In the triumvirate of North Coast counties, Sonoma stands out for its diversity of vineyard locations and grape varieties. Within the broad east-west expanse, bounded by the moderating Pacific Ocean and a range of low mountains, Sonoma County is a land of unlimited potential for grape growing and winemaking.
Long before vineyards covered much of the land, what we now know as Sonoma County was an inland sea. Violent tectonic upheavals of the coastal plates created present day Mayacamas Mountains that form the eastern boundary of the county. In sharp contrast are the southern rolling hills of Sonoma Carneros, once grazing land for sheep but now highly praised land for grape vines, and the slightly higher coastal hills that run the length of the county’s western edge.
Sonoma is the sleeping giant, offering a far more expansive and variety of wine types than any other California region. Though already believed to be amongst the finest, we believe Sonoma is still budding and will take its place amongst the most recognized premium regions in the world. Nowhere can you sip elegant Pinot Noirs of Russian River, smell the white pepper spice of Dry Creek Zins or stare into the depths of a ruby Alexander Valley Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon…all within a 10 minute drive of each.
The Mountains of Alexander Valley
Wine Enthusiasts Wine Region of the Year—2006
As part of the ancient Mayacamas Mountains, stretching from mid-Sonoma County north to the Mendocino boarder, Alexander Valley embodies all the unique quality aspects we look for in crafting a prestige wine. We were so impressed with this lesser-known region, we choose it to define our halo wine, Ispiri. Focusing on the vineyard estates of the high mountains, we believe these special locations can provide Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to craft wines that sit amongst the world’s finest.
There are many reasons this region is ideal for prestige wines. Fog enters the Alexander Valley after sundown and lingers in the valley until it burns off. Mountain soil is another reason that Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, in particular thrive, in the Alexander Valley mountains. Volcanic subsoils can be found in the eastern hills—the result of ancient volcanic activity. The region's topsoil is alluvial material from both sedimentary and volcanic sources deposited over thousands of years by the Russian River and local tributaries. This complex geology results in a diversity of soils. The soils of the region's terraces, benchlands and hillsides are gravely clay loam and become progressively thinner and rockier as elevation increases.
What does this all mean to the wine? Simply put, the vines produce small, intense and concentrated grapes which carries these qualities through to the finished wines.
Wine News—June/July 2004 Cover Story
Moving Up the Mayacamas Growing Mountain Cabernets of Stature and Distinction
“A certain mystique shrouds these lofty sites: Why are wines made from mountain-grown grapes so intense, flavorful and distinctive? The experts offer a variety of theories. Some think the soil is the main reason for the distinguishing attributes of the grapes. Others say it’s the elevation, which exposes the vines and grapes to the atmosphere in ways that better promote ripening, flavor intensity and balance. High enough up the mountain, increased levels of ultraviolet light exposure come into play which, some growers argue, increase the level of phenolics in the grapes (and therefore color) in the resulting red wines.
While enologists may debate infinite variations on these themes, the distinctions all come down to terroir—that total interaction of climate, soil and exposure that make up a specific site.
Despite the intangibles, more is known about mountain vineyards than that which remains unanswered: The soils are typically thinner, more acidic (as a consequence of higher rainfall) and shallower, resulting in a self-limiting environment that naturally moderates yield. Spring comes later, and the afternoons are cooler. The sun shines longer and with greater intensity. All of these factors combine to help produce a concentrated wine of distinctive character.”
The Alluring Russian River Valley
You can still come to harvest your own raspberries in September, pick your own pumpkins for Halloween, or chop down a Christmas tree while December nights darken along the wending patch of the Russian River as it descends to meet the Pacific at Jenner-by-the-Sea.
Russian River Valley vineyards are situated in western Sonoma County, nestled closely to the Pacific. A distinctive characteristic of this region is the cold climate. Early evening fog rushes up the Russian River and over the coastal mountains to make this region one of the coolest premium wine regions in the state. These moderating conditions are ideal for cultivating naturally bright acidity and complex flavors in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as exemplified by our Russian River Valley appellation wines.
And, this is where Pinot Noir shines. Where most red wines focus on flavor, Pinot Noir is about texture, that sensual, succulent, juicy, fleshy, slides-down-your-throat mouth feel that is so alluring. It is a textural delight that can only be found where morning river fogs moderate afternoon temperatures so that fruit maturity is achieved without loss of depth and suppleness.