This wine is their flagship Pinot Noir, and the vineyard from which the first ever bottle of Father John Wine was produced. Vine Hill Road is a historic viticultural area in Western Sonoma county. It was a thriving vineyard from the late 1800's up until prohibition when the vines were torn up and replaced by crops and orchards over the years. By the 1980's a restoration began and pinot was planted in its fertile soils. Today, there are still some apple trees scattered throughout the property reminding us of the areas rich history.
The property sits near the top of vine hill, 14 miles from the ocean as the crow flies. They produce their wine with only the grapes from the West side of the ranch which is bordered by a grove of redwood trees. The canopy of these redwoods limit the amount of direct sun on the grapes and helps achieve the fresh, delicate, and polished palate that they seek to create in this wine. They pick the grapes with enough sugars to produce a wine that finishes between 12-13% ABV and serves as a beautiful and unique expression of a true Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
The grapes are primarily Pommard clone on AXR rootstock in goldridge sandy loam, where the finest few feet are sandy and beneath there is an orange-red colored clay that is excellent drainage and root development which is ideal for dry farming.
The result is very delicate ruby red wine which incredible aromatics. Seductive, bright and complex, this medium to medium minus bodied wine carries notes of strawberry, raspberry, and redcurrant with a touch of spice. This wine is easy drinking, and well poised to age.