Portola Hills Vineyard
Our private foothill estate vineyard is situated on the East ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Pinot noir grapes are grown on slopes of sandstone clay. Grafted Dijon 115 and Pommard vines were planted in 2008 with Dijon 828 planted in 2018.
Pommard
One of the first clones planted in the United States as a “suitcase” clone, smuggled in from France in the 1950s. Appreciated in winemaking for its color, intense red and black fruit, and spiciness, with high tannins.
Dijon 115
Imported in the 1980s. Widely planted and valued for its rich aromatics, finesse structure, and excellent color. Reliably produces a medium body that shows cherry fruit with hints of leather and roses, and has low tannins.
Dijon 828
Another “suitcase” clone from the Dijon series that was smuggled in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Creates an expressive and fruit-forward profile with blackberry, plum, and medium tannins.
