Because of the success of Syrah on cobblestone soils, we added the 2nd phase of the planting to meet the heavy demand for the unique qualities of the fruit off of these soils.
Stone Valley Vineyard was planted in 2002; initially with five acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. Eight acres was added soon thereafter, consisting of Syrah, Malbec and Tempranillo. These wine grape varieties, planted during the second phase of development, supported a growing demand for the unique qualities these cobbled soils deliver to a wine; particularly Syrah.
Norm McKibben developed the original planting at Stone Valley and then sold the property to Premiere Partners IV.
Tom Waliser has farmed and managed the vineyard since that time.
The training form utilized at Stone Valley Vineyard is VSP; vertical shoot positioning. The older plantings were planted at 960 plants to the acre. The balance of the acreage is planted to 1050 plants per acre. Vines are self-rooted.
Heat units for the site average 3000 -3200 units annually, and annual precipitation averages 7-10".
The vineyard in on drip irrigation, and soil moisture and plant water status is monitored throughout the summer. Additionally, the vineyard is “LIVE” and “Salmon Safe” certified; adhering to rigid, and sustainable, farming practices.
All fruit is hand-harvested at crop levels targeted at 3-3.5 tons per acre. Fruit is sold by the acre. Prices vary depending on the variety, performance and history of the individual blocks.
This vineyard is often the first to show bud break, bloom, and veraison in the Valley, but is usually the last to be harvested. Lower brix is another attribute routinely achieved at Stone Valley.
The soil type for Stone Valley Vineyard is a basalt cobblestone soil, generated from an alluvial fan extending from the Blue Mountains. Continual floods from melting glaciers and snowpack in the mountains flooded annually for thousands of years forming this alluvial fan of cobblestones. The soil is made up of the materials dispersed by ancient river flows through the valley floor, dispersing rounded basalt cobblestones 20-60' deep, with silt loam mixed with the sand, gravel, and cobblestones.
