The Hess Collection Winery, Napa (No. 3)
“The Hess Collection vineyards represent the diverse growing conditions seen in the Napa Valley. We grow grapes in both cool climates and hot. Our sites are gently sloped along the Bay to steep in the mountains. Experience over time in the vineyard has taught us what is best for our vines, and we learn how to better tend our vineyards with each passing vintage. This allows us to develop site specific viticulture programs for each of our ranches. At the same time we’ve instituted a number of environmentally-friendly initiatives that keep us at the forefront of sustainable vineyard practices.” – Sander Scheer, Viticulturist
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VEEDER SUMMIT VINEYARD
Our highest estate vineyard was once the site of an old cherry orchard near the summit of Mount Veeder. Donald Hess originally planted the site to Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. However, due to the unique microclimates, the vineyard now is considered to be well suited for early-ripening varietals such as Malbec and Merlot.
VINEYARD SPECIFICS
ACREAGE: 67.2 acres
VARIETALS PLANTED: Cabernet Sauvignon (13.10 acres), Malbec (26.12 acres), Merlot (6.95acres), Syrah (1.7 acres), Petit Verdot (2.66acres), Chardonnay (3.73 acres), Pinot Gris (2.5 acres), Albariño (3 acres), Viognier (.94 acres) Grüner Veltliner (2 acres).
ELEVATION: 1,300-2,000 feet
EXPOSURE: Due south, some southwest, on slope due east.
MICROCLIMATE: The cooling marine influences of the San Francisco Bay and cool afternoon breezes result in daytime temperatures that are an average of 5 to 10 degrees lower than the valley floor, with slightly warmer nights as the cooler air sinks to lower elevations. These vineyards tend to be above both the fog and frost lines.
SOIL: Volcanic Rhyolite and some clay streaks with patches of compressed volcanic ash, sometimes called tufa or tuff.
TRELLIS: California T-top, Lyre and Vertical Shoot Positioning.
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