In 2009, Merry and Ken leased this beautiful hilltop vineyard site from Nancy and Louie Sanchietti. The property was originally planted by Warren Dutton and had been producing stellar Pinot Noirs under various winery labels for two decades. Over the past several years, it became apparent that this 20-year-old vineyard was in severe decline, so the decision was made to replant. Windsor Gardens fans will be delighted to learn that we are going to use this opportunity to give new life to its memory. Lee Martinelli saved a handful of vine cuttings from that venerable old vineyard. New plants have been propagated and are now growing up in a nursery, awaiting installation in the spring of 2012. Meanwhile, the soil is being revitalized with the incorporation of organic fertilizers including mushroom mulch.

 

Acres: 5.5

 

Exposure: Hilltop; east and southeast

 

Soil type: Goldridge sandy loam

 

Rootstock: AxR

 

Year planted: 1988

 

Scion wood clone: Beringer field selection

 

Vine spacing: 6 x 12 feet; cordon

 

Appellations: Green Valley and Russian River Valley