Twin Hills Vineyard
Sebastopol, California
The Twin Hills property's history dates back to the late 19th century, when the town of Sebastopol (then called Pine Grove) was first being established. Darrel Hurst purchased the property in 1942, establishing the Twin Hill Ranch, an apple farming and packing operation which the family ran until 2010. The "Twin Hills" name refers to the two main ridges that run through the Sebastopol Hills sub region, Pleasant Hill and Spring Hill. A moderately elevated hilltop position (350-400 ft) and proximity to the Pacific Ocean (9 miles) create a chilly micro-climate that is highly influenced by cold-marine air rushing inland, known as the Petaluma Gap.The Twin Hills property is 20 acres total, with 9 acres of vineyards, and 3 acres of orchards. (photo: M. Reichwage 2018)
Goldridge Soil
The informal name for this soil is “Moon Dust.” It is the predominant soil type of the Russian River Valley, covering about 60% of the area.It is derived from the remains of an ancient inland sea that slowly emptied into the Pacific three to five million years ago. It is particularly valuable for high-quality wine grape production because of its excellent drainage and low soil fertility. These characteristics allow it to be initially managed from a “low vigor” situation that may be readily customized with more water and/or nutrition, which directly contributes to wine quality. —Paul Anamosa, PhD. Soil Scientist and Viticulturist
Clone 828
Clone 828 is one of 43 currently certified Dijon clones of Pinot Noir in the Catalogue of Grapevine Varieties and Clones published by ENTAV-INRA® (L’Establissement National Technique pour l’Ameléioration de la Viticulture/Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, France). It has smaller and fewer bunches, and the smallest berries. Wines are often well marked: balanced, aromatic (intense and fruity), round and full. Moreover, it can age a long time. For top quality, this clone can be associated with clone 777. It is appreciated for its lower production potential, sugar content and higher polyphenolic content.There is an intriguing controversy surrounding the “Real 828” versus "Faux 828" in the United States when comparing the characteristic of upright growth or lack thereof. Check it out at https://www.princeofpinot.com/article/1268/.Reference: https://www.yalumbanursery.com/varieties-clones
Rootstock 101-14
This variety results from the crossbreeding between Vitis riparia and Vitis rupestris, by Alexis Millardet and Charles de Grasset in 1882. Hence the full formal name of 101-14 MGt. This rootstock is low-moderate in vigor. It is best suited to cooler climates because of its lower vigor and short vegetative cycle, but has been planted with success in warm-hot climates so long as there is adequate water, moderate to deep loamy sand and fine textured (clay) soils.