The Grassi vineyard site was once an ancient riverbed.It sits on a bench above the valley floor at the bottom of Soda Canyon Road below the Atlas Peak Appellation. This region has been known for fine wines since 1870. The soil is tempered by cobbles, ranging in size from thumb to cantaloupe. The cobbles keep the soil from being too fertile and provide superb drainage. Our vineyard slopes gently to a center drainage running east to west. We decided to plant on a tight grid to provide excellent density for flavor concentration.

Marking the warmest year since 2008, the 2015 growing season set a record for early bloom. Drought conditions persisted, and rainfall was erratic, with most of the much-needed rain falling at the end of the previous year and supplemented by only a single storm in February, which was enough water to sustain the vines. Cooler conditions during flowering ultimately lead to a smaller number of berries on each cluster and lower than average yields. Warm summer months led to advanced veraison, which was followed by perfect ripening conditions. Harvest began on September with short pauses; heat spells and continued warmth allowed for the berries to be steadily picked at their ideal maturity.