The Vineyard
The entire vineyard is former grazing land for cattle. This land is characterized by a silty sandy loam, with black limestone about 6 feet down. VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) trellising is the same for the entire vineyard with dual fruiting wires at 30", three sets of catch wires at 40", 52" and 64". Dual fruiting wires support the pruning dynamics of double-trunking of the vines. Double trunking provides an insurance policy in the case of a harsh winter. The vineyard is cane pruned to 3 or 4 cordons on the dual fruiting wires. Each cane is between 10-12 buds. So typically we will start the season with 30-40 buds per plant. Later in the season at the start of veraison, the balance of the vine is observed to make adjustments with green harvesting. We would rather green harvest than rely on "grape glue" to add fruit to the vines (a little humor).
Vineyard Blocs:
Limestone Hill:
This was the first bloc of grapes planted at the vineyard. This bloc is named after the black limestone that is near the surface of the south end of the vineyard. The bloc is 1.5 acres in size and has a gentle slope to the south. The rows are planted North to South orientation and a 5 by 10 foot spacing. The North and South end of the rows ripen slightly faster than the middle of the row. This bloc supports primarily Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and a test row of Syrah. Cab Franc clones are 1, 4 (332), and SMV (Spring Mountain Vineyard). Cab Sauvignon clone is Clone 4. Chardonnay is Dijon Clone 95.
Stealth Ridge:
This bloc is about 1 acre in size and named after the Stealth bombers that are seen in the sky on occasion from Whiteman Airforce Base about 15 miles away. The rows are oriented East to West. The eastern end has a higher elevation than the western end. A French drain was installed in 2005 to aid in the drainage of the bloc on the western end. This bloc supports both Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. The Cab Franc is clone 4 (332) and clone SMV Jr. Chardonnay is Dijon Clone 95/96. The ripening in this clone is better than Limestone Hill since it is higher in elevation. The rows are planted on a 5 by 10 foot spacing.
To Kati:
This bloc is 5 acres in size. The bloc is named after by beautiful daughter who is learning quickly to drive the vineyard golf cart named Corky. The rows are oriented North-South. The rows are planted on 5 by 9 foot spacing. This bloc has 29 rows planted for about 1.5 acres. A few Rhone varieties are planted here, namely Viognier (642) and Mouvedre (04). Additionally, this bloc supports Petit Verdot (04) , Cabernet Sauvignon (04), Cabernet Franc (214),Chardonnay (96) and Malbec (9). This bloc is situated at the western end of the property. The drainage is very good and is hotter than Limestone Hill and Stealth Ridge.