Russian River Valley
Where Apples Flourish, Grapes Thrive
Named after Bill’s first and only son, James, William James Vineyard is located in Gravenstein – the heart of Sonoma County’s apple country. For the uninitiated, part of Sonoma County’s history is rooted in the belief that where apples thrived, grapes would too. Filled with gorgeous, lightweight Goldridge soil, this vineyard is incredible for producing pinot noirs of depth and complexity. View the in-depth vineyard book here.
Location
The William James Vineyard sits just three miles west of the town of Sebastopol. On a small, localized ridge that runs perpendicular to Bodega Highway, the vineyard lays a long, slender footprint as it stretches north from the highway itself. Bodega Bay is ten miles to the west and is highly influential in the vineyard. Warmth and sun are mingled with cool ocean breezes and fog. The horizon contains both stands of redwoods and old apple orchards. A view east from the vineyard looks across Laguna and onto the Santa Rosa Plain.
History
The William James Vineyard was purchased by Bill Price in 2011 and named after Bill’s only son. While the remnants of long-gone apple orchards were still present, the land was mainly empty and unused. The possibilities and potential for the land were quickly recognized, and the design of a Three Sticks monopole vineyard was immediately undertaken by Rob Harris. Culminating in the planting of 7 acres in 2013, the William James Vineyard was conceived and built as a smaller vineyard of superlative terroir and future grape quality.
Terroir
The vines of the William James Vineyard sit exclusively in Goldridge soil. This light-colored soil of moon dust consistency is the predominant soil type found in the area. It is highly influential to vines, most notably in both the flavor and texture profiles of the resulting wines. Characterized by its well-draining nature, Goldridge is a sandy loam with a high proportion of well-rounded, fine-textured sand particles. The fine sands of Goldridge function as a regulator for soil water retention. Their size and shape create soil profiles that are deep and well-drained, providing living and breathing spaces for grapevine roots to flourish
Pinot Noir
At the crest of one the rolling hills on the way to the Pacific Ocean, the William James vineyard gets consistent afternoon breezes that flutter through the vineyard, cooling off the days growing cycle. The Pinot Noir from this site has a dark red fruit profile with black cherry, dried herbs and even some lighter hibiscus notes. The famous Goldridge soils contribute to the fine texture that expands on the palate, yielding a delicious and lasting finish.
Stats
AVA: Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast
Elevation: 230’-280’
Soils: Goldridge Fine Sandy LoamVarietyPinot Noir 6.52 acres
Pinot Noir Clones: Calera, Swan, 943
Acres: 14 total; 6.52 planted
Wine List
- William James Vineyard Pinot Noir | Russian River Valley
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