Chalone

A tiny appellation compared to Monterey, the Chalone AVA (with approximately 300 acres planted) owes much of its character to its elevation. Situated in the Gabilan Range on the east side of the Salinas Valley, some 1400 feet above sea-level, Chalone is on the warmish side during the day. The very cool night-time temperatures hold Pinot Noir in very good stead.

MICHAUD VINEYARD

Planted originally in the 1980s, and with a view of the Pinnacles National Monument - the magesterial remnant of an extinct volcano, Michael Michaud's 15-acre vineyard is one of the most esthetically-spectacular sites we work with. Given the the area's volcanic and oceanic history its is one of the view vineyard areas in the world where limestone and granite coexist. In fact, limestone, decomposed granite, and loamy clay create an infertile, well-drained environment that naturally stresses vineyard. Coupled with only 12-15 inches of rainfall per year, the Michaud Vineyard produces extremely site-specific Pinot Noir - austere structure, fabulous acidity, and age-worthiness being a few of the keys.

Planted mostly to Dijon clones, Michaud Vineyard provides 667 and 777 for our vineyard-designated wine. 2006 was the first vintage we acquired fruit from Michael's vineyard. The blocks we worked with are located 1434 feet above sea level, 127 miles south of the Winery, at n36^o 28' 40.6" Latitude w121^o 15' 38.5" Longitude.