Since we started production in 1996, we have been very fortunate in being able to realize many dreams. The Sta. Rita Hills appellation has developed into a truly phenomenal appellation with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that rival any in the world.

Our good fortune was highlighted in 2007 by the opportunity to nurture and receive 100% of the fruit from the vines planted at Mount Carmel, located in the heart of our appellation. This afforded us the opportunity to assemble what, in our opinion, is a premier team of grower associates lead by Francisco Ramirez, with soil consultation from Stan Kadota. Please visit the Our Team section to read more.

Our vine management team allows us far greater understanding and interaction with all of our sites. With more accurate information, skilled vineyard practices, and expedited transportation of fruit we are confident in our ability to take our expression to a new and higher level.

In addition to the three vineyards described below, we were privileged and flattered that the Gnesa family entrusted us with the management of the vineyard starting in 2009.

3-D

In the winter of 2007, we were approached by Tom and Jan Davidson who own a beautifully situated property nested between Lafond and Ampelos that had yet to be developed. Thrilled at the prospect of working there with them, we swiftly penned a land lease arrangement and set forth on our first vineyard planting.

The primary emphasis of the predominantly-sandy ten-acre vineyard is Chardonnay, with equal amounts of five clones planted (4, 76, Hyde, Mount Eden and Sea Smoke Wente). In addition to Chardonnay, there is a smaller field of Pinot Noir planted to Swan, Pommard, 667 and 828 clones.

back to the list

Machado

Looking to secure a mirror-image sister ranch to 3-D, we began working with the Machado family in the winter of 2008. Our fifteen-acre parcel on their land is located adjacent to Clos Pepe and immediately behind the recently-planted Kessler-Haak vineyard. The site is marked by a gorgeous rolling terrain with sandy clay loam soils.

At Machado, the majority of the planting is dedicated to Pinot Noir with equal amounts of such selections as Pommard, Merry Edwards, Mount Eden and 459. In addition to Pinot Noir, we also planted a small, two-acre plot in the sandiest portion of the field to the Sweeney Canyon selection of Chardonnay.

back to the list

Mount Carmel

The Mount Carmel vineyard is a steep, south-facing and celestial vineyard that was planted by Ron Piazza and Paul Abrecht in 1991 in accordance with a cloistered order of Carmelite nuns. There are currently 15 acres of Pinot Noir (clones 667, 2A, 5, 115, 777 and Mount Eden) and 7 acres of Chardonnay (Wente clone). Most of the vines are self-rooted and have been dry-farmed for years. The vineyard overlooks the Sanford & Benedict property and is just west of Sea Smoke. The vineyard is brutally influenced by the marine winds due to its severe elevation and aspect. Soils are a diverse combination of botella clay, limestone, diatomaceous earth, calcareous deposits and sandy loam. With the 2005 vintage, this special site became our monopole and we could not be more excited to have complete access to this most revered and auspicious site.

back to the list