Vineyards

The Stags Leap District’s moderate temperatures, influenced by the San Pablo Bay, leads to slow, even fruit development throughout the growing season. The majority of our estate vineyards in this region are densely planted with Bordeaux varietals on steeply-terraced hillsides with Bale clay-loam soils, producing low yields of intensely flavored grapes.

Harvest & Winemaking

The 2008 vintage was extremely variable, opening with an intense frost that resulted in limited fruit set,then proceeding to be one of the driest seasons on record which reduced berry weight further. A long, cool summer allowed flavors to develop fully before a heat wave encouraged prompt picking. The small but flavorful clusters were night-harvested mid through late September and underwent our rigorous sorting process prior to being placed into the press. After 16 days of extended maceration, the wine aged in 55% new French oak barrels before bottling in May 2010.