The art to a great plan is multifold; you need direction, goals, anticipation, follow through and a bit of luck too. The concept was a simple one, to have complete control from grapes to glass, to make the best wines we could and to stay within our budget.

In 2001 after looking at many properties in wine popular regions such as Sonoma, Napa and Lake Counties, we stumbled virtually by accident into this County called Calaveras where land was reasonable and accessible. After exploring a number of places, our hearts became linked to a small 25 acre parcel tucked in a narrow valley just outside the town of Angels Camp. The dirt was warm and red, rich with minerals and the sun seemed to hit the land just right. Whether we found this place or it found us, our journey led us to this home that held the promise for something special, “Prospect 772”.

The Varietals Rhone Varietals had become the most interesting wines in Ron's cellar and after connecting with other professionals in the industry; it became clear that Rhone style wines would work exceptionally well with the warm Mediterranean climate. With the land, the climate and the knowledge of the team, the niche was defined to create styles of wines using traditional blends of Cote Roti and the Chateaunuef du Pape regions of France.

Let the planting begin

In 2002 Prospect 772 hired Mark Skenfield to become the vineyard manager and we planted a small area of about 2.5 acres to 3 different clones of Syrah, 2 Clones of Grenache and 1 clone of Viognier in anticipation of making two wines.

The first blend a spinoff from Chateauneuf du Pape based in Grenache with Syrah as an accompaniment, and the second a blend based in Syrah with a touch of Viognier for a spicy twist.

What happened with our care and selection was extraordinary. The vines behaved better than we could have expected; we took our time nurturing them up the cordon not demanding much except that they grow slow, happy and healthy focusing on small berries and tiny clusters. Our hopes were fulfilled in 2005 with our first harvest. We persuaded our good friend Jeff Cohn to become our winemaker allowing us to make the wines at his facility in Oakland and when he saw the fruit for the first time he was amazed by what we had done.

Our first harvest was a big success with Jeff turning our prospect into promise as the wines continued to express themselves in their individual ways. In 2007, we proudly offer The Brawler, black licorice, tar and Christmas spices on top of a deep lingering background of rich black fruit. The Brat on the contrary and being somewhat opposite shows itself elusively with a ruby red fruit center under a spicy layer of cinnamon and crushed stones.

Both wines have amazed us on how they have developed into silky rich and elegant counterparts.

Wine News

July 2008:   The Wine Enthusiast
The Sierra Foothills Come Alive
The regions winemakers are modernizing and introducing new varieties to atone for the Zins of the past.

March 31, 2008:   Wine Spectator
Promising New Producers
Dozens of new California Rhone producers emerge each year, drawn by the adaptability of the Rhone grapes to the state's diverse winegrowing regions.

Wine Spectator ~ Tasting Highlights: California's Rhone Varietals
California's Rhone grape-based wines continue to impress, including some exciting Syrahsfrom the Sierra Foothills
91 points ~ The Brat Calaveras County 2005
Savory, with supple flavors that build, with spice, dried berry, anise and sage, supported by firm tannins and ending with a hint of spice and cedar. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2011. 150 cases made.   —James Laube Wine Spectator
93 points The Brawler Calaveras County 2005
Firm, ripe, intense and concentrated, with rich plum, blueberry, spice, anise, sage and light cedar. Offers complexity, depth and focus, with a long, persistent finish. The dash ofViognier gives this a sweet spot. Syrah and Viognier. Drink now through 2012. 150 cases made.   —James Laube Wine Spectator

August 1, 2006:   Calaveras Enterprise, Calaveras County, California
Annual vineyard tour offers lessons for grape growers
Calaveras County is going to have to chart its own, unique course in wine offerings if it hopes to generate the kind of interest enjoyed in grape-growing areas such as Napa.