JEMROSE VINEYARD

Situated between three mountain peaks and at the northern end of the Petaluma Wind Gap, Bennett Valley offers a unique Sonoma County micro-climate. The Valley’s benchland soils formed from the volcanic ash of Taylor Mountain, Sonoma Mountain, and Bennett Ridge and Bennett Peak, combined with the unusually cool climate, create one of Sonoma County’s most expressive Syrah growing regions.

Located in the southeast corner of Bennett Valley, Jemrose Vineyard is an impressive planting of Syrah. Anchored by its steep Cardiac Hill block, Jemrose Vineyard is a nine acre parcel planted to a variety of clones. Planted in 2000 by owner Jim Mack, Jemrose Vineyard is a hidden gem in this young appellation.

Our fruit source at Jemrose is the northeast facing slope named Cardiac Hill. It reminds me of my former boss Pierre Gaillard’s Les Viallieres block in Cote Rotie. Cardiac Hill’s peak of 850 feet descends sharply to the valley floor. Planted to clones Estrella River and 174, the well drained soil and extreme grade provide a challenged existence for the vines. Needless to say, the yields are very low. However, the result of such a parcel is a deeply expressive Syrah imbued with subtle restraint found only in cool climate Syrah.

JUDGE VINEYARD

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Bennett Valley, the Judge Vineyard gently slopes toward the valley floor off of the fortuitously named Grange Road. The cobbled rows sit almost equidistant from Taylor and Sonoma Mountains and direct your gaze toward Bennett Mountain. The fog and wind reach the Judge vineyard early and often; however, its exposition and touch of elevation allow it to absorb maximum sunlight. The stones littering the rows are reminiscent of the Northern Rhône.

The vineyard produces a large-framed and exuberant Syrah. Planted to the Estrella River, 174, and 877 clones the Judge Vineyard harnesses California power and accents Northern Rhône grace. Each clone is represented in equal parts in our premier Judge syrah. The stylish 877 packs in the fruit elements; the formidable Estrella River provides structure and depth; and the 174 clone accentuates the mid-palate and infuses the wine with spice components.

KICK RANCH

A rolling vineyard in Santa Rosa’s Rincon Valley, Kick Ranch, at the base of Spring Mountain, is a formidable source of Syrah. Planted to a diverse group of Syrah clones on rocky volcanic soil, Kick Ranch offers seemingly endless possibilities. Its two blocks offer different clones, rootstocks, and expositions, providing its winemakers ample opportunity to create dynamic wines.

Planted in 2001 by Dick Keenan and Kathleen McNamara, Kick Ranch is immaculately manicured and meticulously farmed. The care and passion invested by its owners is wondrously directed by vineyard manager Glenn Alexander. The impressive owner and vineyard team only strengthens an already dynamic site. The wines exude the congruence of site, selection, and sacrifice.

We source three tons of Syrah from two different blocks at Kick Ranch. The unctuous and textured Hermitage clone, as well as the expressive and structured 470 clone, come from the upper B1 block. Just below, the intense fruit driven 877 clone comes from the lower B2 block.

VALENTI RANCH

Perched on a western ridge of Anderson Valley – towering 1500 feet above the valley floor – and a mere ten miles from the Pacific Ocean, the Valenti Ranch is a majestic parcel of Syrah. In this extreme locale, the Ranch’s southeastern exposition and twenty percent grade allow the vines to slowly mature to perfection.

Planted to the Shiraz 1 clone in 2000, the Ranch was taken over by the venerable winegrower Steve Williams in 2005. His deft hand and understanding of cool climate grape growing has created the critical synergy between grower and soil in one of Anderson Valley’s northern most Syrah plantings. Steve realizes the delicate balance and care needed to coax the necessary fruit maturity in such challenging terrior.

As a result, the small yielding site produces wines of intensity and balance. Dark and brooding, yet feminine and enveloping, the Valenti Ranch Syrah offers a unique and multifaceted wine. It is truly the essence of cool-climate California Syrah.