Planted in 1996 and featuring an array of elite clones, the dry-farmed Keefer Ranch is located in the coolest part of the Russian River Valley. Wind and fog lengthen the growing season at this site which helps to produce one of our most refined and graceful Pinot Noirs. We began working with this site in 2005 in collaboration with the legendary Marcy Keefer.

In the winery, we used an array of fermentation vessels to showcase different aspects of this remarkable vineyard. The resulting wine is expressive of Russian River Valley, with black cherry, blackberry, and fresh raspberry. Subdued elements of vanilla and black licorice waft from the glass while it’s flirtatious elegance and smooth tannins delight.

Keefer Pinot Noir is like a love song with a little Motown soul.”

Julien Howsepian, Winemaker

The Giusti family has farmed this eponymous property since the 1870s and has some of the deepest roots in Russian River Valley grape growing. Located in a somewhat warmer region of the Russian River Valley and featuring ideal Goldridge soils, this historic property consistently delivers one of our most sumptuous Pinot Noirs.

Like a great Grand Cru wine, the 2019 Giusti Ranch Pinot Noir brings structure, breadth, and flavor effortlessly. Bursting with a mélange of fruit – blackberry, raspberry, strawberry, and dried cranberry captivate the palate, while enticing aromas of vanilla bean and leather excite the senses. This wine is built to last.

Giusti Pinot Noir is the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

Julien Howsepian, Winemaker

Planted in 1989, on steep and rugged land surrounding an abandoned Carmelite monastery, Mt. Carmel was one of the first vineyards planted in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. Primarily dry-farmed, Mt. Carmel is extremely cool and windy. This, combined with exceptional Botella clay and
Diatomaceous earth soils, produces a wine that is as intricate and dynamic as it is alluring.

The 2019 growing season was exceptional for Mt. Carmel – the vineyard achieved ideal ripeness, and the year was very windy, which produced an extremely structured wine. With expressive and complex fruit, earthy aromatics, and profound bramble notes, it is positively vibrant. The harmonious palate highlights the grand energy and depth, embodying the character of Sta. Rita Hills. This wine is unapologetically delicious.

Mt. Carmel Pinot Noir is flashy, edgy, and hip. It’s like the lead singer of a great pop song.”

Julien Howsepian, Winemaker

Planted by legendary winegrower Gary Franscioni in 1996 and named after his wife, Rosella’s Vineyard features the coveted Pisoni clone and is situated in the northernmost part of the Santa Lucia Highlands and borders lemon groves above the fertile valley below. Strong wind and fog off
Monterey Bay ensure a long, temperate growing season in this region.

To accentuate this wine’s most graceful qualities, it was fermented in stainless steel and aged in a combination of new French and Austrian oak. As the wine unfurls, intricately perfumed aromatics of raspberry and orange blossom mingle with a broad and bright presence, deep structure, and well-integrated tannins, drawing the wine to a thoughtful finish. It is the most elegant and finessed of our Central Coast wines.

Rosella’s Pinot Noir has a presence like no other. It’s like a power ballad that pulls at your heartstrings from the first sip.”

Julien Howsepian, Winemaker

Planted in 2008, El Diablo Vineyard has an average elevation of 500 feet. This tightly spaced vineyard encourages competition between the vines for a fixed amount of nutrients, resulting in reduced yields and exemplary quality.

Minimal cellar intervention and impressive terroir combine to create a wine that is both opulent and elegant. Crafted from the famed Montrachet and Robert Young clones, this is one of the finest Chardonnays we have ever produced, combining remarkable tension and length with an almost weightless sense of richness. In the winery, we aged 52% of the wine for 11 months in large-format foudres before transferring it to 60-gallon French oak barrels to impart a leesy richness. The result is as delicious as it is complex, with riveting layers of lychee, lemon zest, brioche, honeycomb, apple blossom, and crème brulée.

El Diablo Chardonnay is the high note of a rock song that very few lead singers can hit.”

