Suscol
For many years the California wine industry considered climate the most important factor in grape growing, with site and soil considerations virtually ignored. Today, vintners and growers lean more toward the European approach of letting the site drive the winemaking process. The French term which describes this concept is terroir –- meaning not just the soil, but also the rainfall, drainage, exposure and climate specific to a given site. Today the goût de terroir or “taste of the soil” is what the wines of Joseph Phelps Vineyards are all about, from the elegant, multi-layered Insignia of Stags Leap and the Rutherford Bench, to the aromatic Viognier from St. Helena.
| Appellation |
South Napa Valley |
| Location |
East side of Napa-Vallejo Highway in southern Napa at the base of the Vaca Mountains.
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| Acreage & varietals |
86 acres Cabernet Sauvignon, 5 acres Cabernet Franc.
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| Soil |
On lower blocks: Haire soil series; acidic soils on old terraces and alluvial fans; moderately well-drained with slow permeability. Upper blocks: More rocks contributing to better drainage.
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| Unique features |
Early morning summer fog is mitigated by cool afternoon breezes coming off San Pablo Bay. Conservation easements on the property preserve wetlands created by Arroyo Creek and maintain wildlife corridors.
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| History |
The property was purchased in 1999 as part of a long-range plan to produce 100% estate-grown wines. Our first harvest from this vineyard in 2005 yielded such high quality Cabernet that several lots were blended into the Insignia.
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| Wines |
Cabernet Sauvignon and Insignia.
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