Owner(s) | F. Korbel & Bros. |
Web site | www.valleyofthemoon.com |
Link to this site |
This historic Sonoma Valley property sits in the shadow of Sonoma Mountain on the banks of Sonoma Creek. Wine grapes have been grown on the site since the 1860s, and owners have included General M.G. Vallejo and the Hearst Family. Previously known as the Madrone Vineyards, it has operated under the Valley of the Moon name since the 1940s. The winery and most of the vineyards were purchased by Kenwood Vineyards in 1997 and a new, modern winery was built and the vineyards replanted and upgraded. 9 acres of head-trained Zinfandel remain from the 1940s plantings. The winery is now part of the Heck Estates group under the ownership of F. Korbel & Bros. in Guerneville, California.
The winery farms 43 acres and produces 48,000 cases annually. The winemaker is Greg Winter, a graduate of University of California at Davis. He first joined R.H. Phillips in 1998, arriving at Valley of the Moon in 2006. Multiple varietals are produced including a Carneros Pinot Noir
2009 Valley of the Moon Carneros Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $24.99. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Perfumed with aromas of strawberries, cherries, and spice. Light in weight, but decent strawberry and blueberry flavors, offering easy drink ability. The tannins are soft and mellow, and the finish offers a cherry tang with a hint of oak. Good, especially attractive at the 5¢ Sale promotion price. Reviewed October 2, 2012 ARTICLE »