2014 was the second consecutive drought vintage featuring one of the earliest harvesting in our 40+ year history. Early bud-break and flowering combined with relatively warm weather throughout the growing season led to the rapid development of sugar and flavor in many vineyards. Consequently, we had tremendous ripeness at relatively low sugars which produced wines with bright acidity and ample structure. 

Will’s Cabin Vineyard is less than half a mile from the Gist Ranch Estate. The vineyard sits on fine, sandy soil known as vaqueros sandstone. It is also north facing and 200 feet higher, making it much cooler than Gist Ranch. Here we have planted swan and Mount Eden clones. Uniquely, we’ve also incorporated Mariafeld, a clone originating in Switzerland, which tends to add more tannin and a deeper color to the wine. This clone is used to create a Pinot Noir named after the vineyard as well as our Rosalee rosé of Pinot Noir.