Branciforte Creek Vineyard

Branciforte Creek Vineyard is a historic Pinot Noir vineyard located on Jarvis Road in the Vine Hill area of the Santa Cruz Mountains, just a mile away from Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard's Estate Vineyard.

History

The vines were planted in 1988 at a site that has been planted with wine grapes since 1863. The vineyard is part of one of the oldest continuously operated grape-growing regions in California—a 300-acre site originally called Rancho San Andres, in what is now the Vine Hill District, above the city of Scott's Valley.

Vineyard Characteristics

This vineyard is planted to Pommard Clone Pinot Noir, a clone that results in a more traditional, Burgundian style of the variety. The vineyard has low yields of very flavorful fruit year after year.

Wine Profile

This vineyard represents the best of "old school" Pinot Noir before the modern cola-cherry-focused clones became popular. The wines from this vineyard feature complex flavors beyond just fruit, with notes like dried leaves, damp earth, warming spices, and fennel.

Ownership

The vineyard is owned and managed by Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, which produces Pinot Noir wines from this historic site.

Location

• Region: Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
• Area: Vine Hill District, Jarvis Road
• Planted: 1988
• Clone: Pommard