Now in its eighth leaf, the quality of the Chateau Margene Estate Vineyard fruit is proving truly exceptional.

The vineyard’s soils vary from fine sandy loam to clay loam. The hot summer days are offset by the cooling effects of the Templeton Gap winds each afternoon. Of the 6 acres planted, 5 1/2 are devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon leaving the remaining 1/2 acre to a mix of the other primary Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Malbec.

Owner/winemaker Michael Mooney, aka the vineyard manager, is a strong proponent of low yield vineyards (+/- 2 tons per acre), deficit irrigation, shoot/cluster thinning and leaf removal (to increase sunlight to the fruit). Sustainable farming practices are used in this Creston District vineyard to benefit the environment, as well as, the long term quality of the vines. The grapes are hand picked at peak physiological ripeness to achieve maximum varietal expression.

In addition to their own vineyard, Chateau Margene contracts with select local growers to purchase high-quality, low-yield fruit. Those vineyards are in varying microclimates and districts within the Paso Robles AVA, lending diversity of flavors. Most are under acreage contracts, which offers Michael a great deal of control over their vineyard practices.