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Sonatera is located
between the small towns of Sebastopol and Cotati
in Sonoma County California, about 14 miles inland
from the Pacific Ocean. Our 15 acre hillside parcel
is on shallow benchland at the southern edge of
the Russian River watershed. The 11 acre vineyard
site straddles a ridgeline with slopes facing north,
south and west.
Our Goldridge Sandy Loam soil is one of the predominate
features in the Russian River wine growing area. Its
relatively low fertility and high acidity provide just
enough nutrition to the vines to fully develop outstanding
fruit without fostering the excessive vegetal growth
that can accentuate herbaceous flavors.
The climate during the growing season is dominated
by morning and evening marine fog, with moderate-to-heavy
winds in the afternoons. Air temperatures range from
morning lows in the mid-50s to daytime highs in the
70s, 80s and occasional 90s, although the wind chill
easily can drop the apparent temperature by 15 degrees.
These temperatures serve to extend ripening into mid
fall, developing especially complex flavors and aromas
in the fruit.
Annual rainfall typically totals about 35 inches,
nearly all of which falls during the months of November
to March when the vines are dormant. |
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