| Region of production: | Rutherford AVA |
| Winery Location: | Saint Helena |
| Year Established: | 1871 |
Vineyard Holdings
Starr Vineyard (27.5 ha): The original plantings consisted of 12 ha of Chardonnay, the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, planted in 1978. Reginald replanted six acres of Pinot Noir shortly after purchase near BV’s 1 Block, from which André Tchelistcheff produced BV’s early successful Pinot Noir
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Rutherford (Rutherford AVA): Inaugural vintage 1987.
Average Total Production
- 15,600 bottles
Summary
In the 1840s, Dr. Edward Bale was given a land grant in Napa and built a mill on the property, which became a focal point for the developing community. Later, he left land to his daughter, Caroline, and her husband Charles Krug. In 1871, Colonel W.W. Lyman purchased the Bale Mill and built a wine cellar on the property. Most of the original fruit was sold to Napa Valley Wine Company in bulk, but a small portion was bottled each year, on advice from Krug. Though it enjoyed many successful vintages despite Prohibition, the estate eventually fell into disrepair. Van and Nancy Haven bought El Molino in 1943, but the winery’s modern era didn’t come until 1978, when it was purchased by Reginald and Marie Oliver. They moved to the estate in St. Helena in 1981, renovating it in time for the 1987 harvest and producing 18 vintages before the estate was left to their daughter, Lily, and her husband, Jon Berlin. Jon studied enology in New Zealand and came with experience in New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, and California.
Style & Vinification Techniques
El Molino uses a significant amount of whole cluster in the native, open-top fermentations of its Pinot Noir. The wines are aged in 70% new French oak for 10 months sur lie prior to racking and an additional 8 months in barrel, then another year in bottle before release.
Producer Website: El Molino