Carolyn Charles

Fort Ross-Seaview

This 40-acre piece was originally purchased by Lee Martinelli Sr. because it butted up against the Charles/Dillon Ranch and he planned to hunt wild boar on this piece. In 1991 we met Helen Turley(world famous female winemaker) whose property bordered this parcel. After a friendly neighborly chat Helen said she needed a place to make wine and we needed a winemaker, so we hired her to start working for us in 1992. She walked all of our properties and when she saw this piece she remarked “this is a grand cru site for Pinot Noir.” Lee Sr. said “This is where I pig hunt.” She again said “This is a Grand Cru site for Pinot Noir.” Lee Sr. still responded about pig hunting there…she said “Lee put in the vineyard and the pigs will come.” She was right on both accounts. It is one of our most highly touted pinot noir vineyards and the wild pigs love to try to get into this vineyard.