Julien Howsepian, Winemaker

Unshackled from geographic constraints, this is a wine that comes straight from the heart of our winemaking team. 4-Barrel is a singular wine, the components of which change each year but whose promise and reason for being remain the same – a winemaker’s pledge to unearth a remarkable story from each vintage. The best blend we can craft from four special barrels with no vineyard or appellation restrictions.

Crafted using the most exceptional barrels of wine from Treehouse Vineyard, Gap’s Crown, Giusti Ranch, and newly sourced Rita’s Crown, this epic, unfiltered Pinot Noir is simply exquisite. Cherry, plum, blueberry, and basil harmoniously balance the lush yet lively texture, finishing as profound as the palate. Gorgeous silky tannins and undeniable power lay the foundation for an ever-lasting impression. A wine worth the wait.

4-Barrel is like going to a music festival with all your favorite bands. It’s got soul, funk, R&B, and jazz, all playing in perfect harmony.”

Julien Howsepian, Winemaker

We are thrilled to welcome the 2019 Rita’s Crown, Sta. Rita Hills, Pinot Noir to our hallmark Fall Offering. Planted in 2007 and observed as the highest vineyard site of the appellation, Rita’s Crown is predominantly south facing and boasts intensely high elevations and slope, allowing the vines to receive an extraordinary amount of sunshine and coastal wind. This, combined with the region’s typical diatomaceous earth, adds distinct intensity to the fruit.

Rita’s Crown is intriguing and unusually complex, featuring a dichotomy of flavor. Rich dark fruits and herbal forest floor notes combine to showcase a round and luscious palate of appealing texture. Layered, elegant, and decadent, it’s a wine with true soul.

If you have an affinity for funk music, Rita’s Crown Pinot Noir is your wine.”

Julien Howsepian, Winemaker

Widely recognized as one of California’s finest vineyards, Pisoni helped make the Pinot Noirs from the Santa Lucia Highlands among the most coveted in the state. Reaching elevations of 1,300 feet and featuring granite and sandstone soils, as well as a southeastern exposure, the site always yields a dramatic wine with incredible color and concentration. The 45 planted acres here are divided into small blocks that follow the contours of the mountains. The lean, decomposed granite soils are well-drained, stressing the vines and forcing their roots deep into the earth in search of water and nutrients.

There is a vivid, lively quality to this wine as it showcases a complex arrangement of dried raspberry, strawberry, and rustic wild herbs. Strikingly powerful and with outstanding depth and structure, Pisoni’s smooth finish is balanced by the light frame.

Pisoni Pinot Noir reminds me of a contemporary country song with a vintage flair.”

Julien Howsepian, Winemaker

Established in 1997, Garys’ Vineyard is a partnership between the acclaimed Franscioni and Pisoni winegrowing families. Though located just a couple of miles south of Rosella’s Vineyard, Garys’ yields its own profoundly unique expression of Pinot Noir. Like the two Garys who founded it, this luxurious wine is larger than life.

Crafted from the tightly-clustered and thick-skinned Pisoni clone, it is intrinsically broad with opulence. On the palate, it delivers decadent raspberry, blackberry, baking spices and alluring dark chocolate notes, offset with light tannins —an attention-catching wine.

Garys’ Pinot Noir is like a killer rock song—it’s not afraid to break the rules and crank up the volume.”

Julien Howsepian, Winemaker

Gap’s Crown is considered by many to be one of the best representations of what the Petaluma Gap AVA, which spans an area of more than 200,000 acres, is all about. Since we began working with this site in 2006, its meteoric rise into the pantheon of great Pinot Noir vineyards has been extraordinary.

Sweeping vineyards with dramatic elevation changes and clonal variety define this celebrated site. Each year, this wine appeals to Burgundy fanatics and California Pinot lovers alike. From its pleasing tension to its generous flavors of blueberry, baking spices and crème fraîche, this is a classic Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir with playful acidity and fresh, balanced richness.

Gap’s Crown is that feel-good classic rock song that everybody loves.”

Julien Howsepian, Winemaker

Planted in 1996 and located 8 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Kanzler Vineyard is recognized as one of the jewels of the Sonoma Coast. Since 2002 we have been crafting a Single Vineyard Pinot from this site, and currently, the vines average more than 20 years of age which means the site is in its glorious prime.

