Ever since we planted our first Pinot Noir vineyards on the Newton Johnson farm in 2003, we were mindful that it would take years for these vines to find their feet and express any notion of terroir, if any. With each season, as the vines have evolved, our perceptions and expectations of them have evolved with them. Some have reached their ceiling, while others have excelled beyond. The authenticity and consistency to which the Seadragon and Windansea vineyards have defined themselves, has led us to regard them as our top growth vineyards. Their maturity, complexity and singular expression are ably demonstrated in each of these cuvées.

SEADRAGON is our oldest vineyard of Pinot noir and our first glimpse into the possibilities open to this grape variety and its grasp of our soils on this farm. It is the sole component of the first 2008 vintage of the Family Vineyards label and remains the archetype of our style. For us this vineyard, at its best, is the most profound, ornate and complete wine from one parcel that we produce and is unmistakable in its consistency . The wine may be full of succulence, intensity, floral aromatics, delicacy and spice, all brought together with sumptuous grip. It seems as though the roots draw from every component of the soil, from the dark, loose, carbon-rich layers above, to the red iron-rich clay below. As it matures the growth in the vineyard is restrained and easy to handle, and the yield of grapes is small and intensely flavoured.