Picture this fairytale setting: a country cottage on top of
a gentle grassy knoll which opens up to a vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon and
sweeping views of both the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This is Shibumi Knoll.
When Don and Joann Ross moved to the Napa Valley in 2003,
their plan was to simplify. They wanted
a home and a life that slowed down the moments and enriched the things they
cared about most - their relationships with their family, friends, and the
land. This idyllic setting was exactly
what they were looking for, and the .75-acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vines that
came with the 3-acre property was an enticing new project for the couple. Come to find out that not only was the
vineyard planted on the distinct rocky soils of Mill Creek's alluvial fan, but
that with their purchase they also inherited David Abreu's world-class vineyard
management team. This was a special piece of land.
When it came time to name their family label, Don and Joann
quickly arrived at the name 'Shibumi Knoll'.
Shibumi, is a Japanese word describing a physical and emotional state
which most nearly translates to "the pursuit of perfection though simplicity"
or "Effortless Perfection". This spoke to both the way they sought to live life
as well as the way they hoped to make wine - a perfect fit. All of the pieces
finally fell into place when Don and Joann were able to bring Thomas Rivers
Brown on board as their winemaker. Truly
one of the greatest winemakers in the Napa Valley and beyond (Pulido-Walker,
Riverain, Swagger, I could go on...), Shibumi Knoll was set for success.
And the wines certainly deliver! Those who know have been
loyal advocates of this small yet mighty label. It remains a local 'secret',
found only on the elite lists of restaurants like The French Laundry. With
production as small as 500 cases a vintage, it's not hard to imagine how a
project of this echelon might stay undiscovered. Their first vintage of
Cabernet was 2003, the same year they moved onto their new property. Shortly
after, Don discovered Buena Tierra Vineyard, a small gem tucked alongside the
Russian River in Sonoma County. He was struck by the humble yet world-class
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes being farmed there and leapt at the chance to
make wine from the 35-year-old vines. Shibumi Knoll made its first vintage of
Chardonnay in 2004, and Pinot Noir followed in 2012 at the urge of Thomas Brown
who was eager to work with the whole Buena Tierra Vineyard. Their newly released Chardonnay has a basket
of bright aromas of of apricot and peach. The palate opens with a rich acidity
that melts away and gives into a creamy finish - like lemon meringue for the
holidays!
