Vineyards

Chan’s Block is planted with 100% Pommard Clone Pinot Noir. The Pommard Clone originates from the Pommard appellation in Burgundy and is known as a straightforward, full bodied Pinot Noir with powerful tannins. To the eye, this wine has a deep red color and on the nose, it’s bouquet expresses aromas of blueberry and red currant that evolve into notes of chocolate and leather.

Peter’s Hill is a steeply sloped hillside on the back side of the property. Planted in 100% Clone 7 Cabernet Sauvignon, this is the warmest block on the property as it receives full sunlight from morning through sunset and faces straight into the sun for the second half of the day. This orientation allows the grapes the highest sun exposure on the property which is what Cabernet Sauvignon needs to ripen. Usually picked much later than the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from this site have time to develop an intense flavor that makes a truly memorable wine.

Desforges Vineyards is made up of four separate and distinct blocks: Suzanne’s Vineyard; Luke’s Block, Chan’s Block and Peter’s Hill.

Suzanne’s Vineyard is a small plot of Chardonnay planted in 100% Wente Clone - the same clone that is used in many of California’s most sought after Chardonnay’s. It is a fragile clone that is prone to a condition called “shatter” where the delicate blooms that appear during the flowering stage are often knocked off by rain or wind. This results in very loose grape clusters and yields that are often times a fraction of the yields from other clones. The small yields, in turn, result in more a intense concentration of flavors which is why this clone is so well known for it’s amazing aromatics and intense character. Located in the Chalk Hill sub-appelation of the Russian River Valley AVA, the soils in this vineyard are classic chalky white ash— more specifically, quartzite-rich volcanic tuff—that characterizes Chalk Hill.

Luke’s Block, the smaller of our two Pinot Noir blocks, is planted on 100% Martini Clone. This clone has a rich history in California. It was originally brought here from France to produce sparkling wine, but has since then been the basis for many exceptional Pinot Noirs. The juice from this clone has a light ruby color and delivers beautiful floral and vanilla aromas with hints of sweet cherries, boysenberries and dried herbs. On the palate, the wine balances bright red fruit flavors, nice acid, and a youthful mouthfeel. The soils in this vineyard