Dynamic high tones of fresh blueberry, candied hazelnut, apple skin, and sour cherry, the 2019 Kanzler Pinot Noir showcases an impressive palate with delicate chalky tannins. Elevated aromatics entice while subtle herbal notes travel across the mouth. This iconic wine helped put KB on the map.

Kanzler Pinot Noir is a folk song that tells a great story.”

Julien Howsepian, Winemaker

Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our 2019 Appellation Series wines showcase what can be achieved from iconic sites in an exceptional vintage. Intricately structured with soaring flavors, this is a vintage not to miss.

A microclimate that began a mere 20 million years ago is nothing short of a miracle. Tectonic plate movements caused mountains to rise out of the ocean, break off the plate, and rotate clockwise, creating one of the most defined, transverse ranges on the Pacific Coast, and remnants of marine sediment deposited during the Miocene Epoch is the soil base. But what makes this area truly unique is the purely East/West maritime mouth that funnels cooling coastal fog and wind to the vines. Sta. Rita Hills is one of the world’s best cool-climate growing regions of Pinot Noir.

The 2019 season was windy, with heavy fog that didn’t break for roughly two weeks, which aided in optimal phenolic development of the grapes. As captivating as it is delicious, this wine has a robust and dynamic cool-factor, with intense fruit and spice notes continuing throughout the palate, building to a complex and polished finish.

Fact of Note: Very windy year with a lot of fog.

2018 Cerise Vineyard Chardonnay

Complex and Vibrant

Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combines a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Originally planted with Pinot Noir in 1997, a selection of vines were grafted to Chardonnay in 2013. Grown on a south-west facing slope, this striking expression of Anderson Valley Chardonnay comes from the coolest section of Cerise Vineyard.

Bountiful aromas of quince, sharp lemon curd, and lime zest leap from the glass, while the palate displays a complex interaction between the acidity and textural richness. Subtle flavors of ripe peaches and lightly toasted almond linger upon the nuanced finish.

Fact of Note: 80% fermented and aged in foudre.

Listen to the Sound of This Wine

2017 Cerise Vineyard Pinot Noir

Fine Grit and Rustic

Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Pinot Noir blocks sit on the eastern side of the valley, facing west, 16 miles from the coast. There is not a single block on flat ground.

Carefully harvested over five weeks from vineyard blocks ranging in elevation, this is a beautifully complex and cerebral wine. There is a freshness of bright cherry and strawberry aromas, underscored by subtle notes of vanilla bean and herbes de Provence. On the palate, a sleek acidity and fine tannins add structure and tension to the enticing berry and spice flavors, drawing the wine to a polished finish.

Fact of Note: Elevation difference in the vineyards caused a 5-week spread in pick.

Listen to the Sound of This Wine

2017 Cerise Vineyard Pinot Noir

Fine Grit and Rustic

Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Pinot Noir blocks sit on the eastern side of the valley, facing west, 16 miles from the coast. There is not a single block on flat ground.

Carefully harvested over five weeks from vineyard blocks ranging in elevation, this is a beautifully complex and cerebral wine. There is a freshness of bright cherry and strawberry aromas, underscored by subtle notes of vanilla bean and herbes de Provence. On the palate, a sleek acidity and fine tannins add structure and tension to the enticing berry and spice flavors, drawing the wine to a polished finish.

Fact of Note: Elevation difference in the vineyards caused a 5-week spread in pick.

Listen to the Sound of This Wine

Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Pinot Noir blocks sit on the eastern side of the valley, facing west, 16 miles from the coast. There is not a single block on flat ground.

Carefully harvested over five weeks from vineyard blocks ranging in elevation, this is a beautifully complex and cerebral wine. There is a freshness of bright cherry and strawberry aromas, underscored by subtle notes of vanilla bean and herbes de Provence. On the palate, a sleek acidity and fine tannins add structure and tension to the enticing berry and spice flavors, drawing the wine to a polished finish.

Fact of Note: Elevation difference in the vineyards caused a 5-week spread in pick.

