Developing our vineyards in the rocky soils of Spring Mountain proved that wine was truly our labor of love. After replanting our Estate to a field blend of 90% cabernet sauvignon with small amounts of merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot (for color) in 1997, we achieved our first Estate Cabernet release of just 80 cases in 2000. In 2001, we were able to increase the production to 170 cases of wine that displays elegance in the style of premier cru Bordeaux. Each Estate vintage thereafter has been more productive, and, now, 20 years of vine maturation benefits us with about 3 tons/acre from our 8-acre hillside vineyard. Every vintage becomes more exciting as we experience firsthand the future of Juslyn right here at home.
Without the hard work of our team of wine and grape specialists we never could have made our dreams reality. Heading up work in the vineyards is Renteria Vineyard Management, led by Salvador and Oscar Renteria, who have produced outstanding grapes for many prestigious Napa Valley vineyards. With their help, we have been able to select the most appropriate varieties for our vineyards and consistently farm the highest quality fruit.
In the cellar, we benefit from the experience and expertise of winemaker Brian Kosi A graduate of the University of California-Davis, Kosi’s career includes positions at Acacia Vineyard, Opus One, Plumpjack Winery, Beaulieu Vineyard and Freemark Abbey. Winemaking is also part of his family history: Kosi’s grandparents owned a vineyard and winery in Slovenia prior to World War II, and his relatives still make wine there today