The soil component of Sierra Foothills terroir expressed in the grapes can be traced back to vast geologic events of erupting volcanos and melting glaciers forming and shaping the Sierra mountains. Soils comprised largely of young volcanic rock, granite, and slate contribute to the subtle minerality in grapes from this AVA that provide an elegant foundation for the modern-style Syrah wine which achieves fullness and complexity without heaviness or excessive alcohol content. Thanks to mother nature’s daytime and nighttime temperature shifts due to the high altitude, the naturally-created intense flavors are captured at harvest during crush and carry forward in each glass poured for a vivid sensory journey.  

As a region once renown for the Gold Rush not wine grape growing, the transformation to growing high-quality wine grapes has evolved over the past 175 years, where Sierra Foothill grapes are now routinely sourced by Napa and Sonoma wineries for their own highly acclaimed wines.   

Our vineyard partner, Silvaspoons Vineyard, is an ardent and innovative member of the state of California’s independently certified program for sustainable farming and has a long-standing tradition of growing high-quality grapes. Located within the Alta Mesa AVA, the terroir reflects relatively nutrient-dense soils that produce rich, full red wines. Fruit forward with a surprising smoothness in tannins, grapes from this AVA create wines of beautiful expression and depth, even in their early years.

As an area nestled in the river delta, the warm daytime temperatures are countered with breezes flowing through every afternoon, enabling cool nights that bring a freshness and intensity to the juice in the grapes as they ripen throughout the growing season creating a modern-style red yet rooted in tradition. 

The Clements Hills has a terroir that speaks of ancient volcanic flow underneath glacial riverbed deposits. Given Sauvignon Blanc grape’s requirement for cool temps to develop crisp acidity, the grapes benefit from the gentle afternoon breezes where the microclimate reduces the effects of the hot California sun.

Adding to the favorable microclimate, the vine rows of this East-West oriented vineyard block are hedged on the North side, but kept long on top of the South side, creating a natural awning that shields the grapes from the most intense rays of the sun.  

These sustainably-sourced grapes from Clements Hills exhibit lovely aromatics with a hint of minerality structure thanks to the volcanic soils for making a crisp Sancerre-style Sauvignon Blanc befitting a summer party or a casual al fresco evening. 

In this sophisticated setting, using premium organic Chardonnay grapes, we leverage the special expertise of a winery that has mastered the Methode Champenoise, where natural effervescence is created through the addition and breakdown of "liquer de tirage" within the Champagne bottle. The result is one of the most celebrated beverages in the world that traces its origins to the region of Champagne France, and now is available using the Methode Champenoise here in America.