ABOUT THE GRAPES
Windrock is a small vineyard specializing in classic Rhône white grape varieties (Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne.) Production is small, with approximately 3 tons of Viognier and 1½ tons each of Marsanne and Roussanne.
The vines are all Tablas Creek clones, sourced from their nursery and planted in 2001.
- Viognier: (805 SV1c Viognier J S04 BG) (01 on S04 rootstock)
- Marsanne: (367) (02 on 1103P rootstock)
- Roussanne: (384) (01 on S04 rootstock)
The vineyard is located to the west of York Mountain AVA at 1,800 feet on Santa Rosa Creek Road and therefore benefits from large amounts of rain (average annual rainfall between 30 and 40 inches), minimizing the need for irrigation.
Although above the fog line, nights are cool and the days warm and sunny, achieving over 3,300 heat degree days each year. Temperatures rarely fall below freezing or reach above 100 degrees. Wind is a constant presence which minimizes the chance of mildew. The vineyard is carefully monitored and managed by the owners.
The topography is rocky and hilly with clay/loam/sandstone soil above a deeper calcareous layer that produces water with a Ph of 7.2-7.4.
While the cooler climate extends the growing season and hang time, the combination of soil and climate allows the Viognier to reach 24-26 Brix with Ph of 3.5 at harvest in early-mid September and the Marsanne and Roussanne 22-23 Brix and 3.6 Ph at harvest in mid-late September. These are typical analyses for these varieties grown in cool climate conditions.
In the past, the grapes have been sold to local Paso Robles wineries including Grey Wolf, Croad, Lone Madrone, Clavo Cellars, Optio, Turtle Rock, Monochrome and Kiamie. Folktale Winery in Carmel Valley has also bought the Marsanne and Roussanne.
Awards
The Viognier has won several medals.
In 2015, Clavo Cellars won a silver medal for the 2013 vintage at the San Francisco Chronicle competition (see https://winejudging. com/medal_winners_2015/awards by winery.php).
At the California Mid-state Fair, the Viognier has won awards in several years in the home winemakers' competition (for 2019 see https://storage. googleapis.com/midstatefair-com/uploads/2019%20HW%20Results2.pdf).
In 2020, the Viognier was awarded a gold medal, BEST WHITE and BEST IN SHOW, which is extremely rare for a white wine in the region (see https: //storage.googleapis.com/midstatefair-com/uploads/2021%20HW% 20Handbook.pdf).
About the Harvest
The Viognier is normally harvested in mid-September and yields between 3 and 4 tons. The Marsanne and Roussanne varieties produce approximately 1 ½ tons each and are usually harvested separately but on the same day approximately 1-2 weeks later than the Viognier.
Windrock will provide the buyer with analyses for Brix, pH and TA of samples for each variety prior to harvest, but the buyer will determine the required level of ripeness. The date of the harvest is determined based on the availability of labor and harvest equipment and only with the approval of the buyer.
The fruit is hand harvested into Windrock’s (or buyer’s) ½ ton macro bins, separated by variety.
The buyer is expected to sign a written contract or memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) that confirms the terms of sale, including the price, which is determined each year based on the quality of the fruit and the level of demand for each variety. The price includes loading the bins onto the buyers’ trailers. If desired by buyer, Windrock can deliver locally in the Paso Robles area for an extra fee, which will be negotiated and included in the contract/MOU.
