Lancaster Estate

Vineyards

The estate is located in the eastern hills of southern Alexander Valley, at the confluence of the Chalk Hill and Knights Valley appellations, and is comprised of 53-hillside acres. This southern sub-appellation has emerged as a leading location for producing Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends. Most sought after are the region’s hillside and mountain locations, where diverse, nutrient-deficient soil types and microclimates are proving ideal for developing concentrated varietal character.

Microclimates

The diverse microclimates of the estate’s hillside location are ideal for growing Bordeaux varieties. Warm temperatures start early in the year and continue through October for late, yet ideal, ripening conditions. A marine influence reaches the estate through the Petaluma Gap, providing the diurnal temperature variance of world-class winegrowing regions.

Daytime temperatures are slightly cooler than Napa Valley's Oakville District. However, nights at Lancaster Estate are approximately three degrees warmer than Oakville. This allows the grapes to continue to ripen while maintaining acidity over an extended growing period. This is an important factor in developing physiological ripeness and phenolic development, ultimately resulting in full-flavored wines with synergistic elegance and ripeness.

Reduced Yields

The estate’s inherent attributes, including the vineyards’ hillside orientation and low-nutrient soil, mitigate vine vigor and reduce yield per vine. Additionally, viticultural practices such as high-density spacing, cluster thinning and deficit irrigation, further reduce vine vigor and encourage low yields. All of these variables result in grapes, and subsequently wines, of concentrated flavor and character.

Sustainable Practices

We employ sustainable farming techniques to maintain the integrity of our wines’ origins. These techniques include permanent cover crops to improve drainage, replenish the soil nutrients and reduce erosion. We also encourage natural predators, such as raptors and beneficial insects, to eliminate vine pests.

Vineyard Evolution

To ensure improvement with each vintage, we recently hired viticulturist Phillip Freese to study and measure our winegrowing efforts. Initial work has included evaluation of soil structures and irrigation practices, as well as satellite mapping and climatic analyses. This vital investment has defined key vineyard decisions such as rootstock selection, vine row orientations, nutrient applications and improved water management practices.