Calluna Vineyards took root in Sonoma County in 2005 with 12 acres in the Chalk Hill appellation planted to the traditional Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. From its advantageous hillsides overlooking the Russian River Valley, Chalk Hill is known for its mild climate and soils of clay underlain with fractured shale and sandstone.
The Colonel's Vineyard occupies a prime location at the property's summit. This small, 1.25-acre block was planted with clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon in 2005, following the acquisition of this undeveloped hillside property. For the 2020 vintage, winemaker David Jeffrey once again employed the barrel fermentation process, he learned from Alain Raynaud during his time at Château Quinault in Saint-Émilion. This sun-drenched vineyard consistently produces a wine with slightly higher alcohol content than other Calluna bottlings, reaching 14% in 2020. The wine offers a deep, pure aromatic profile that is truly captivating. It features sweet cassis and black cherries, complemented by notes of cigar smoke and fine soil tones. A hint of tobacco leaf adds complexity, while suave cedary oak rounds out the bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and focused, showcasing outstanding depth and a refined profile. It boasts a lovely soil undertow and grip, accompanied by ripe, seamless tannins. The experience culminates in a long, vibrant, and nascently complex finish that leaves a lasting impression.
