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: 2018 February saw abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in spring and early summer.
Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and
even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually
uninterrupted by major heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and
moderate heat created near-ideal conditions for winemakers to allow their fruit to accumulate flavor
complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels.
Wine 100% Cabernet Sauvignon: This vintage of Joan Crowley’s Cabernet Sauvignon displays wild
mountain blueberry, boysenberry and black raspberry with exotic plum fruits and a gorgeous, plush texture
framed by attractive floral notes.