Winemaker Ray Walsh cultivated a relationship with the Croft family during his days as head winemaker at King Estate Winery in the 90’s and early 2000’s. Because of his longstanding reputation as a talented winemaker at King and proving time and again he could produce nationally lauded and critically acclaimed wines, Walsh secured the fruit contract from this esteemed and highly sought after vineyard under his Capitello label. A native Kiwi hailing from New Zealand, Walsh has always had a special affinity for the Sauvignon Blanc grape, and also heads back to New Zealand every March/April to work harvest and produce our very successful Marlborough sauvignon blanc. In 2008, after seeing great success with the New Zealand wine, Walsh set out in 2008 to showcase the unique terroir and flavor profile an Oregon Sauvignon Blanc from the fertile south willamette valley could demonstrate.
Vineyards
Located in the southern tip of the northern Willamette Valley, Croft Vineyard is a 90 acre (65 acres planted to vine) vineyard situated in the coastal foothills of Oregon. Organically-farmed for 30 years and certified Salmon Safe since 2008, now three generations of the Croft family carry on a legacy of responsible growing and management that dates back to its beginning.
Winemaking
This Sauv Blanc shows more texture and richness in the mouth than our New Zealand counterpart, with dominant tropical flavors of passionfruit & mango and a faint aroma of fresh cut grass. Aged 50% neutral French oak / 50% Concrete egg for 5 months.