When we embarked on this winemaking journey, a very well known and respected Sonoma winery and vineyard owner imparted this thought:
“The most important point being the quality of the fruit is 80% of what makes the best wine. The winemaking aspect is, of course, crucial, but it all really starts in the vineyard.”
Kick Ranch
We have an ongoing relationship with the Jemrose “Cardiac Hill” Vineyard. Located in the Bennett Valley and at an altitude of 700 feet, this vineyard is producing amazing Syrah and Grenache fruit. Hot during the day, but cooled at night by the fog coming through the Petaluma Gap, it clearly is one of the closest AVAs in Sonoma county to match the conditions of the Rhone in France and it is reflected in the beauty of the wines from there.
In order to expand the varieties we were interested in producing, our search has taken us to the Russian River AVA, where we source our Petite Sirah fruit. One of the best sources for that fruit is Jim Landy’s Sweetwater Ranch Vineyard. This hilltop vineyard is the source of the darkest, most opulent Petite Sirah I have found in Sonoma County.
Landy Vineyard is in the Russian River Valley and enjoys elevations from 300 to over 1000 feet. Its twenty three were planted in 2002. Its rocky hillsides are high above the fog layer providing long sun exposure. Our Petite Sirah is sourced from the highest parts of the vineyard, providing the fruit with exceptional exposure and excellent ripening.
“Mi Cielo” or “My Heaven” is our Estate vineyard in the Alexander Valley. From the moment I saw the property, I realized it’s incredible potential, despite the complete overhaul that would be required to make this a first class boutique vineyard. We spent two years and endless effort to bring these three acre to the point we felt we would be able to make a first class Cabernet Sauvignon.
This single vineyard Cabernet is source from a tiny hillside vineyard on the west side of Alexander Valley. This bowl shaped 3 acre vineyard has over 6000 vines in 4’ by 4’ spacing. This shape of this vineyard gives it exceptional drainage. Due to the slopes and spacing it has to be completely worked by hand and its small size gives us the ability to give our fruit the attention it deserves. A true expression of Terrior.