The Black Family Vineyard
"Nestled in the Red Hills of Dundee in Oregon's Willamette Valley, the 110-acre Black Family Estate is home to three of the top varietals grown in the region: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. The region is known for its unique basaltic iron-rich jory soil, adding to the unique structure and balance of our wines."
"In 1990, the vineyard is optimally planted with the rows running north/south to allow for maximum sun exposure. Thirty eight acres were planted in Pinot Noir, the oldest vines being of Pommard and Wadensvill at a spacing of 1280 vines per acre. In 1992, new clones became available and Dijon Clones 114, 115 and 777 were planted on divigorating rootstock including 3309, 101-14 and Riparia Gloire at 1555 vines per acre. Vertically trellised, these vines are meticulously maintained to produce an average yield of approximately two tons per acre."
"In 1993, sourcing some of the best clones from the Alsace region of France, the vineyard was planted in twelve (12) acres of Pinot Gris and five (5) acres of Pinot Blanc in the upper blocks of the vineyard. The clones were grafted onto phylloxera-resistant rootstocks 3309 and 101-14 and trained into an upright, double guyot-trellising system. These plants have now established a great balance, carrying a consistent crop of two and one-half to three tons per acre."
The Doe Ridge Vineyard
"In 2005 the Black Family purchased the Doe Ridge Vineyard site, which is located in the Yamhill-Carlton District. The 90-acre site has been carefully planned and developed, making the Doe Ridge Vineyard the most innovative new vineyard in the Willamette Valley."
"Of the 40 plus acres planted, 20 are farmed using sustainable agriculture with a focus on non-invasive viticulture practices with the other 20 acres farmed using the Rudolph Steiner practice of Biodynamie under the guidance of French consultant, Philippe Armenier. Each section of the vineyard integrates the swells and slopes with row directions that are slightly off of the typical north to south alignment. This is to allow for the full ripening of grapes and the avoidance of sun damage. In preparing the site it was ripped to a depth of five feet. The usage of untreated cedar post and metal stakes allow for enhanced microbiological activity of the soil and result in better expression of the sedimentary Willakenzie soil. The newer Dijon clones of 114, 115, 667 and 777 and the old world Pommard clones are grafted to divigorating rootstocks, 101-14 and Riparia Gloire and are planted at 2555 vines per acre (1.8m x 1.0m spacing). A wooded ravine and stream runs through the center of the site, ending in a beautiful pond which is available to irrigate the vineyard. The Doe Ridge Vineyard is destined to produce excellent fruit."
© 2011 The Four Graces
