Against a forested backdrop of oak and pine, the Rocky Ridge Vineyard undulates with the contours of the Howell Mountain top. The southwest facing slope crests at 1650 feet above the valley floor—beyond the reach of cooling fog and afternoon heat spikes. White tufa and red loam are studded with rhyolitic rock for excellent drainage.

The 20-acre parcel we harvest from is planted solely to clone 191. In this terrain, under gentle morning sun, the fruit produced has a soft, silky quality, with deep red raspberry, blueberry and blackberry notes, beautifully balanced acid and supple tannins.

Howell Mountain fruit imparts a soft and elegant aspect and fresh acidity to Fourth Leaf which is balanced brilliantly against the classically structured dark fruit profiles and richly textured tannins of the Atlas Peak Vineyard.