MODEL FARM ‘ESTATE’
VINEYARD: Model Farm Estate
VARIETAL: Syrah
LOCATION: East Petaluma, CA
AVA: Petaluma Gap
In 2013 we took a long-term lease on a 2-acre Syrah vineyard located on the Eastern side of the Petaluma Gap. The vineyard was planted in the mid-1990s to 3 distinct clones of Syrah. Cold foggy mornings, a few fleeting hours of late day sun, and namesake consistent wind (reminiscent of the Rhone Valley Mistral) are ideal for producing classically styled wines. 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. Farmed exclusively by us, by hand, using only organic practices.
LA CRUZ VINEYARD
VINEYARD: LA CRUZ
VARIETAL: SYRAH
LOCATION: SOUTHEASTERN PETALUMA, CA
AVA: PETALUMA GAP
La Cruz Vineyard was planted by the Keller Family beginning in 1989 and is located at the southeastern end of the Petaluma Gap appellation. With only two acres of the vineyard planted to Syrah, we are fortunate to be the only producer to purchase the fruit. La Cruz is one of the farthest vineyards from the namesake ‘Gap’ where the wind and fog funnel in from the ocean every afternoon. This slight change in climate from the rest of the appellation affords the vines extend sunshine and a bit of extra warmth, leading to deeper, richer fruit while still maintaining the trademark freshness that defines Syrah from the Petaluma Gap. We find the wines from this site to be distinct counterpoint to our ‘Estate’ Petaluma Gap Syrah.
P·M STAIGER VINEYARD
VINEYARD: P·M STAIGER
VARIETAL: CHARDONNAY
LOCATION: BOULDER CREEK, CA
AVA: SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS
Our Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay comes from a historic site located deep in the San Lorenzo Valley above the town of Boulder Creek. 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 high 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.
WILDCAT MOUNTAIN VINEYARD
VINEYARD: WILDCAT MOUNTAIN
VARIETAL: CHARDONNAY
LOCATION: South West Sonoma
AVA: Sonoma Valley
Planted in 1998 by vintner Steve MacRostie, Wildcat Mountain is located on a windswept ridge-top separating Sonoma Valley from Petaluma. This old vine vineyard is planted on pure volcanic rock, high above the deep clay of the valley below. Sitting high above the valley below, the vineyard is exposed to the full brunt of wind from the Petaluma Gap and cold fog that funnels off of the San Pablo Bay. Very thin, rocky soils allow the vines to reach their optimal ripeness despite the challenging climate.
WOOD VALLEY VINEYARD
VINEYARD: WOOD VALLEY
VARIETAL: CHARDONNAY
LOCATION: East Sonoma
AVA: Sonoma Valley
Wood Valley Vineyard is a set of steep terraces, dug into pure volcanic rock. Located just east of downtown Sonoma in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, the vineyard was planted in the 80’s to a heritage California selection of Chardonnay, the Old Wente clone. Like many of the best vineyards in Burgundy, the east-facing aspect shelters the vines from the warmer afternoon sun, allowing the grapes to retain freshness and aromatic dimension. The unique volcanic terroir gives the wine a natural mineral precision.
