PORTER CREEK

“In 1977 George Davis purchased a 40 acre lot located in northwestern Russian River Valley and named the winery after a nearby satelite river”

PEOPLE

Impressed with the potential of the area, he planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. His son Alex would eventually spend many years there working with prominent names like Roumier, Michelot, and Guigal. Upon Alex’s return from France, the winery shifted to a father-and-son paradigm, working in tandem in the field and the cellar.

VINEYARDS

Alex repatriated in 1997 and things immediately shifted as he began to test out his newly acquired knowledge in California soil. His father had followed the trend of the times by farming conventionally, but little effort was required in convincing him to switch to organic farming; hillside erosion and poor soil health were plain to see. They stopped systemics in 2000 and in 2003 were certified biodynamic by Demeter. Alex also planted Syrah and Viognier as a testament to his time in the Northern Rhone, implemented a dry-farming regimen (though the recent five year drought required some compromises), and converted to wholly native fermentations in the cellar.

WINES

Ripe yellow apple, lemon pudding, and a touch of caramel in the Chardonnay 2016 are contrasted by a mineral and lemon rind finish. The light and fresh Viognier 2015 is full of white peach, ripe pear, white blossoms, a refreshing herbaceousness, and an energetic finish. The delightful Rosé 2017 (everyday wine) is flush with rosy fruits: peaches, strawberries, tarragon, and freshly peeled orange. Fully fleshed with California fruit, the Fiona Hill Pinot Noir 2017 abounds in damson plums and raspberries, yet there is a savory, umami undercurrent of kombu, and a refreshing saline, mineral finish.

FERTILIZERS compost

PLANT PROTECTION copper and sulfur

WEED CONTROL mechanical, mowing

YEASTS spontaneous fermentation

GRAPES purchase 25%

CERTIFICATION biodynamic