The Floodgate Vineyard is situated at the southern end of the Russian River’s Middle Reach, close to the point where the river’s broad flood plain hits the low rise of the Laguna Ridge. This location is cooler, foggier, and wetter than our Maddie’s Vineyard, which is several miles north in the Middle Reach. Here at Floodgate, maritime I influences can be quite profound. Ocean breezes and morning fog stream through the Petaluma Gap, a break in the coastal hills, and up the Laguna Ridge.
Soils at Floodgate are a combination of Glen Ellen and Wilson Grove Formations. The former is composed of river Gravels while the latter is mainly uplifted sea floor. Both Soil types drain well and provide a wonderful growing platform. Block 15 itself stretches over three particularly rocky acres and is a classic example of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir planting.
This rocky south facing hill allows for great sun exposure and excellent water drainage. These conditions create a microclimate where the vines, clone 667 and 777, thrive.
