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theCompass mobile application is a winery, brewery, and distillery locator for North America. |
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Laird Family Estates
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Our story begins nearly fifty-six years ago outside of South Boston Virginia as twelve-year-old Ken Laird drove his mule wagon through tight rows of sticky, fit-to-be-harvested tobacco leaves. As the gooey bundles were thrown up onto the wagon, little Ken led his mule team to the curing barn. It was there, with his grandmother, great uncles and cousins, they would stoke smoky curing fires for their prized tobacco. Ken would be the third generation Laird to carry on the farming tradition. While growing up to be a big city mechanical engineer in New York City, Ken held on to family tradition by buying his first Napa Valley parcel in 1970. This neglected piece of land, adjacent to Tubbs Lane in Calistoga, held 70 acres of worn-down prune trees. With prohibition forty years gone and Napa Valley positioned to re-emerge as viticulturally significant, Ken decided to develop the orchard into a grape vineyard. While knowing just short of nothing about viticulture, Ken was also $150,000.00 short to properly develop the orchard into a respectable vineyard. Picking up a tattered phone book, Ken went to the yellow pages and found eight listed wineries… Robert Mondavi being the only one he recognized. With a phone call, Robert Mondavi himself agreed to walk the property. After the two men discussed soils, vines, yields, irrigation, and proper pruning, Robert agreed to finance a deal with Ken if he would plant 50% Gamay. The deal was struck with a resulting vineyard of 50% Gamay and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, Mr. Mondavi guaranteeing Ken’s Cabernet “to be the highest harvest price paid in the Valley.” The support and encouragement of Robert Mondavi would allow Ken to return to his passion: his family farming heritage.
On this ranch, near to where the Napa River begins, Ken and Gail’s four children pursued small vineyard chores with varying degrees of enthusiasm: Justin excitedly tying small vines while Rebecca instead preferring to play with dolls in an old barn. (Little did the two know that years down the road, they would hold the reins to great vineyards and ultimately to one of Napa Valley’s finest production facilities).
With no money to hire vineyard help, friends and relatives were coaxed, cajoled and recruited to come up to the “beautiful Napa Valley”. Upon arrival they were dutifully put to work, prompted with homemade egg salad sandwiches and sodas. This seedling vineyard truly became a labor of love, the Laird’s first Napa Valley vineyard.
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Carneros Chardonnay
Blended with grapes grown in both Napa and Sonoma. Two-thirds came from Sonoma’s Cold Creek Ranch while one-third came from Napa’s Dyer Ranch.
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Carneros Chardonnay
Aromas of vanilla; hints of honey, orange blossom, and passion fruit.
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Cold Creek Ranch Chardonnay
After farming vineyards in the Carneros region for over twenty years, we believe this appellation produces outstanding Chardonnay grapes.
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Cold Creek Ranch Pinot Grigio
Our Cold Creek Ranch is located in Sonoma's Carneros district. The cooling breezes from the San Pablo Bay help define the nearly perfect growing conditions for both Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.
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Diamond Mountain Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley mountain appellations have well deserved, distinct reputations. Diamond Mountain is without a doubt one of the most respected. Wines from this north valley location are big, full of tannins and expressive of their rugged place. This Laird wine is no exception to that banner. Sourced from one of Napa Valley’s finest vineyards, this wine shows true character of place.
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Dyer Ranch Syrah
Blue and purple hues; Flavors of wild blueberries,vanilla, plums and spices; Nicely structured, firm tannins, and a long finish.
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Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
This Cabernet is crafted from fruit grown in Rutherford and Yountville. The color is ruby red, and aromas of cassis and cherries fill the nose. Rich plum and red berry flavors are joined on the palate by hints of oak and earth.
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Napa Valley Merlot
Red brick color; aromas of cherries, raspberries, plums; flavors of sage and spices.
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Red Hen Ranch Chardonnay
This Chardonnay reflects the greatness of vintage 2001 with standout flavors, mouthfeel and finish...
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Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
Flavors of blackberry, currant, and cedar; Medium bodied, dark ruby color; Firm tannins, hints of "Rutherford Dust" on the finish.
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Suscol Ranch Merlot
Deep garnet color; aromas of cherries, plums and berries; lingering finish with pinches of spice.
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