Alexander and Knights Valleys: river gravel and volcanic ground
Across the Russian River in Alexander Valley, over the volcanic spur of the Mayacamas, and down into Knights Valley under Mount St Helena. Tap a layer to read it.
Swipe the plate sideways to see the whole section.
Schematic. The line runs WNW to ESE from the hills west of Alexander Valley to Knights Valley. Upper Barn, on Jackson Family’s Alexander Mountain Estate, lies about 5 km north of the line and much higher; it is shown where it projects. The contact between Franciscan rock and the Sonoma Volcanics is simplified; check against the USGS and CGS Healdsburg and Santa Rosa sheets. Heights from AWS terrain data. Brookshire lies about 0.45 km south of the line, at the same height as the ground drawn here. Farrow Ranch is placed approximately on the east side of the valley.
4 layers, youngest at the top
Single vineyards we pour from. Tap one on the plate.
Why these valleys ripen Cabernet
- They lie well inland, so summer days are warm and the season is long enough for late grapes.
- Marine air still reaches up the Russian River at night, so the day-night swing is wide.
- Gravels and volcanic loams drain well; vines are pushed just enough.
- Mountain blocks like Upper Barn sit above the fog, cooler by day and milder by night.
Did you knowUpper Barn sits at about 1,800 feet on the Mayacamas side of Alexander Valley, high above the valley floor where the Russian River runs at little more than 100 metres.
Pas Mal wines on this ground
Alexander Valley
Knights Valley
- Cabernet SauvignonBrandon Gregory Estate
- IllationBrandon Gregory Estate
- MerlotBrandon Gregory Estate
- Sauvignon BlancBrandon Gregory Estate
Sources: USGS and California Geological Survey, Healdsburg and Santa Rosa geologic maps; Brandon Gregory Estate, Brookshire Vineyard notes; Sphaerics, Upper Barn notes; Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, Knights Valley; Aperture Cellars, Farrow Ranch reports (San Francisco Chronicle); AWS Terrain Tiles.