VINEYARD 

Originally founded as a Morgan Horse Farm, Toyon Farm took its namesake from a perennial shrub native to Carneros. Saintsbury’s relationship with Toyon Farm formed right when the vines were planted. Today, we enjoy access to the grapes from this site that is located next to Hyde vineyard and about 500 meters from Brown Ranch. 

Appellation: Carneros, Napa 

Clones: 100% Dijon 115 

Terroir: The “banana belt” of the Carneros AVA—warmer days and cool nights. Hillside vineyards facing the west that sit on a mix of volcanic soil and marine sedimentary clay loam; creating a wine of robust style with dark aromas.

 WINEMAKING 

After night harvesting , the fruit from Toyon Farm has a short distance to travel—a few miles down Old Sonoma Road to Saintsbury . From there, each block remains separate and receives gentle handling starting on the sorting table and to the open top fermenters for 5 day cold soak, 11 day total cuvaison. This is a site that requires gentle extraction regime for balanced tannins and bright acidity. 

 TASTING NOTES 

Notes of anise, violets, and black cherry on the nose blend with undertones of fresh plum, five spice, white pepper and briar on the palate. 

Pairings: Duck confit, mushu pork, Roasted Ham with red pepper jelly.