Lambert Bridge Winery

Meyers Vineyard

Zinfandel

In 2010, we replanted our estate Zinfandel vineyard in front of our guest cottage! As of the summer of 2011, we have since grafted our new vines onto the rootstock and long green canes are now just creeping over the milk cartons that protect these young vines from rabbits that can penetrate our deer fencing. Once strong enough and tall enough, the milk carton protectors will be removed along with any fruit, so that the vines can establish themselves.

We expect the first vintage of Meyers Vineyard Zinfandel tentatively scheduled for release in 2016.

Wilcox Family Vineyard

Merlot

Situated at the south end of Dry Creek Valley, the Wilcox Family Vineyard has been producing world class Merlot for Lambert Bridge since 1994. Planted in 1991 at nearly 900 feet above sea level, this vineyard is just a mile south of the winery, and a trip up to this property ensures some of the most spectacular views of the Dry Creek area. Above the fog line, this vineyard bathes in sun much earlier than vineyards on the valley floor leading to a longer, more steady ripening process for the fruit. Coastal breezes insulate the vineyard from frost in the spring and heat spikes in the summer that can send the valley floor well over 100 degrees.

Winery Ranch

Petite Sirah

One of two estate vineyards located at the winery, our Winery Ranch Vineyard is just over 1.67 acres of Petite Sirah. Now in the ground for more than 12 years, the estate bottled Petite Sirah varietal has become a wine club favorite as well as an important blending component in our small block Zinfandel program.

Gilfillan Vineyard

Cabernet Sauvignon

Under development as you read this, we call our newest estate property the Gilfillan Vineyard. The vineyard is situated at 1,100 feet elevation on the southwest facing slope of the Mayacamas mountain range southeast of the town of Glen Ellen. The soils contain as much as 83% volcanic rock!

The vine spacing is 4’ between vines and 6’ between rows and the hard wrought 6.52 acres and is planted in 2 clones of Cabernet Sauvignon #15 and #191. With just over 1,800 vines per acre (11,825 vines total) we expect to achieve a maximum yield of less than 3 pounds of fruit per vine – perfect for the concentration we strive for in our Cabernet Sauvignon. As of summer 2011, all our vines have been grafted to our two clones of Cabernet and are quickly establishing themselves deep into the rock below. For the first 2 years there will be no fruit harvested from these vines as we focus all their energy on growing their roots and getting for our first expected harvest from the Gilfillan Vineyard in 2013.

Forchini

Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Jim and Andrew Forchini are great winegrowing partners! Having farmed their Eastern benchland property for a couple of generations, not only are they in tune with their grapes, they are some of the most respected farmers in Dry Creek Valley. We have contracted fruit from small blocks and, in some cases, like the Century Old Zinfandel, some very old sections of the Forchini vineyards. With portions of the vineyard planted in 1907, it is no wonder the vineyard designated Forchini Zinfandel has quickly become a winery favorite.

Gloeckner

Zinfandel

Rockpile – The name of the appellation should tell you all you need to know about this region of Sonoma County. Requiring 800 feet of elevation to reach the appellation, vineyards here are warmed early with comforting sunrises well above the fog line that blankets most of Dry Creek Valley. Warmer nights, cooler days and a lack of water supply create conditions that produce some of the most coveted Zinfandel in all of Sonoma County. The Gloeckner Vineyard was planted in 2000 and yields small quantities of very concentrated Zinfandel grapes that are clearly identifiable as Rockpile Zin – both in the aromatics and the flavors.

Maple Vineyards

Zinfandel, Petite Sirah

Having been married in front of the Lambert Bridge fireplace in 1987, Tom and Tina Maple have always been part of the extended family here at the winery. Starting in 2004, and harvesting from Maggee’s Block, we produced the first of many stunning vintages from this famous Dry Creek eastern benchland vineyard. Having farmed all 27 acres of their vineyard since 1987, the Maple’s knowledge of each vines’ needs is very precise, and their dry farming practices ensure that only very concentrated berries are harvested each year.

T-T Hall

Cabernet Sauvignon

At the north end of Alexander Valley, where the fogs retreats earliest each morning, the Kathryn Hall T-T Ranch bathes in full sun from dawn till dusk. We receive about 10 tons of grapes, less than 2 tons/acre, from this organically farmed vineyard. Our first 3 vintages with this block of fruit have added a very important component to our Cabernet program.

Vennes

Cabernet Sauvignon

One of our youngest, but one of the most encouraging vineyards, The Vennes Family Vineyard in Alexander Valley adds 2 small blocks of tasty Cabernet Sauvignon. The elevation of the vineyard at 450 feet, its early morning access to sunshine (above the fog line), and the tight plant density all give us great hope that this vineyard will produce world class wines. Our first two vintages from this vineyard have only convinced us more that this special spot in Alexander Valley will add a delicious layer to our Cabernet Sauvignon program for many years to come.

Bevill

Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier

Located at the southern most edge of Dry Creek Valley, nearing the fog laden Russian River Valley, are the Bevill Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier Vineyards. With a longer fog layer each day, followed by the intense heat of Dry Creek Valley sun, these vineyards are perfectly suited for these varietals. We have been working with vineyard owner Duff Bevill for a number of vintages and could not be more pleased with the fruit and commitment to excellence. Because of the extremely high quality and consistent fruit character from Duff’s vineyard, we have awarded the 2008 and 2009 vintages with a vineyard designation for both varietals.