Winegrowing

This gently crafted Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon is reminiscent of lush, exotic and aromatic cabernet sauvignon. A direct reflection of our soil composition along the lower slopes of Spring Mountain north of St. Helena, William Cole Vineyards 'Cuvée Claire' is cultivated from a 2.5 acre vineyard planted to cabernet sauvignon. Our estate vineyard enjoys a historic legacy going back to the 1870's. The basic weathered volcanic rock that makes up our soils-ranging from silty loam soils to obsidian to coarse volcanic rock results in the variation and complexity within our small vineyard. The tiny upper half-acre vineyard named 'Claire's Hill' is located on a steep 35 degree gradient whose soils are decidedly more volcanic in nature. These soils have excellent drainage which forces the cabernet vines to reach deep for their water and nutrient values. What results is a smaller and stressed berry which yields thicker skins and more concentrated flavors and tannin ensuring a flavorful and cellarworthy cabernert sauvignon. Owners William and Jane Ballentine use gentle farming techniques in their vineyard as they continue the family winegrowing legacy with their two teenage.