Notable: Organic, Demeter Certified, small production
Winery: This block is a steep south facing hill that can only be worked by hand. The last of the hundred year old vines grow here and tie Porter Bass to their personal history and the history of the vineyard. The vines produce very little fruit and the flavors are intense and exotic. Half way up the hill runs the path that connected grandma Dot’s house to the main house, a bench sits between two small but ancient vines for her to rest and enjoy the view. The hill became known as Dot’s garden. This wine will only be made in vintages that Luke & Elena believe that it will live up to the name.
Being on the western edge of the Russian River Valley provides an ideal climate for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel. This cool climate makes fruit that is naturally high in acid and at the same time, the sugars stay low enough to make a balanced wine. Porter Bass wines have historically aged gracefully and have always had a strong mineral component. Porter Bass produces Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. Luke and Elena Bass have looked to Biodynamic and organic farming to gently form the vineyard and create life in the soil. Attaining this vitality takes time and patience and the rewards are seen over generations rather than years.
Porter-Bass Vineyards sits nine miles from the ocean in a saddle between two ridge tops. The Russian River swings in a gentle oxbow around these ridges allowing the fog to drift to the foot of the vineyard, cooling the vines in the summer. The forest of Redwood and Fir that surrounds the vineyard protects the vines from strong winds. The estate utilizes biodynamic and organic farming strategies to create life in the soil and renew the vineyard's vitality.
