Olivet Lane

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Located on western benchland of the Santa Rosa Plain, Olivet Lane produces grapes coveted by the finest winemakers in Sonoma County. This heritage property is one of the oldest existing vineyards in the appellation and has been recognized as a prime example of the classic style of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

In 1973, the Pellegrini family purchased 65 acres of apple, prune and olive orchards on West Olivet Lane. In 1975, at the recommendation of Dr. Amand Kasimatis at UC Davis, they planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, developing one of the first vineyards in the region devoted exclusively to these two varieties.

The land has well-drained, gravelly, clay loam soil and a cool Region I climate. The Martini clone of Pinot, selected for this site, is recognized today as uniquely reflecting the classic features of the appellation’s terroir.

Merry was always confident about the quality of the fruit coming from this vineyard. “I rely on Olivet Lane to produce Pinot Noir with focused Bing cherry flavors and plush texture,” she said.

Our Olivet Lane Chardonnay is consistently complex and aromatic. It is filled with tropical fruit notes – including kiwi, guava and melon – along with fragrances of poached pear, nectarine and apple tart. Entry is mouth-filling, followed by Meyer lemon, grilled peaches and toasted hazelnuts in the long, lingering finish.

Appellation
Russian River Valley
Total Acres
60 total acres; 20 planted to Pinot Noir, 24 planted to Chardonnay
Exposure
Various ― undulating plain
Soil Type
Gravelly, clay loam
Year Planted
1975 and 2017 (both varieties)
Rootstock
AXR
Scion Wood Clones
Martini (Pinot Noir), Wente (Chardonnay)
Vine Spacing
8 x 12 feet and 5 x 8 feet; vertical trellis