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2007 Mariah Vineyard Zinfandel

The Mariah Vineyard sits 2,600 feet above sea level in the Mendocino Ridge appellation. The Mendocino Ridge is unique in the world, as the vineyards must be above 1,200 feet. Situated on the rugged North Coast, just above the fog line, these vineyards are referred to as the Islands in the Sky™. The Mariah Vineyard has sparse soils and is warmed each day before the cooling maritime breezes are drawn westward and cool the vineyards, allowing the grapes to rest each night. These conditions prove challenging to grow grapes but result in fruit with intensity and rich complex flavors. The meticulous farming practices of our growing partners, Dan & Vicki Dooling, have evolved to the point where they can produce miraculous results each year from these challenging conditions.

2008 Usibelli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

The Usibelli Vineyard was originally purchased by Emil Usibelli in 1957 and is run by third generation family member Joseph S. Usibelli. It lies in the famed Rutherford Bench area of Napa Valley. It is classified as Region II, promising a wonderfully long growing season.The soil is dominated by Franciscan marine sedimentary materials, with some volcanic deposits (mostly Bale, Pleasanton and Yolo loams). This unique soil produces wine with the unique dusty, berry, spicy flavor profile known as “Rutherford Dust.” For our Sanctuary Cabernet we select from two distinct blocks of roughly equal size. The older vines are 8x10 in an East-West orientation on AXR#1 rootstock with notable Cabernet Clone 7. The new vines also use Clone 7 on 110R rootstock planted 6x10 and trained quadrilateral on a divided canopy to gain maximum exposure to the sun. Carlos Renteria has managed the vineyard for over 40 years and is considered one of the most knowledgeable and experienced vineyard managers in Napa Valley. Usibelli Vineyard is renowned for delivering extraordinary expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon.