The Rebirth of Block 8

When the Winiarski family acquired the FAY vineyard in 1986, many of the vines were more than 25 years old and nearing the end of their productive life. An ambitious program of replanting was launched, and this historic property has been renewed block by block.

That effort continues in Block 8, which was originally planted by Nathan Fay in 1973. Following the 2002 harvest, Warren decided that it was time to remove the old vines and replant.

Replanting a vineyard of this caliber means making dozens of choices—about rootstocks, clones, row orientation, trellising—each of which will affect quality and yields for decades to come. The geologic evidence is helping to further refine those decisions.

Within Block 8, two different rootstocks are being used, one for the "sweet spot" area and another, less vigorous type for the rest of the block. In addition, we are experimenting with four different kinds of trellising and spacing within this one block, to try to optimize the quality of every grape cluster.

Now that we have a better picture of how this portion of the vineyard was formed, we're also adding an underground drainage trench at the north end of the block to lessen underground intrusion of water from an ancient geological gravel lens.

"Warren is combining new research and 30-plus years of grape-growing experience to determine how to get the best possible fruit—the grapes with the greatest CASK 23 potential—from this piece of ground," says Associate Winemaker Nicolette Pruss. "Answering that question means examining every aspect of the replanting under a magnifying glass. Warren doesn't just want FAY to be good—he wants to make it perfect."

The Stags Leap Palisades keep watch over the new vines in FAY Block 8.