Muns Vineyard

Muns Vineyard is located off Loma Prieta Ave high on Loma Prieta, at 2600’, making it the highest in the AVA. It is often above the fog line and has a 360-degree exposure basking in the sun. This sunny exposure could be problematic, but the altitude and constant wind exposure make it cool enough to make an outstanding Pinot. There are 12 acres planted to Pinot Noir and 1 acre to Syrah. The Pinot clones are all Dijon, 114, 115, 667 and 777. Bordeaux producers blend a wine using different varietals to build complexity, i.e. Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot to make a bottle of great wine. As Pinot Noir producers held to a more exact standard for a single variety, the clonal selection is essential for creating a well-rounded and structured wine.

The wind at this site also plays a vital role outside of its cooling influence. Grapes in windy locations produce thicker skins and often have higher phenolic content, colour, tannins and flavour. I usually press off this wine early to avoid excessive tannins associated with this vineyard and allow the natural beautiful fruit characteristics to shine through. The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA minerality and acidity is a major player at this site allowing the wines to age gracefully for many years.