SONOMA VALLEY'S
REMARKABLE TERROIR

Shaped by its history as ancient ocean floor and later volcanic activity from Mt. St. Helena, its soils are naturally low in nutrients and water – conditions that gently stress the vines, resulting in smaller clusters and more concentrated flavor. Select lots are reserved for The Cutrer Chardonnay, with the remainder contributing to our Russian River Ranches and Sonoma Coast Chardonnay blends.

This rugged terrain, marked by low nutrients and limited water retention, naturally stresses the vines, yielding smaller clusters and intensely concentrated fruit with a distinct mineral character. Select lots are reserved for our Les Pierres Chardonnay, with the balance enhancing our Russian River Ranches and Sonoma Coast Chardonnay blends.

Its southwest-facing slopes rise nearly 400 feet from valley to ridge, where Goldridge sandy loam soils and moderate temperature shifts create ideal conditions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay grown at Vine Hill Ranch plays a key role in our Russian River Ranches and Sonoma Coast blends.

Located closest to the Pacific Ocean, it is strongly influenced by cool fog moving through the Bloomfield Gap, while its valley setting and varied sun exposures – shaped by Atascadero Creek along the southern edge – create ideal growing conditions for expressive fruit used in our Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.

Its soils – gravelly, sandy clay layered over dense Clear Lake clay – combined with a mix of flat terrain and gently sloping former riverbed, create natural diversity across the site. Consistent morning and evening fog from the Pacific Ocean and Russian River provide the cool conditions ideal for growing vibrant, expressive Chardonnay.

Its Franciscan Mélange soils – a complex mix of ancient marine seabed, volcanic material, and alluvial deposits – combined with warm southwest exposure, create a distinctive microclimate ideal for Chardonnay. The fruit from Shiloh Ranch contributes to our Russian River Ranches and Sonoma Coast wines.