Our estate wines showcase the nuance and complexity of Toyon Farm’s distinctive terroir
Cool morning fogs off San Pablo Bay contribute crisp acidity to the fruit, while dry afternoon breezes thicken the grape skins, building in tannins. Consulting winemaker Ken Bernards guides our classical approach in the cellar, utilizing traditional punch-downs by hand, an array of French cooperage, and a small percentage of whole-cluster fermentation to develop texture and spice.
Our estate-grown Pinot Noir is an expression of a single block of vines on a fairly steep western-facing slope that demonstrates the rich and dynamic terroir of Toyon Farm. This parcel is planted entirely with Dijon clone 115, which produces ripe, luscious flavors thanks to regular afternoon sun.
2020 Estate Pinot Noir
Our 2020 Cavalli e Vigne is an elegant medium-garnet color and opens with a bright and lively impression. Initial aromatics are raspberry jam, citrus, and tangerine zest. On the palate, cherry pie and fresh anise seed give way to a velvety cocoa finish. This wine can be enjoyed now for its silky texture and classic notes of succulent red fruits. Time and patience will reveal earthy aromatics of truffles and fallen autumn leaves.
We harvested on two separate dates to create a balanced wine. Our first pick, in cooler weather, captured fruit with fresh acidity and bright aromatics. Our second harvest, during a warmer wave, brings richness to the bottling. A notable vintage.
Wine Produced: 528 cases
2021 Estate Pinot Noir
Cavalli e Vigne 2021 is a vibrant ruby red color. This vintage awakens the palette with bright cherry and plum. The essence from the red fruits dances along the tongue in the company of boysenberry to provide a floral touch. A hint of anise enlightens the senses with an undeniable warmth and spice. Our Pinot Noir is accompanied by a lively aroma of fresh hibiscus. This wine seduces with its silky tannins leaving a beautiful lengthy finish.
Due to several years of drought, the 2021 vintage ultimately resulted in lower yields. Although the 2021 vintage produced smaller amounts of fruit, the result was intensely-flavored berries.
Wine Produced: 352 cases
2022 Estate Pinot Noir
This vintage, in a word: generosity. Burmese ruby in color, this wine opens with generous notes of hibiscus tea, Bing cherry, red plum, cranberry, and a hint of vanilla. The palate echoes the nose, while adding fresh raspberry, soft tannins, and an acidity that carries a long-lasting finish. This wine’s intensity and abundance are a shining example of the 2022 vintage. Enjoy now through 2034.
A new era, Chardonnay, and a distinct reimagined Pinot Noir
In 2023, Cavalli e Vigne embarked on a new chapter creating its own estate Chardonnay. Crafted primarily from old Wente selection cuttings, the vines produce small, fist-sized clusters featuring both large and small berries, known as “hens and chicks.” This unique berry structure delivers a rich concentration of flavor and acidity, creating a beautifully balanced wine. A harmonious balance.
2023 marked a shift in our Pinot Noir program with the addition of new blocks planted with the renowned River Ranch selection. Rumor has it this genetic line traces back to a prestigious vineyard in Burgundy. This addition introduces power, structure, and minerality, while our Dijon 115 clone contributes intense aromatics, ripeness, and elegance. A marriage, you ask? A perfect union? Quite possibly.
2023 Estate Chardonnay
2023 Estate Pinot Noir
Ruby to garnet on sight, this wine opens with some serious notes of raspberry, boysenberry, white pepper, forest floor, and floral rose component. The palate immediately shows the structure of the 23’ vintage, with firm tannins, promising to age gracefully. The finish provides complexity, length, and balance, with a beautiful hint of orange marmalade on the back end. This vintage is the first to include cuttings from a famous vineyard in Burgundy via the River Ranch Vineyard, planted in the 1970’s. This clone adds additional structure and complexity that does not disappoint.