2018 Cerise Vineyard Chardonnay

Complex and Vibrant

Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combines a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Originally planted with Pinot Noir in 1997, a selection of vines were grafted to Chardonnay in 2013. Grown on a south-west facing slope, this striking expression of Anderson Valley Chardonnay comes from the coolest section of Cerise Vineyard.

Bountiful aromas of quince, sharp lemon curd, and lime zest leap from the glass, while the palate displays a complex interaction between the acidity and textural richness. Subtle flavors of ripe peaches and lightly toasted almond linger upon the nuanced finish.

Fact of Note: 80% fermented and aged in foudre.

Listen to the Sound of This Wine

2018 Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard Chardonnay

An Unmatched Treasure in Russian River

Like many of California’s most celebrated vineyards in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. The ranch has six varieties of Pinot Noir clones and features two blocks of Chardonnay planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. The Chardonnay lies on the northern edge of the vineyard. This portion gently slopes toward a backdrop of redwoods, collecting cool air, and is the perfect location to grow this variety.

Though vines were first planted on the site in 2009, the bulk of the vineyard was planted the following year. Made exclusively from the famed Hyde clone of Chardonnay, this wine is lively and energetic with a show-stopping palate, gorgeous richness, and depth. Racy acidity complements the poise and purity of flavors, including vibrant grapefruit and lemon peel with captivating notes of minerality.

Fact of Note: Leaf plucking was done on the shaded side of the rows to allow for more sun exposure and even ripening.

Listen to the Sound of This Wine

2018 Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir

An Extraordinary Natural Masterpiece

Like many of California’s most celebrated vineyards located in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. Surrounded by redwoods and firs, the cool climate and well-drained Goldridge soils of this revered site keep crops small, adding intensity, elegance, and enticing flavors to both our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Though the ranch features two blocks of Chardonnay, it is dominated by Pinot Noir clones planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. Bountiful options of rootstock and various pruning methods within the vineyard make for a beautifully layered and interesting wine. From its spherical structure on the palate to flavors of pristine red fruit, there is an effortless harmony to this wine. Aromas of red cherry and strawberry jam emerge from the glass with subtle notes of roses and singed crème brûlée, while understated tannins and a hint of oak lead to a remarkably long finish.

Fact of Note: Blend made up of eight different clones and blocks across the vineyard.

Listen to the Sound of This Wine

2018 Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard Chardonnay

An Unmatched Treasure in Russian River

Like many of California’s most celebrated vineyards in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. The ranch has six varieties of Pinot Noir clones and features two blocks of Chardonnay planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. The Chardonnay lies on the northern edge of the vineyard. This portion gently slopes toward a backdrop of redwoods, collecting cool air, and is the perfect location to grow this variety.

Though vines were first planted on the site in 2009, the bulk of the vineyard was planted the following year. Made exclusively from the famed Hyde clone of Chardonnay, this wine is lively and energetic with a show-stopping palate, gorgeous richness, and depth. Racy acidity complements the poise and purity of flavors, including vibrant grapefruit and lemon peel with captivating notes of minerality.

Fact of Note: Leaf plucking was done on the shaded side of the rows to allow for more sun exposure and even ripening.

Listen to the Sound of This Wine

2018 Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir

An Extraordinary Natural Masterpiece

Like many of California’s most celebrated vineyards located in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. Surrounded by redwoods and firs, the cool climate and well-drained Goldridge soils of this revered site keep crops small, adding intensity, elegance, and enticing flavors to both our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Though the ranch features two blocks of Chardonnay, it is dominated by Pinot Noir clones planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. Bountiful options of rootstock and various pruning methods within the vineyard make for a beautifully layered and interesting wine. From its spherical structure on the palate to flavors of pristine red fruit, there is an effortless harmony to this wine. Aromas of red cherry and strawberry jam emerge from the glass with subtle notes of roses and singed crème brûlée, while understated tannins and a hint of oak lead to a remarkably long finish.

Fact of Note: Blend made up of eight different clones and blocks across the vineyard.

Listen to the Sound of this Wine