FIELD NOTES
VINEYARD: Model Farm Estate
VARIETAL: Syrah
LOCATION: East Petaluma, CA
AVA: Petaluma Gap
Inspired by the industrious small vignerons of the Northern Rhone and captivated by their wines, we began our journey in search of cool climate Syrah. We were immediately drawn to the Petaluma Gap. The cold foggy mornings, a few fleeting hours of late day sun, and namesake consistent wind (reminiscent of the Mistral) are ideal. Now, after countless hours spent in the vineyard, we have come to know and love this daily rhythm and have an even greater appreciation for how unique this area really is.
VINEYARD: P&M Staiger
VARIETAL: Chardonnay
LOCATION: Boulder Creek, CA
AVA: Santa Cruz Mountains
Our Chardonnay comes from a historic site located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The P&M Staiger vineyard was planted in 1973, own-rooted, to a selection of the old Wente clone. To say it is rare to find an own-rooted Chardonnay vineyard in California is an understatement! The vineyard sits on a steep south-west slope at over 1,000 feet elevation high above the San Lorenzo valley. This elevation allows for ample sunlight while the cold pacific air moderates the temperature. As with our favorite sites, the vineyard gets plenty of fog at the start and end of each day. The soils are a thin mix of sandstone and shale promoting full flavor ripeness at low sugars and high acidity.