Vineyards
Lazy Creek Vineyards is located in the heart of peaceful and bucolic Anderson Valley, just off the coastal region of Mendocino County. Blessed with a temperate, cool climate, the valley is classified in viticulture terms as a Region 1 growing area, a designation for the coolest climate in which grapes can be commercially grown. The combination of warm sunny days with foggy nights and mornings allow the grapes to mature slowly to reach their full varietal characteristics.
Lazy Creek's 92 acre ranch, with its macro-and microclimates and diverse topography and soils, is planted to only 52 acres of grapes -- including the oldest Gewurztraminer vines in the valley -- that were planted by Hans Koebler on St. George rootstock in 1970. The grape yield for these vines is extremely low, producing stunningly-concentrated fruit for the Lazy Creek Estate Gewürztraminer.
The majority of the ranch is planted to 36 acres of Pinot Noir, of note being an 8-acre block with a miniscule average yield said to be the oldest Pinot Noir vineyard in California. These grapes are vinified to produce the Lazy Creek Estate Pinot Noir Reserve Puncheon Blend (RPB). All of the Pinot Noir blocks are planted specifically with different clones, including Heritage, Dijon (such as Pomard, Gevry Chambertin and Romanee Conti) and California clones (Swan, Martini, Calera and Clone 37). The soil and varied terrain at Lazy Creek provide a dramatically different flavor profile for each Pinot Noir block.
In addition to Lazy Creek's award-winning Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir, a small amount of Riesling is produced from a 2.4-acre vineyard block, as well as Syrah from a 3-acre block.
Lazy Creek's rolling, well-drained terrain in such a small area - ranging from 15 - 30% slope with gravelly, sandy loam, to terrain with a 5 - 15% slope of brown loam derived from weathered bedrock sandstone - give this vineyard its unique character and beauty.
The entire ranch has been sustainably-farmed since its early beginnings 40 years ago. Recycling of all organic matter for use in the vineyard and the gardens around the winery to the introduction of desirable plants and insects, as well as the integration of farm animals continues to this day.
Don and Rhonda Carano have always believed in letting the land speak for itself through as little intervention as possible to create the most natural conditions necessary in producing wines that are truly born from the Earth. The wines of Lazy Creek Vineyards truly represent this philosophy.
