The Chenoweth family established their homestead estate in Green Valley in the mid-1800s. Increasingly well known as one of California’s preeminent vineyard managers, Charlie Chenoweth has earned recognition for his talent as a farmer, and for his collaborative approach to viticulture. In this spirit, we were pleased to work alongside Charlie during the planting of Chenoweth Ranch. We first designated this site as a single-vineyard bottling in 2004. Charlie has also been able to bring us some superlative Pinot Noir fruit over the years for our Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir blend from his Sonoma County vineyard developments.

Like several of our finest vineyards, Chenoweth Ranch was originally cultivated as an apple orchard. Planted in Goldridge soils on the far western edge of the Russian River Valley appellation, this beautiful 7-acre vineyard is located in Green Valley, one of the region’s coolest areas, and is farmed almost entirely for Patz & Hall (Charlie Chenoweth makes a small amount of his own wine from the vineyard). Though enjoying excellent sunlight from its slight south-facing orientation, the vineyard is sheltered by steep western hills, which protect the Dijon clone grapes from late-afternoon baking, while helping the fruit retain natural acidity.

Chenoweth Ranch is planted to a mix of Dijon clones that deliver one of the juiciest and richest wines in our single vineyard lineup. Generous aromas of cinnamon, five spice powder, dried cranberry and licorice and damp forest floor leap from the glass. Dark chocolate, fresh lavender and cedar introduce supple, rich tannins that make for an exceptionally full, mouth filling, wine while maintaining a sleek purity. The 2018 will reward patient cellar aging, though, this wine’s immense charm will make it hard to resist.