Cœur de Vallée

Oakville

The ‘Cœur de Vallée’ vineyard is located in the word-renowned Oakville appellation, in the “heart” of the Napa Valley. The distinct combination of alluvial soils, topography and an ideal climate makes this vineyard a viticultural treasure.

The To Kalon Creek meanders through our 24-acre property, and the vines benefit from a continuous 2% west to east slope as well as an abundance of well-draining 40-60% soils, derived from an alluvial fan.

In developing this superb estate, Luc Morlet designed six parcels to capture the six distinct micro-terroirs, four of which are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and two planted to Cabernet Franc.

The majority of the property is comprised as the same Bale 103 & 104 soils as the adjacent To Kalon vineyard. This area receives morning fog from the San Pablo Bay and lingering sun in the afternoon. Just as the heat begins to peak, the cool bay breeze comes through. The resulting mild temperatures at night preserve the color and acidity of the grapes.

Block A: Alluvial Block

Located the furthest west on the property, this Cabernet Sauvignon section consists of 50 to 60% of gravel, resulting in the smallest clusters and berries which provide elegance, beautiful tannins and a delicate perfume to the finished wine.

Block B: Bridge Block

With an astonishing 60% of gravel, this block borders the bank of the To Kalon Creek. Transitioning to a clay loamy subsoil shaded by trees in the late afternoon, this section is planted to Cabernet Franc, bringing a depth and complexity to the bouquet while also completing the wine’s structure with more linear and age-worthy tannins. The highly acclaimed ‘Force de la Nature’ hails from this block.

Block C: Creek Block

This block is situated just past the historic bridge (dated 1872) and borders the east bank of the To Kalon Creek. With 60% of gravel and loamy soil on clay loamy subsoil, it is similar to the Bridge Block, yet benefits from full sun exposure throughout the entire day. This results in Cabernet Sauvignon berries almost as small as those in Block A that add an overall intensity of red fruit and acidic structure to the wine.

Block D: Doctors’ Block

The largest of the six blocks is found at the very center of the property and is the heart of ‘Cœur de Vallée’. Growing in loamy subsoil with 40 to 60% of gravel, the Cabernet Sauvignon vines produce small to medium-sized berries. With full sun exposure all day long, the fruit offers a rich, concentrated, and bold character and delivers silky tannins.

Block E: Eagle’s Nest Block

We named this block, which borders The Grove, after the eagle’s nest that we found atop the tallest tree. This block begins the Cole Series with loamy topsoil above subsoil comprised mostly of silt-loam. Containing 40 to 50% of gravel, it produces medium-sized Cabernet Sauvignon berries which have the finest and silkiest tannins and bring the gras (oily texture) to the wine.

Block F: Force Block

With the same soil series as the Eagle’s Nest Block, but with 55% of gravel, this section is closest to the Napa River, and the cooler temperatures lead to a longer ripening time. The force of the water lends itself well to its name, as this block provides the fruit for our ‘Force Tranquille’ Cabernet Franc.

The Grove

One acre was left unplanted, so that 15 valley oak trees, 15 Canary Island palm trees, and the pine tree with the eagle’s nest would remain. A platform in the shape of a heart serves as a gathering place for our full-time vineyard team and a beautiful place to enjoy the views of the property and the surrounding Napa Valley.