Ristow Estate is located in the eastern hills of Napa Valley between Silverado Trail and Soda Canyon Road, a few hundred yards south of the Stag's Leap District. When we first thought about planting a vineyard on this property specialists believed it was an impossible venture because of the exceedingly rocky terrain. After extensive soil testing, it was then determined the terroir would provide an ideal setting for Cabernet Sauvignon; a location which would compel the vines to struggle for nutrients, therefore producing intensive fruit. In 1989, heavy machinery broke and cleared the rocks from nine acres and Block I was planted to Cabernet Sauvignon.
The response by consulting enologists to the first wines produced was encouraging, so we fully committed ourselves to grow high quality grapes. Thereafter, we purchased, cleared and planted an additional ten acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. Later in 1995, a remaining contiguous eight acres were purchased. In this last addition, the soil composition changes from rocky volcanic to sandy and therefore was planted in Cabernet and Merlot respectively.
Quinta de Pedras lies in a unique location, with the vineyard on a gentle sloping hillside facing south. The vines are laid-out in an approximate north south direction. This provides a warm and consistent sun from morning through afternoon with cool nights from the sweeping breezes off the San Pablo Bay. The geographical layout creates an alternating exposure of heat and coolness which enriches further to the complex flavors of the Cabernet Sauvignon it produces.
