Welcome to J. Baldwin Wines Zinfandel & Petite Sirah from Sonoma Valley.
We are conscious that we are stewards of the land, and we know that whatever we do will affect quality today and the future health of both land and riparian zones affected by water runoff. We have always farmed according to the rules governing organic agriculture. We believe that glyphosate/Roundup should be prohibited, as it is in many countries. Rattlesnake Ridge is certified Organic by CCOF.
Rattlesnake Ridge
The soils of this ancient volcanic area vary within a short distance from rich red loam to brown gravelly loam to soil with seemingly more shale than soil. In each of the five blocks, rootstocks have been matched to the soils, and heritage clones have been selected for their taste and complexity in the glass. At 1400 feet, the altitude, the exposure and the soil of the mountainside make for a unique opportunity to grow exceptional, ultra premium Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Yields have been strictly managed to allow each vine to put maximum effort into few clusters. When each block is vinified separately, the final blend can combine the best of each.
Dawn Hill Ranch
Located on the floor of Sonoma Valley in the alluvial soils near Sonoma Creek, the vineyard was planted to Zinfandel and the mixed black varieties typical of an old style field blend. Dawn Hill's head-trained vines were dry farmed in the traditional old vine fashion. We purchased the property in 2000 and gradually replaced about 40% of the vineyard—the dead and dying vines—with DuPratt and Deaver clones. The cherry flavors, mostly from the Deaver clone, made a unique wine that we are still enjoying, despite having sold the property in 2012.
Rattlesnake Ridge
The soils of this ancient volcanic area vary within a short distance from rich red loam to brown gravelly loam to soil with seemingly more shale than soil. In each of the five blocks, rootstocks have been matched to the soils, and heritage clones have been selected for their taste and complexity in the glass. At 1400 feet, the altitude, the exposure and the soil of the mountainside make for a unique opportunity to grow exceptional, ultra premium Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Yields have been strictly managed to allow each vine to put maximum effort into few clusters. When each block is vinified separately, the final blend can combine the best of each.
Dawn Hill Ranch
Located on the floor of Sonoma Valley in the alluvial soils near Sonoma Creek, the vineyard was planted to Zinfandel and the mixed black varieties typical of an old style field blend. Dawn Hill's head-trained vines were dry farmed in the traditional old vine fashion. We purchased the property in 2000 and gradually replaced about 40% of the vineyard—the dead and dying vines—with DuPratt and Deaver clones. The cherry flavors, mostly from the Deaver clone, made a unique wine that we are still enjoying, despite having sold the property in 2012.