| Russian River Valley | Lennox Vineyards | Sonoma County, CA |
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Our 10 acre (primary) vineyard is located on the southern edge of the Russian River Valley appellation. It was originally planted on St. George rootstock ~1970, on 12-foot row and 8-foot vine spacing. It was grafted to Chardonnay ~1990 (probably clone 4). The old vines were basically dry-farmed and gave 1-2 tons per acre of high-character fruit. They are the grapes that gave us the 2002, 2003, and 2004 vintages.
We have been in the process of modernizing and replanting the vineyard (in thirds). In 2001, we planted Chardonnay (Dijon 95 clone on 5C rootstock) at 6-foot vine spacing. In 2002, we planted Pinot Noir (Dijon 115, 667, and 777 on 101-14 ) at 4.5-foot vine spacing. In 2004, the last of the old vines came out. And in 2005, the last of the new vines went in - Chardonnay (Dijon 76 on 5C). Now we are on 8-foot row spacing with about 3 acres of each planting.
We intend to sell the grapes from this vineyard under a long-term agreement with a local and established winery.
At the house, we have about 2/3 of an acre of Chardonnay (95) and Pinot Noir (777, 115, 667, and Pommard) planted in 2000, 2002, and 2003 on 101-14 rootstock at 7-foot row and 3.5-foot vine spacing. We have a special relationship with these vines as they dominate our front and back yard. We're looking forward to producing some very special estate wines from this small vineyard at our own (also small) winery.