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Gap's Crown Vineyard
Gap’s Crown Vineyard ascends from about 300 to 900 feet in elevation, embracing a range of elevations contributing to its unique character. This topography provides a diverse set of soils in the vineyard. The majority of the pinot noir at Gap’s Crown finds itself rooted in the Goulding cobbly clay loam and the related Goulding-Toomes complex soils. These soils, distinguished mainly by their shallow, well-drained nature, are both volcanic and sedimentary and lend depth and complexity to their resulting wines. Alongside the pinot noir, some of our chardonnay vines also thrive in these same soils, while others flourish in Raynor Clay soils. These soils, in particular, are known for the richness, consistency, and texture they impart.
Russian River Valley Vineyards
Situated in the heart of Russian River Valley, this famous property holds a special place in wine lover's hearts. In 1976, Chardonnay grapes from this vineyard caught lightening in a bottle, when Château Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay—a wine that included fruit from this vineyard—won the famous Judgment of Paris Tasting against a who’s who of the world’s best Chardonnays. “Back then, the California wine industry was in its infancy,” says one family member. “That win let us know that we were on the right path. It also elevated perceptions of the Russian River Valley. But as farmers, we don’t believe in resting on our laurels. There is always another vintage that needs our attention.”