Located in the eastern foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, in the Sonoma Valley, Sunny Slope Vineyard’s vines were planted in holes pick-axed out of fractured stone over 30 years ago.
The deep roots – a result of maturity and years of laboring for water – combined with the warm southwestern sun exposure, produce thick-skinned grapes which give us the concentrated flavors, inky color and extracted tannins that distinguish this vineyard. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc thrive in the rocky soil of the Sunny Slope Vineyard; as the vines expend most of their energy reaching deep into the ground for water, the vigor of the vine is held in check. This warm Glen Ellen location allows our grapes to grow to full maturity while maintaining a desirable low yield.
Acres: 32
Year Planted: 1995-2008
Weather: Warmest Estate, Cold air blocked by Sonoma Mountain
Soil Type: Gravelly Clay, Loam
Grapes Grown: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot
AVA: Sonoma Valley
Elevation: 300-500 ft
Clones: Cote, 337, 7, 181