Alder Springs Vineyard
On this great site, Stu Bewley has created a veritable research vineyard of huge numbers of different clones, rootstocks, spacings and training systems on fantastic sandstone hills. With high-elevation plantings ranging from 1700 to 2700 feet, the nights stay cool and the intensity of sunlight is astounding, bringing a minerality and aromatic complexity that is rare and delightful. In addition, these steep hillsides are very well-drained, giving the roots plenty of room to search for water.
Anselmo Vigne Vineyard
Anselmo is a great Cabernet site south of the Stag’s Leap District in Napa Valley planted on extremely rocky Akins loam soil. This auburn-colored volcanic soil is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. The Clone 7 Cabernet vines were planted 20+ years ago and have reached maturity, providing low yields, vibrant aromatics and a complex texture. This vineyard is the backbone of Artefact in ’07 and ’08.
Avion Vineyard
Avion vineyard is perched at 1200 feet elevation west of the town of Sonoma, above the famous Durell Vineyard and is the source of our Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. The vines are planted in Volcanic rock. Here the birds are relentless, creating the need for netting the vines. But the effort is worth the trouble. The wine is elegant and complex, with huge berry aromas and fine tannins.
Juliana's Vineyard
Juliana’s is our source for Mourvedre in Napa Valley, the core of Ritual. The organically farmed vines ripen easily in the warm days. The nights, however, are very cold, giving the wine a vibrant nose and keeping the wine fresh. Here we have decomposed volcanic rocks and clay with shale subsoil, providing incredible drainage giving us ripe tannins.
Krupp Brothers' Vineyard
The heart of Scarpa Syrah is the Krupp vineyard high above Oakville in Napa Valley. This impressive site is adjacent to the famous Stagecoach Vineyard, and is owned and managed by Stagecoach’s own Jan Krupp. These beautiful Syrah vines feel the gentle sun all day long, providing for soft complex tannins and great aromatics. The soils here are deep reddish-brown rocky clays with Basaltic subsoils.
Richard Perry Vineyard
Perched high above the Coombsville area just east of the town of Napa, this amazing vineyard is built on one of the most beautiful terraces we've ever seen! The Estrella clone Syrah vines have struggled here for 14 years to gain a foothold in the poor, decomposed ash. 2005 was our first year dealing with this vineyard, and early indications suggest a flavor profile of tar, licorice, pepper and blackberry that is expressive and elegant.
