Robert Rue Vineyard is located off Wood Road in the Russian River Valley appellation in Sonoma County , California .
The Russian River Valley Appellation - approximately 150 square miles - is defined by both climate and soil, yet it is the unusual weather pattern that makes this appellation truly unique. Influenced by the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean just a few miles to the west, the evening fog creeps up the Russian River , dropping the temperature to 35 - 40° degrees from the daytime highs. During the summer months, the cool foggy mornings and mild temperatures in the afternoons allows the grapes to slowly mature, developing optimal flavors.
The Wood Road region is recognized for producing intense, luscious wines, especially Zinfandel. In the late 1890’s most Sonoma county vineyards were wiped out by a phyllorera (root louse) infestation. Our Wood Road vineyard, planted on phyllorera resistant St. George rootstock, was spared.
When we purchased the vineyard in 1973 all the vines were the old head pruned style. Over time, we have raised the gnarled old vines on stakes to almost chest high. This allows greater sun exposure and air circulation, reinvigorating the old vines and enhancing production. In a small portion of the vineyard, we have trellised the vines, again to promote sun exposure and even ripening. Initially, we harvested and fermented the two sections separately to see if there was any difference in the fruit quality. After three vintages we detected no difference; however, by altering the viticulture practices with stakes and trellis, we have been able to slightly increase the quantity produced without a negative impact on our ancient vines.
Wood Road soil is a sandy loam of relatively low Ph and fertility that permits our old vines to produce small Zinfandel berries with bright, concentrated cherry and blackberry fruit flavor. This old vineyard is a traditional field-blend of approximately 15% Petite Sirah, Alicante Boschet and Carignane with the remaining 85% Zinfandel.
Caring for our old vineyard is an intensive labor of love. To preserve the health of the vines, we do multiple prunings and several thinnnings (dropping fruit) during the growing season. To produce quality fruit from this old vineyard and preserve it for years to come, we will continue to farm it with the tender loving care it deserves. In return, the vines continue to give us stellar fruit vintage after vintage.

~ Bob and Carlene Rue