Vineyard: Crowley Vineyards is located at the top of Spring Mountain, 2,000-feet above St.
Helena, in Napa Valley. The soil on the top of this part of the Mayacamas Mountains is a
rich, rusty red volcanic Aiken loam – rocky, well-drained, with broad sloping saddle. Early
mornings are cool and clear overlooking the fog that settles in the valley floor. This weather
pattern creates days that are about 10 degrees cooler than the valley floor with warm
evenings, and cold nights. This unique combination of climate, soil, and the highest rainfall
in Napa Valley, create a unique terroir that is reflected in the lush, intense flavors, fine
structure, and softer tannins produced from the small berries, loose clusters, and low yields
of this mountain fruit.
Biodynamic Farming: Joan Crowley prepared the soil using biodynamic principles – a system of
farming that follows a sustainable, holistic approach which uses only organic, locally-sourced
materials for fertilizing and soil conditioning. She then planted 12 acres of 110R and 1103
Paulson rootstock and used French Entav clones of 337, 338, and 15 Cabernet Sauvignon, and
a small amount of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot clones. The vineyard continues to be farmed
biodynamically according to Rudolph Steiner’s teachings.
Vintage: 2017 The year began with abundant rainfall, followed by a mild Spring resulting in extended
flowering with little shatter. A Labor Day weekend heatwave kicked harvest into high gear, then
cool weather allowed sugar levels to return to normal. By October 8 nearly 90 percent of the 2017
grape tonnage was in, including the Crowley Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc,
when warm, fierce winds fueled an unprecedented firestorm. Fortunately The Crowley fruit was
safely fermenting in tank at that time.
Wine 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc: This Cabernet displays wild mountain
blueberry, boysenberry and black raspberry with exotic plum fruits and a gorgeous, plush texture
framed by attractive floral notes, exhibiting finesse, complexity of flavor and elegance.