Vineyards

“The single most important factor in winemaking is the vineyard. The confluence of all the variables affecting the grape vines ultimately determines the quality of the wine. You simply cannot make great wine from mediocre grapes.”  -Bill Arbios

The Arbios Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon hails from one of the highest and northernmost vineyards in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley. The elevation of the vineyard is about 2000 feet.

On the summit where these vines grow, there is little life with the exception of stunted grass and scrub brush. The fog that enshrouds the valley below rarely reaches these heights. The thin, impoverished soil and scant water threaten the life of the grapes every season. Yet it is this very struggle for life in the intense sunshine and impoverished soil that results in a wine with a bright balance and incredible character and depth.

In any given day there will be an 8-degree temperature difference between the valley floor and our vineyard, allowing the grapes to mature at a slower, more even rate resulting in darkly colored, highly flavored fruit which acheives physiological maturity at a lower sugar level. In direct contrast to the intense heat in the valley, the days’ cooler temperatures here lead to a wine that has lower alcohol and more of the preferred fruit flavors without excessive jammy characteristics.

Although Arbios Cellars produces 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, there is a subtle element of blending that is a result of the varied microclimates within the vineyard and the six Cabernet clones that Bill chose.  The clones were chosen for their low yield and small berry size ripening evenly within blocks in relationship to the varied exposures and soil types.