2005 was an unusually cool year for most of the Napa Valley appellation, with a lot of fog at harvest. However, the fog burned off daily on the ridgetop above our Lakespring Ranch in Pope Valley, leaving the vineyard bathed in sunshine. There were no significant heat spikes, and temperatures remained warm enough to foster complete ripening. Compared to the 2004 vintage, this wine is a little fruitier and livelier. The 2004 vintage is a bit softer. However, this could be splitting hairs because the common thread of the vineyard site dominates both.

The vineyards were planted with a philosophy of maintaining and enhancing the natural balance of the local ecosystem. This balance provides protection for the vines from invading insects and disease. Farming is carried out organically to maintain soil health and to provide a slow but steady amount of food from the soil. Mineral fertilizers are not used, and levels of soil organic matter are maintained meticulously to manage vine growth and fruit production.

The two vineyards occupy different types of sites. Our Spring Valley ranch in St. Helena lies on a steep, south facing hillside, while our Lakespring Ranch in Pope Valley lies in a valley surrounded by wooded hills. Informed by the requirements of these two locations, our farming practices enhance the particular characteristics of the terroir. The differing ecosystems allow us breadth in our choice of grapes. Our winemaker, Jamey Whetstone, takes these grapes and provides the same attention to detail in the winemaking process as we do in the vineyard.