“Vine-age soils, and the wind factor are the key elements to this site. Planted in 1992 to the Martini Pinot Noir clone, Alderpoint Vineyard is situated on a bench about 100 feet above the Middle Fork of the Eel River in the middle of nowhere. Red volcanic soils allow the roots to thrive and the breeze that gusts up valley helps cool the vines during the summer months.”
– Adrian Jewell Manspeaker, Winemaker
WINEMAKER NOTES
Alderpoint was planted in 1992 and has become a key vineyard source for Joseph Jewell Wines, beginning with the 2013 vintage. With shale-like soils and positioned 500 feet above the middle fork of the Eel River, this vineyard also has extremely low yields, often registering at less than 2 tons per acre. The cooling influence of the river and the stony soils are essential in the development of flavors and textures that have become the signature of the wines from Alderpoint.
FLAVORS
TASTE PROFILE
ABOUT ADRIAN JEWELL MANSPEAKER
Having grown up on the fog-shrouded northern coast of California, Adrian learned early on to appreciate the complicated patchwork of micro-climates of his home. When he moved to Sonoma County, he discovered an interest in the origin of wine and the evolution from vineyard to barrel to bottle.
His wine country location allowed him to study winemaking and viticulture through UC Davis’s extension program and take business management courses on the side. Putting theory into practice, Adrian joined C. Donatiello for the 2007 crush, then lent a hand at Peay Vineyards during the 2008 harvest.
It was around that time that he teamed up with Micah, and the two became winemaking partners under the Joseph Jewell name. Adrian’s intense drive and commitment are evident in every detail of his work– from his relationships with the growers and the design of the labels, to the overall quality of the finished product.
Now, with 12 years of winemaking experience, Adrian has added some new bottling duties to his life away from the winery. He and his wife Lily have welcomed two daughters–Harlow (2015 vintage) and Monroe (2017 vintage)–with daddy serving as Chief Bottle Washer at their home in Forestville.
Winemaker Notes and About Adrian Jewell Manspeaker sourced from josephjewell.com.