Located on the south side of the same mountain as our estate vineyard and winery, is our Marier vineyard. Much design and site preparation was required for this amazing site and it boasts breathtaking views of the Mill creek gap in which it is located. After years of clearing and constructing small terraces, we were finally able to plant 3 acres of vines to this extremely steep , south facing slope. Located at 1500 ft elevation, Marier has long afternoons which provide the warmth required to ripen Syrah and Zinfandel. The steepness of this slope allows air to drain off easily, avoiding issues with frost, and provide for increased acidity and freshness of the resulting wines. 1.5 acres of Zinfandel is planted on 55 degree slopes, making this the steepest vineyard in all of California. We chose a Heritage clonal selection, sourced from an old vine vineyard on Sonoma Mountain. The vines are head pruned and minimally irrigated. We planted this selection on its own roots, which we believe produces the purest expression of the variety, and site. In addition to Zinfandel, we planted three French clones of Syrah, 470, 174, and 383. Small amounts of Viognier were added for co-fermenting with the Zinfandel and Syrah. Bits of Cabernet Franc were also planted on the slopes to test the limits of where this variety could ripen. Were extremely pleased with the quality and character we receive from this vineyard.