The Selection Of Clones and Rootstock Hybrids On Our Estate
In recent decades rootstock hybrids and clonal selection has become a topic of increasing importance to winemakers and a great deal of research and effort has gone into identifying the best ones from around the world and making them available. Consequently, we have unprecedented choices and are better able to make the ideal match to the site.
After a painstaking study of our 9.5-acre site, which included digging numerous deep soil pits, we chose select Bordeaux clones that produce small, intensely-flavored berries to be grafted onto the appropriate rootstock hybrid for the composition, water-holding capacity and depth of soil.
Clones
When it comes to clones, most winemakers agree that it gives the wine greater dimension to mix the clones, taking advantage of the flavor attributes of each, resulting in greater overall complexity in the eventual blend.
| Variety | Bordeaux Clone | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | 337, 191, 169 | |
| Merlot | 182 | |
| Cabernet Franc | 214, 327 | |
| Petit Verdot | 400 |
Rootstock Hybrids
The rootstocks were matched to the degree of vigor in the site to ensure optimum performance in terms of fruit character and drought tolerance. As you can see, the majority of the vines are grafted to low-vigor rootstock.
| Variety | Rootstock hybrid |
|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | 101-14, 110R |
| Merlot | 101-14 |
| Cabernet Franc | 101-14 |
| Petit Verdot | 101-14 |
101-14: Low vigor (Intended for controlled-yield, high-quality fruit), moderate drought resistance and high phylloxera resistance.
110R: High vigor (recommended for hillsides or dry-farmed sites), high drought resistance, high phylloxera resistance; It can be relatively slow to establish, but its vigor increases as the vines mature.
