2017 Petit Verdot – River Ranch Vineyard

The River Ranch is our home ranch. Our lives are rooted here and our memories start here. Roughly 108 acres, the River Ranch is located alongside the Mokelumne River and has the Gill Creek Slough running through it. These native areas boast quail, river otter, deer, kingfisher, and beaver (just to name a few) that we often see when we are checking the six vineyard blocks, that are comprised of five unique varietals. Each varietal takes advantage of the waterways and microclimate, producing distinct wines that are truly reflective of this special place.

The 2017 growing season marked the end of the drought with heavy winter rainfall that continued into the spring. Due to the rain, timely vineyard practices were crucial and we adapted our cultural techniques to maintain vine balance. Heat spikes during late August to mid-September required close attention to irrigation to ensure vine health. With the given weather, our winegrapes developed the required sugars, but full flavor maturation delayed our harvest. The wait was worth it and the outcome was a vintage that boasts bright and fresh whites with ideal levels of acidity and red wines that are showing good intensity and concentration.

Jahant AVA – Located in the center of the Lodi AVA, the Jahant AVA is geographically the smallest of Lodi’s seven AVAs – a total size of 28,000 acres, with roughly 9,000 acres planted to vineyard. It sits on highly dissected river terraces and old floodplain deposits. The classic Mediterranean climate has Delta fog influence, and receives cold air drainage and entrapment within our vineyards.