Winemaker Notes
Elizabeth Rose Pinot Noir is planted in their largest vineyard, Block House. This 292 acre vineyard is positioned on the valley floor and experiences a cooling effect from the San Pablo Bay breeze that is advantageous to the growth and development of Pinot Noir. This wine is a blend of the Dijon and Wente clones. Nearly 20% of Block House is dedicated to the production of Pinot Noir.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.