural practices in the Coombsville region. Located in Napa Valley’s southernmost AVA for ripening Bordeaux varietals, the vines sit between 300 and 600′ in elevation and benefit from well-drained soils consisting of alluvial bands of mineral-rich volcanic ash. With a slightly cooler climate due to its proximity to San Pablo Bay, extended hang times are the norm, allowing the Cabernet Sauvignon vines to ripen over a longer period of time.
Glass Slipper Vineyard
Coombsville — Napa Valley
Having previously founded the acclaimed Gemstone Vineyard in 1997, owners Paul and Suzie Frank embrace the dedication necessary to grow exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and produce unique handcrafted wines. Simply a stunning site, the vineyard is situated on the Coombsville bench, affording it ideal exposure. With our first harvest of the “Slipper” being 2018, we are excited to have this unique vineyard and terroir as a part of our wine program.
