Place
Policy Estate Vineyard, Yountville Appellation.
A Special Place For A Special Dream
Carmen and Gail Policy finally found the slice of paradise that they were searching for after looking at more than 15 Napa Valley properties. The Policy Vineyard is in the picturesque Yountville Appellation which is the heart of the Wine Country. It is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the world surrounded by spectacular views of the Mayacamas and Vaca mountains, as well as the Stags Leap Palisades.
This gem sized, 14-acre property offers three dramatic soil variations ranging from gravelly loam to a heavier sandy loam, with a unique and beneficial microclimate influenced by an adjacent knoll. Under the guidance of renowned vineyard manager Jim Barbour, Policy Vineyard has been planted to four elite clones of Cabernet Sauvignon. These four clones (7, 337, 341 and 6) were carefully selected and grown in individual blocks in order to offer our famous winemaker Thomas Brown a lush and complex palette of fruit from which to craft Casa Piena. In keeping with the vineyard's unique soil composition, Jim installed a state-of-the-art drainage system and selected 101-14 rootstock for its ability to thrive in a variety of soil environments.
To ensure ideal growing conditions, the 9 planted acres of vines are grown on a vertical trellis in a narrow corridor of about 4 inches. Using six wires, the canes are tucked in to allow optimal sun exposure on the buds. To promote competition, the plants are grown using 4 by 6 foot spacing. In addition, meticulous pruning methods are applied with the goal of producing perfectly balanced vines with two shoots per spur and two clusters per shoot. The system of farming that is utilized features and promotes responsible sustainability. This select estate is meticulously cared for with a passionate commitment to growing 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that exhibits profound depth, finesse, elegance and character. We are blessed to have exceptional fruit that is the ideal reflection of the unique terroir of the Policy Vineyard site.
Gail Policy’s comment to a journalist during an interview says it best:
Our initial visit to the property immediately created a strong sense of amazement and spirituality. It was love at first sight. The vines that now make up our vineyard have taken on an almost human like quality. They are in fact our children…
— Gail Policy