Vineyards

Our vineyards in Napa Valley and Alexander Valley reflect a careful selection of sites suited to growing Cabernet Sauvignon. We acquired them over time with particular attention to soils, climate and location, allowing us to oversee grape quality from planting through harvest.

We tailor our farming to the conditions of each vineyard. Individual blocks and rows are managed according to their soils, terrain and sun exposure. In doing so, we combine decades of experience with scientific knowledge and modern technology. This attention to detail helps us achieve uniform ripeness while preserving the distinctive character of each site in our wines.

Napa Valley

Soda Canyon Ranch

We acquired Soda Canyon Ranch in 1999. Since then, it has become our most important source of grapes in Napa Valley. Alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, we grow Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, which add layers of flavor and complexity to our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

The vineyard lies at the foot of the Vaca Mountains. Its warm, dry conditions are moderated by the cooling influence of San Pablo Bay, while the rolling terrain provides varied sun exposures. Volcanic soils containing large rocks and gravel create favorable conditions for the red varieties we have planted here.

Jump Rock Vineyard

Jump Rock is located in the Atlas Peak appellation at an elevation of approximately 460 meters. Accessible only by a dirt road, this remote vineyard features rugged terrain and reddish rock outcroppings, leaving less than half of the property suitable for planting.

Rocky soils and the dry, high-elevation climate produce concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit brings pronounced blackberry and cassis aromas, richness and firm structure to our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard takes its name from a favorite swimming spot near the Duncan family’s childhood home in Colorado.

Alexander Valley

Red Tail Vineyard

Red Tail lies in the southern part of Alexander Valley, close to the Russian River. The surrounding hills protect the vineyard from summer fog and cool ocean air. Clay and sandy loam soils over sandstone bedrock cover its gently rolling slopes, providing conditions well suited to Cabernet Sauvignon.

We acquired the vineyard in 1988 and replanted it in stages. Its name refers to the red-tailed hawks that frequently circle above the property. We value its fruit for the freshness, lively acidity and strawberry-and-spice character it contributes to our Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Alexander Valley Estate Vineyard

The vineyard surrounding our Alexander Valley winery has a grape-growing history dating back to at least 1870. It extends across west-facing slopes along Sausal Creek, benefiting from the cool air that flows through the creek’s drainage.

Well-drained soils composed of colluvial and alluvial deposits provide favorable conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit brings juiciness, bright fruit character and vibrant acidity to our wine. We acquired the property in 2012 and completely replanted the vineyard between 2012 and 2014.

Miraval Vineyard

Miraval sits above the Russian River in the southern part of Alexander Valley. Its name combines the Spanish words “mirar” and “valle,” referring to its view across the valley. Wine grapes have been grown here for more than a century. We purchased the vineyard in 1987 and planted it with Cabernet Sauvignon.

We divided the flat areas and gentle southwest-facing slopes into six blocks according to terrain and soil type. Clay and sandy loam soils retain water well. Cabernet Sauvignon from this site combines ripeness and depth with elegance and firm tannin structure, making it an important component of our Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Crazy Creek Vineyard

Crazy Creek lies on the eastern side of Alexander Valley, near the foothills. It takes its name from the seasonal creeks that cross the property. We acquired the vineyard in 2016 and replanted it over the following two years.

We grow Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot here in eleven blocks defined by terrain and soil type. Silty clay loam predominates on the flat areas, while loam soils cover the gentle south-facing slopes. Fruit from Crazy Creek contributes structure and savory notes to our Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Big River Vineyard

Big River is located on the western side of Alexander Valley, near Healdsburg and east of Fitch Mountain. The Russian River curves around the property on three sides, giving the vineyard its name. Its ridge-top position provides slightly cooler conditions, with a relatively flat summit giving way to slopes with different aspects and sun exposures.

We acquired the vineyard in 2017, reconfigured its layout and replanted it with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Well-drained, deep red loam and gravelly soils give the Cabernet a pronounced dark-fruit character. It adds depth, fullness and richness to the mid-palate of our Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

The diversity of these sites forms the foundation of our two Cabernet Sauvignons. Each vineyard contributes something different, and by bringing them together, we create wines that preserve the distinctive character of Napa Valley and Alexander Valley.