Nestled amongst a few original stands of giant Redwood trees, over 1000 feet in elevation is the Horseshoe Bend Vineyard, the site of our newest Pinot Noir. Another special place here in Sonoma County out near the coast, almost to the Pacific Ocean! The weather is around 10 degrees cooler than even our own Russian River Vineyard, but because of the elevation it sits above the famous Russian River fog. This contrast of cooler, yet in constant sun makes an ideal site for Pinot Noir. Notice the deep color of the wine, very dark for Pinot Noir, but then leading you into a beautiful floral aroma that opens up to boysenberry and brown spice. In the mouth it is silky and full, - mouth coating – then finishes with the clean, lively acidity that is one of the signature traits of our wines – that backbone that makes them so food friendly and also so age worthy in the cellar. This one will pay some big rewards for those of you that lay some away in the cellar.

Sonoma County Harvest Fair - GOLD medal

The 2007 vintage here in Northern Cal was one of the best I have seen in my 20 years of winemaking (yes, I know - hard to convince myself I am still 26 when my first year working in the vineyards and wineries of Sonoma County was 1989). The weather was moderate and consistent and the wines are all bold, yet still balanced and beautiful – they are drinkable early, yet stylish and structured to cellar as well.


2007 will be a vintage we all admire and talk about for years to come.