We believe that without a doubt, our wines are nearly eighty percent complete before we harvest the season's first grape. The importance of site, climate, soil, drainage and a myriad of other points relative to vineyard selection simply cannot be overstated. This overwhelming priority serves as the backbone to all of our wines, usually resulting in a multitude of vineyard-designated bottlings. These labels are born out of equal respect for both the land and those who care for it. Our vineyard designates follow the footsteps of a few of California's truly pioneering growers. These freakishly passionate, like-minded individuals relentlessly seek nirvana from the land and usually find it...and we couldn't imagine doing business with anyone else. Our standards are just as inflexible when we blend from two or more local vineyards for a composite bottling, as is traditionally the case with our Cabernet Sauvignon. Vineyards are found and handshakes are made only after the rigors of several inspections and trial runs have passed and even then, the grapes may not make the cut in any given year.

STAGECOACH VINEYARD, NAPA VALLEY

The Stagecoach vineyard surely must be one of the most ambitious vineyard developments to date. Situated upon and named for an 1800's stagecoach trail, this 800 acre vineyard was laboriously carved from enormous rocks and boulders high atop the eastern hills of Napa Valley. At nearly 1500 feet above the Valley floor and nearly straddling the Oakville Ranch property, this vineyard has quickly caught fire with winemakers searching for grapes of uncommonly deep and profoundly complex nature. (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Syrah)

SIMPSON VINEYARD, MADERA

From famed grower and vintner John Simpson we receive our heady and intoxicatingly delicious Viognier berries. This little known area in California's Central Valley near Fresno, is not typically thought of as a primary source of fine wine grapes by the powers that be. To this we say, the proof will always be found in the bottle folks. The hedonistic nature of this particular varietal is heightened by the passionately farmed, low-yielding vines that produce grapes of unusual concentration, purity of flavor and electrifying vibrancy. (Viognier)

GIBSON RANCH, MENDOCINO

Bob Gibson is a third generation grower, maintaining a pristine family vineyard in Hopland originally planted and then passed down by his grandmother. Each year we produce less than 1000 cases of Sangiovese along with a delightfully fresh and amazingly popular Rosato. The sublime fruit for both wines is a thrilling testament to the care and passion put to practice within this vineyard. Multiple passes through the rows for hand-cut clusters during harvest along with classic vertical trellising further demonstrate an unerring eye toward quality in this beautiful Mendocino setting. (Sangiovese, Rosato)

GARYS' VINEYARD, SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS

Widely recognized for growing some of the finest Pinot Noir in the state, this dynamic hillside vineyard is located just south of Monterey in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Named after partners Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni, this 50 acre parcel was planted in 1995 using surreptitiously obtained budwood from the famed La Tache vineyard in Burgundy. Garys' vineyard defines the notion of terrior relative to California Pinot Noir and offers a further nod to Burgundy with its long, cool growing season attributed to the maritime breezes of the Pacific ocean. Smoking hot, though decidedly cool...Garys' vines now yield some of the most sought after fruit in California.

ROSELLA'S VINEYARD, SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS

This 50 acre parcel is only a stone's throw from Garys' Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Owned by Gary and Rosella Franscioni, this vineyard was planted in 1996 using the "Pisoni" clone from La Tache as well as some Dijon clones. Influenced significantly by the coastal fog and winds, this picturesque site enjoys an abnormally long, drawn out growing season. We unveiled our first wine using fruit from Rosella's with the 2002 vintage. Production is very limited for our Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir, a wine which is fast
becoming a favorite of Pinoficionados across the country.

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