Appellation: Applegate Valley, OR
Varietals: Viognier, Syrah and Cabernet Franc
Soil Type: Manita Gravelly Loam

We planted our organically farmed, estate vineyard on South facing slopes with much fuss and fanfare in 2006.  The vine rows are oriented 45 degrees to the East off of true North.  This allows for the generally cooler, Eastern side of the vines to receive more sun exposure, resulting in a more equal ripening state between the West and East sides of the row.  The vineyard is planted to French "ENTAV" clones, generally considered to be well suited to the cooler climates of the Applegate Valley.  Slopes range from 5% to 17%, requiring tractor drivers to have strong nerves in some areas.  

We saw our first harvest in 2008, and had good yields and quality throughout. Overall, the site is characterized by a certain intensity. Syrah's were heavy and jet black, Viognier was bright and orange laden with citrus character, and the Cabernet Franc was rich and tannic requiring extra aging.

Our favorite Syrah clones are the 470 and 877, producing good yields and balanced fruit qualities.

Appellation: Applegate Valley, OR
Varietals: Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Soil Type: Manita Gravelly Loam

Frank Ferreira's vineyard sits on the warm Kubli Bench, several hundred feet above the Applegate River. Planted on a gentle South facing slope. Fran's Vineyard is dry farmed in most years. This practice reduces yields and tends to concentrate berries.

Frank's Syrah comes in jet black and produces very rich, velvety wines that require extra time in barrel for full maturity. Cabernet Franc from Frank's ripens relatively late, but uniform, allowing for wines that are both soft, yet rich. Frank's Franc is known for its pronounced varietal characters, including red and black pepper, mint and anise.

In 2007, we began sourcing a small amount of Merlot from Frank, that we use in our "Arsenal" blend to counter the robust Cabernet Franc from Mae's Vineyard.

Frank passed away during the harvest of 2008. He is remembered for his commitment to minimal grape growing practices and his infectious laugh.

Appellation: Rogue Valley, OR
Varietals: Syrah, Cabernet Franc
Soil Type: Medford Silty Clam Loam

Sam's Valley Vineyard lies to the North and East of the Rogue Valley. It's location in the interior of the region makes it among the warmest in the Southern Oregon, probably due to diminished maritime influence. The vineyard is owned and managed by the Gravin family, who have a long agricultureal tradition and use much of their fruit for their acclaimed Cliff Creek Winery.

Sam's Valley Syrah ripens early and fully with very small berries, resulting in massive, fruit laden wines. Conversely, Cabernet Fran ripens much later, producing wines soft in texture with red fruit notes.

Appellation: Rogue Valley, OR
Varietals: Syrah
Soil Type:

Planted high in the hills above Ashland, Jay Tapp's Serenade Vineyard is affected by the diurnal nature of higher elevations. The warm days and cool nights preserve delicate fruit characters and extend the growing season later into the year.

Serenade continues to be the base wine for our ever popular Syrah 4-2,A. Serenade Syrah is soft, but full bodied. Characteristics include plenty of black fruit and subtle spiciness. We will soon be releasing a single vineyard bottle from Serenade.

Appellation: Applegate Valley, OR
Varietals: Viognier, Syrah
Soil Type: Riverwash

Perched on the banks of the Applegate River, Steelhead Run is meticulously tended by owner Ron Burley. Ron was one of the first to plant in the Applegate Valley using "modern" trellis systems and layout. the coarse, cobbly soils and moderating influence of the river give Steelhead Run fruit pronounced character.

Characteristics of Steelhead Run Viognier included citrus, melon and asian pear. Steelhead Syrah always has delicate, silky tannins and distinct notes of plum and white pepper.