Rock + Clay Wines
The Vineyard
Catie's Corner Vineyard
VIOGNIER
Catie’s Corner Vineyard is a highly acclaimed, certified sustainable grape-growing site located in the Russian River Valley AVA near Windsor, CA. First planted in 1988 by pioneering winegrowers Rich and Saralee Kunde, the vineyard is renowned for producing premium cool-climate fruit used by multiple boutique wineries, most notably making a name for itself as one of the region’s premier sites for Viognier, which we source from the vineyard.
SOIL PROFILE
The vines thrive on well-drained Huichica loam and sandy loam soils. The alluvial substrate facilitates balanced growth and limits late season water availability, resulting in highly concentrated grape flavors.
MICROCLIMATE
The gentle slopes of the site are exposed to sunny and warm daytime temperatures followed by late afternoon breezes and coastal morning fog from the Pacific Ocean miles to the west. The diurnal temperature variation slows ripening and preserves natural acidity over an extended growing season.
Coffey Lane Vineyard
sauvignon blanc
Coffey Lane Vineyard is comprised of two blocks totaling 56+-acres within the Russian River Valley AVA near Santa Rosa, CA. This vineyard was a sister vineyard to Catie’s Corner but is now owned and operated by the Dutton Ranch Corporation a Sonoma County-based family farming operation that dates to the 19th century. The Rock and Clay sauvignon blanc (100% musque clone) is sourced from the Coffey Lane Vineyard.
SOIL PROFILE
The Coffey Lane Vineyard sits on the Santa Rosa Plain and features alluvial clay-loam derived from Franciscan sedimentary rocks. The clay loam soils are relatively rich and support strong vine growth. Careful water and canopy management ensure that the sauvignon blanc fruit receives optimal sunlight exposure to achieve its characteristic guava/kiwi fruit flavors.
MICROCLIMATE
The Coffey Lane Vineyard is directly east of the stretch of the Russian River that leads to the Pacific. This part of the Russian River Valley AVA is cooler than the portion of the AVA to the north. Sunny days are warm, but ocean breezes begin earlier in the afternoon and the overnight fog lifts later in the morning. The relatively cool climate of the Santa Rosa plain allows more time for an early ripening variety like sauvignon blanc to develop flavor intensity and complexity.
Newman Ranch Vineyard
Cabernet Franc
Newman Ranch Vineyard is a historic, multi-generational 500-acre working ranch and premium grape-growing site located at the northwestern edge of the Knights Valley AVA in Sonoma County. Established in 1962 by Peter and Judy Newman, the ranch seamlessly blends traditional agriculture—including raising grass-fed Black Angus cattle—with meticulous, high-end viticulture across approximately 80 actively planted acres of vines. Rock and Clay sources its Cabernet Franc from Newman Ranch Vineyard.
SOIL PROFILE
Newman Ranch Vineyard is planted on a south facing slope that contains a mixture of Franciscan alluvial clay and loam soils. The soils are deep and support vigorous growth during the early growing season, and water stress closer to harvest. This profile of growing conditions supports the development of power and complexity in the cabernet franc fruit.
MICROCLIMATE
The northwestern corner of Knights Valley is close to the southern portion of Alexander Valley and receives more maritime influence than the eastern portions of Knights Valley. Newman Ranch experiences warm summer days and chilly nights created by air flowing from the Alexander Valley and the surrounding Mayacamas Mountains. The cooler nighttime temperatures at Newman Ranch foster brightness and “lift” in the aroma of wines made from the Vineyard’s fruit.
Tzabaco Rancho Vineyard
Malbec
Tzabaco Rancho Vineyard is a historic, family-owned agricultural landmark located along the valley floor and eastern bench of the Dry Creek Valley AVA near Healdsburg, CA. The estate includes ~70 planted acres and holds the distinct honor of being one of California’s oldest continuously family-farmed properties, operating under the stewardship of the same lineage since 1856.
SOIL PROFILE
The property features a diverse geological makeup. Its valley floor blocks sit on well-maintained, balanced loam matrices, while its eastern bench and hillside parcels are defined by striking, iron-rich Manzanita loam and tinted red silty soil; the malbec Rock and Clay sources from Tzabaco Rancho Vineyard is grown on Manzanita loam soil, which provides the “Right Bank” Bordeaux-type profile featuring blackberry/blueberry fruit and baking spices.
MICROCLIMATE
Positioned in the upper Dry Creek Valley, the site has warm to hot summer daytime temperatures that foster development of phenolic ripeness. The heat of the daytime is balanced daily by a reliable influx of chilly morning fog drifting up from the Russian River Valley. The cool overnight temperatures preserve natural acidity, resulting in deeply expressive, structurally sound flavor profiles