2003 Ledson Sonoma County Cepages

Ledson Winery & Vineyards in Kenwood, Sonoma Valley, was founded in 1989 when Steve Ledson bought property and planted 17 acres of Merlot. Ledson is the founder of a successful construction company, but his family roots are in California agriculture. He spent his youth working on the family’s Sonoma and Napa Valley dairy and orchard properties, and learned to enjoy wine made by neighboring winemakers. Ledson’s first commercial vintage was the 1994 Ledson Estate Merlot. Today the estate also grows grapes on 21 acres on Denmark Road in Sonoma, and on property in Mendocino County and Russian River Valley. Ledson produces some 70 wines annually from as many as 20 appellations. Besides making well-reviewed wines, Ledson Winery is known for the 16,000 square foot “castle” Steve Ledson built on the property. Designed to resemble the Norman gothic castles of northern France, it is a special events location for the winery.

Sonoma County is not an AVA, but it is a commonly used informal designation for wines made outside of more specific AVAs within Sonoma, which is a large wine producing region just west of Napa Valley. Though Sonoma is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Napa Valley, it has a long history of wine production. The area specialized in jug wine until the mid-20th century, when Sonoma producers took a cue from Napa and started improving quality. Unlike Napa, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Sonoma specialized in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, though excellent Cabs are produced too. There are at present 16 AVAs within Sonoma County, and, like much of the West Coast of the United States, new AVAs are created in Sonoma County with regularity. Some Sonoma appellations, such as the Russian River Valley, are renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.