Description

About the terroir: Our 2-1/2 acre “Home Vineyard” is north-east facing, at 1530-1600 ft altitude. The top soil is alluvial clay-loam on volcanic ash, fractured granite, and quartz sub layers. Untypically to this area, which tends to be steep and extremely rocky, this site is gently sloped and with few rocks to be found. It is also unusually cool in the context of the Sierra Foothills AVA, providing the required climatic conditions for successful Pinot production. The vineyard was planted (own-rooted, 3×6′ spacing) in 1979/80 and 1999, using as many clones – known and unknown – as we could lay our hands on, plus a handful of Pinot Gris and Chardonnay vines just for fun.  Irrigation is used sparingly (as needed) in the newer blocks, while the older block is dry farmed.

Recent years have brought us extremely challenging climatic conditions: our weather is getting dramatically warmer and dryer, and wild fires are a real threat every season. The vines’ production is now in a declining trend and, with every passing year, our bottled quantity of Home Vineyard is in decline as well.

2019 Vintage specifics:  Production: 960 bottles (80 cases). Alcohol: 13.1%.

In terms of style, this one comes across as especially friendly and accessible at this young age. It will, however, age gracefully for a good couple of decades or more if properly stored. With our Pinot, patience is rewarded!