The rolling hills of a former cattle ranch outside the town of Hollister in San Benito County are now planted to Pinot Noir. The Dyson’s believe this is “a very special area for Pinot Noir and aromatic white wine.” John states that the key attributes are climate and soil: a long, cool growing season and rock, gravel and pebbles, laced with calcium carbonate lenses and a lot of lime, promoting good drainage. This vineyard continues to deliver exceptional quality Pinot Noir worthy of the Williams Selyem vineyard designation.
Directly east of better-known Monterey County, on the other side of the Gavilan Mountains, San Benito County boasts four recognized AVAs (Cienega Valley, Paicines, Lime Kiln Valley and Mt. Harlan). This complex maze of mountains, canyons and valleys, some running east-west rather than north-south, channels substantial marine influence into San Benito from the Pacific Ocean, only 20-30 miles away. The most attentive care is given to this vineyard to produce stellar Pinot Noir. The restrictive rootstock used ensures the maximum ripeness and flavor development.
See all wines from the Vista Verde Vineyard
| Varietal: | Pinot Noir |
|---|---|
| Clones: | Bruce, Pommard, Calera and Dijon clones |
| Rootstock: | Restrictive |
| Number of acres: | 12 acres |
|---|---|
| Positioning: | |
| Topopgraphy: | Rolling hills |
| Elevation: | 700 – 1000 feet |
| Soil type : | Well drained gravelly loams, with severe limestone fractures |
| Trellising: | Smart Dyson and bilateral cordon |
| Irrigated: | Yes |
| Cover crop : | Native grasses, including oats and rye |