We are not so dogmatic when it comes to the seemingly endless debate about where great wine is made-- in the vineyard, or at the winery.

We feel it simply is both.

For starters, we fully understand that you can only make world-class wine with world- class grapes, conscientiously farmed in a particular way. Period.

We truly have deep respect and admiration for the growers-- not just ours-- but for all who have chosen a life of such hard work, share a connection and closeness with the Earth, and those who spend the better part of the year crossing their fingers that Mother Nature will shine brightly upon them…

Petite Sirah growers are an especially risk-taking bunch. It is seen by many as one of the more difficult varietals to grow successfully: it is particularly susceptible to mold, bunch rot, berry shrivel, and sunburn. In fact, in the May 2008, Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker magazine, Durif (= Petite Sirah) is called a growers’ “worst nightmare”.

We are passionate about sourcing the best Petite Sirah available, and are constantly researching any/ every site we hear about. We are not particularly focused on name brand vineyards, or hallmark AVAs—but truly distinctive vineyards. In a perfect world, all of our vineyards would be farmed BioDynamically, or organically.  Because much of the Petite that exists out there is Clone 03, there must be intriguing climatic, site, or farming differences that create the possibility of a unique expression of character from a site. 

It is truly fascinating and exciting to imagine how different Terroirs (the complex collection of natural, site specific, and man-made influences that determine a wine’s character) will express themselves. Because of how extremely particular we are, we have been slowly and surely adding some exciting vineyards each year—more to come on each vineyard designated wine just before release.

Please join our mailing list to be the first to hear about these vineyard designated micro-lots…

Learn About Tenbrink Ranch »

Future Vineyard Designated lots currently in Barrel:

• Eaglepoint Ranch
• Golden Vineyards
• Wolff Vineyards
• York Creek Vineyards
• Cosol Ranch