The beginning of the 2019 growing season was defined by copious rainfall and late soil moisture. The long, warm summer saw very few extreme heat events, with foggy mornings setting the stage for vibrant and expressive wines. The long, relatively mild finish to the season, not without its moments of unpredictability, helped to preserve freshness and finesse in the fruit with abundant hang time teasing out great color, structure and soft tannins. All in all, exceptional fruit with bright acidity and ample texture promises an amazing vintage.

The Chimney Rock Estate is blessed with a diversity of soil and topography that breeds complexity in our wines. To the east, our steep hills and shallow soils bring us density and power. On the north end, our proximity to the Palisades gifts us with ripeness and purity of fruit. To the south, our proximity to the bay brings us breezes that add the nuance of cooler climate–adding hints of dried herbs and mint. It is this diversity that has enabled us to represent the quintessence of Stags Leap District–the tension between grace and power, the balance of finesse and muscle. We are delighted to share our 35th vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon: Its beauty proclaims we are here to stay.

The Sanford Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is always a blend from both of our estate vineyards: the historic Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (44%) and La Rinconada (56%). These singular vineyards are in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. A wide range of Pinot Noir selections are planted on these sites, and this wine is a blend of 8 of these from several different soil types.​