Holbrook Mitchell is comprised of sedimentary, gravelly alluvial earth with rock. Vines struggle in Holbrook Mitchell’s shallow dirt to produce low yields of complex berries. Cool breezes and fog from San Pablo Bay foster long times on the vine, perfect for complex, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

2016 marked the fifth consecutive year of a punishing drought in Northern California; however, the heart of the valley was fortunate to receive 25+ inches of rain; most of which fell before March; making the soil conditions ideal for budbreak that began precociously on March 7th. Conditions in August were perfect for ripening and moderate temperatures persisted up until harvest with only a temporary heat spike in early September. Harvest began in September under mild conditions which allowed the vineyard team to be more selective and work at a steady pace. As warming increased, so did the pace and the harvest was completed.