Arnot-Roberts Watson Chardonnay 2014

Arnot-Roberts was founded in 2001 in Healdsburg, California by childhood friends Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Lee Roberts. Duncan and Nathan grew up in the midst of vineyards and winemakers in the Napa Valley. Each took an interest in the wine industry, with Nathan following his father’s lead as a cooper, and Duncan pursuing winemaking in renowned wineries in Napa and Sonoma. 

     The focus of this two person operation is on small lot, single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, as well as several other varieties uncommon in Northern Californian vineyards. Through good fortune and a keen eye, they have  identified vineyard sources that are both singular and extraordinary. Collaboration with dedicated and passionate growers is paramount in the farming of these sites and vinification of their wines.

Watson Ranch Vineyard, Napa Valley

The Watson Ranch vineyard is perched on a steep hillside overlooking the San Pablo Bay in the southernmost end of the Napa Valley. The vineyard can be seen on the top of the hill just east of the Green Island Vineyard which we sourced fruit from 2007-09. Exposed and austere, the Watson Ranch is a wind whipped site planted in 1993 by the talented grower Salvador Ramos on marine deposits over limestone. This soil type is extremely rare on the North Coast and lends itself perfectly to growing world class Chardonnay. This soil coupled with organic farming techniques and cool windy conditions give this parcel great potential to produce Chardonnay of singular character.