Topophilia Wine Company

The name, Tocophilia, refers to A Love of Place. This small label was founded by winemaker Jess Wade.

Jess is based in Sonoma Valley where he arms over 10 acres of premium vineyards from which he produces Carneros Pinot Noirs. The vineyards include Rocking K, Blanusa and Gardner. A fourth source is the Placida Vineyard in the Russian River Valley.

Jess's winemaking training includes stints at Rancho Sisquoc Winery in the Santa Maria Valley and at Rockburn Winery in the Central Otago region of New Zealand. The Rocking K Vineyard, planted in 1997 to Pommard 5 clone of Pinot Noir produced some excellent wines in the past that I have reviewed. Owners Bobby and Char Kiel gave Jess his first solo winemaking position after moving back from New Zealand. The Kiels no long make wine so Jess is keeping the Rocking K Vineyard alive in their honor.

The small production wines are sold on the winery's website.