Our
estate vineyard, Quinta Santa Rosa, is in the southeast
portion of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. This relatively
small area is distinguished by its unique climate and
soils. A typical day in Sta Rita Hills starts with marine
layer clouds and fog, which typically burn off by 10am.
Two or three hours of calm sunshine then prevail until
the on-shore wind picks up, once again cooling the vines.
This maritime influence, combined with the sedimentary
soils with patches of limestone is the perfect place
to grow the appellation's hallmark Pinot Noir.
Quinta Santa Rosa vineyard is planted
in several blocks - the main vineyard faces east and
includes Pinot Noir clone 667 on 3309 rootstock and
clone 777 on 5C rootstock. The extreme slope of these
blocks gives us excellent drainage, but does mean that
everything has to be done by hand.
A small block in the west of the vineyard
was originally planted with Pinot Gris on 5C rootstock
and self-rooted Pinot Noir from Julia's Vineyard in
Santa Maria. This block has great views west through
the appellation and is very exposed to the prevailing
winds. In 2007, this block was changed to Pinot Noir
clone 115 on 5C rootstock.
|