McHenry Vineyard

McHenry Vineyard
6821 Bonny Doon Road
Santa Cruz, California
USA 95616
Phone: (530) 756-3202
http://www.mchenryvineyard.com

Contact: Linda McHenry
Email: [email protected]

The founding Chancellor of the University of California, Santa Cruz, Dean E. McHenry, dreamed of growing a vineyard close to the spot where UC Davis scientists had discovered ideal conditions for Pinot Noir. In the early 1970s he, his wife, Jane, his son, Henry (a professor at UC Davis), and daughter-in-law, Linda, planted four acres. Linda trained in viticulture at UC Davis and guided the plants to fruition. Henry learned winemaking from his colleagues at UC Davis. The resulting wines surpassed their grandest dreams with gold medals flowing in from commercial wine competitions throughout the State.

In the last year of Chancellor McHenry's life, 1997-98, we replanted with four clones of Pinot Noir (Swan, 115, Pommard, and 13). Again we were astounded by the quality of the fruit and its transformation into superb wine.

The family is drawn together at harvest once again, but we morn the lost of "grampa doon". Now there are grandchildren and great grandchildren helping out in the vineyard.

We are pleased to announce the release of our 2006 Pinot Noir. As our vineyard has matured, the wines have matured in complexity. We harvested from our non-irrigated vineyard between September 15 & 17 at 23.5 degrees Brix, 1.0 total acidity, and 3.3 pH. Fermentation lasted 7 days. The wine rested for 21 months in 60 gallon Francois Freres French oak Barrels. It was bottled June 22-28, 2006.

The aroma is complex and intense with a hint of black cherry. It has an elegant balance with a ripe fruit taste of blueberries and cherries. The finish delights the palate as only great Pinot Noir can.

Update Winery information  Submit new wines to be posted  Wineries of America