Soil gives the wine its character, climate gives the wine its personality, and man elevates the wine from grapes. Man is the most important of the three because man can manipulate the effects of both soil and climate. Consequently, man gives the wine its spirit—or style.
The best climate and soils for growing the highest quality Pinot Noir winegrapes are well–drained soils three to four feet in depth, in temperate climates of long summers with consistent daytime temperatures in the 80’s, yet with cool nights under 50ºF.
The complete ‘Soil, Climate, Man’ story… (.pdf)
Emeritus Vineyards are planted on Goldridge sandy-clay loams that are two to four feet deep, located in the coolest part of the Russian River Valley. The proximity of the vineyard to the Pacific Ocean (about 20 miles), promotes ideal daytime growing season temperatures, while the evening intrusion of the Marine Layer (coastal fog), cools the vineyard to the mid–40’s at night. Consequently, with a management team of unparalleled experience in California grape growing and winemaking, Emeritus wine reflects the optimal character of the unirrigated Goldridge soils, the personality of the Russian River Valley climate subject to the Marine Layer, and the style—almost unique in California—of elegance, balance, and charm.
