Bedrock

Characteristics: Spice, vibrant red fruits, hints of orange peel in
young wines, vibrancy, bright acidity.

Description: The vineyard site, known as Madrone Ranch, was originally planted in 1854 by General William “Tecumseh” Sherman and General “Fightin” Joe Hooker. It later passed into the hands of George Washington Whitman and then to the former American Consul to China Eli T. Shepherd. In the final two years of his oversight, from 1886-1888 the first vines on rootstock were planted at the vineyard, though this was likely the hybrid Lenoir which was not totally resistant. Senator George Hearst purchased the property in 1888 and planted most of the vines that exist today, one of the first to be planted on rootstock in the state due to his connections with the University of California.