Arroyo Seco

Bounded by the Monterey and Santa Lucia Highlands appellations, Arroyo Seco is often overlooked for the quality of fruit being produced there. With part of the appellation tucked into the gorges of the Highlands and protected from the often-fierce winds that emanate from Monterey Bay a few miles to the west, it is a perfect place to grow Merlot and Riesling. In its more open aspects, however, where it buts up against the Santa Lucia Highlands border and where warm sunny days are overtaken by cool, windy afternoons, Pinot Noir is the grape of choice.

MISSION RANCH

Originally planted in 1961 by the fourth and fifth generations of the Mirassou family, the Mission Ranch was one of the first commercial vineyards planted in Monterey County. The vineyard is comprised of more than 200 acres and planted to several different varietals. The largest share of the vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir, and many clones, including Wadensville, Pommard, Mariafeld, are planted there. A significant planting of the Dijon clones - 115, 667, and 777 are also part of the mix.

Mission Ranch has provided fruit for the La Rochelle program (and before that Mirassou) for decades. Our 2005 Classic Clones blend is made almost entirely of fruit from this site, and several single clone wines (Mariafeld and Wadensville) were also grown here. Now owned by Steve McIntyre, we are confident that the Mission Ranch will continue to play a very important role in our portfolio.