Wine Words from California

By Millie Howie

Based in Sonoma California Millie Howie is a highly respected West Coast wine writer and one of those magic characters who seems to know everyone in the wine industry. She began as a wine writer in the early 70's and has followed the development of the West Coast wineries ever since. Wine on the Web is delighted to welcome her on board and to offer readers her monthly column in her charming and individual style.

Landmark Vineyards

Many of those who have occasion to drive along Highway 12 through Kenwood have been following with deep interest the transformation of the small estate vineyard growing alongside the Landmark Vineyards winery complex from an aging Chardonnay vineyard to an exciting new vineyard dedicated to the Rhône varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise, and Viognier – 18,000 vines in all – planted in very close 4'x6' spacing. The rootstock was field-grafted to a selection of various clones of each of the selected varieties in late summer/early fall 2007 and by the end of this year's growing season the young vines should have made their way to the tops of the stakes that support them.

Long before the vines reached this exciting stage Landmark owners Michael and Mary Colhoun, along with winemaker Eric Stern and assistant winemaker Greg Stach had been researching the soils and climate in the Sonoma Valley and studying the varieties of grapes which would flourish in this region which is so similar to the Rhône winegrowing region of France.  Due to the tight spacing, the winery has invested in new, smaller John Deere equipment and with the replanting they were also able to eliminate the overhead sprinkler system and replace it with new drip emitters which will easily provide any necessary frost protection.

As Mary and Michael walked the vineyard rows and watched the vineyard take shape they came up with the perfect way of sharing the vineyard beauty, the potential wines and the loveliness of the site with others.  Thus was born the Landmark Vineyards' "Friends of the Vineyard."

Starting with a list of 100 members of the Landmark Wine Club, Michael invited those interested to become founding members of "Friends of the Vineyard." "As a Friend," he said, "you will be intimately involved with Landmark's new estate vineyard with your own row of vines, marked with a personalized plaque and an additional plaque marked with your name, row number and variety of grape to hang in your wine cellar, office or other place of honor.  You will be kept informed of the progress of your vines by a special "Vineyard Report" giving vineyard updates and current news of the progress of your row along with photographs of the vines.

There is a one-time initiation fee of $2,000 per row, and once the vineyard is in production there will be a yearly maintenance fee of $500. When the vines reach full production in 2010, Friends will be the first to receive exclusive shipments of the wines with their names on the label of each bottle.  "Welcome" letters present another dozen special benefits for the Friends.

But this is not all the news at Landmark.  Movie buffs will be delighted to hear that two 'Dinner and a Film' evenings are being scheduled. The first, on May third, featured dinner and the film "Some Like It Hot", introduced by guest host Jan Wahl of KCBS.

Between visits to the winery consumers whose wines of choice are made by Landmark, can visit the new tasting room below the Four Seasons Hotel in San Francisco to do some judicious sipping in the "Press Club."  Tasting at the winery will continue as always, daily from ten am till 4:30 pm, and the modest tasting fee includes a handsome logo glass to carry home as a souvenir.

In the tasting room at the winery the changes are subtle, but charming.  By the huge fireplace a pair of cozy sofas invite tasters to settle in for a few relaxing moments.  Visitors are invited to plan a picnic by the bocce courts and everyone should be sure to stop for a moment in the administrative offices to say hello to Finnagan, a Tipperary Terrier from the land of the shamrock and leprechaun, and everyone is sure to enjoy the vineyard exploration tours by horse-drawn carriage featured each Saturday from 11:00 am till three pm.

Landmark Vineyards is located at 101 Adobe Canyon Road.  From Highway 12, take the left turn from Highway 12 at Sugarloaf State Park and turn left into the colorful grounds of Landmark vineyards at 101.  For a preview of your visit, click onto the excellent website: www.landmarkwine.com.

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