Planted with Rhone varietals by Rich McClellan in 2006, Highland Hills is a special place. The 1400' elevation and coarse, sandy loam soil are two of many factors influencing this wine. Unusual heat in 2009 created a roller-coaster ride during the growing season but the grapes ripened nicely. Our first vintage captures the unique characteristics of this time and place, demonstrating why we could not be more excited about the future of this vineyard.

2009 McCormick Ranch Carignane
(121 cases produced)
In 1981 Don Armstrong planted the sandy loam soils of the upper San Luis Rey River Valley with Carignane. For nearly three decades this vineyard has been battered by the weather. A California sprawl trellis system protects the vines from the heat of the day and cold air from Palomar Mountain settles into the 820' valley to cool the evenings. Having survived two fires and Pierces Disease, the spunk of this vineyard makes it fun to work with the old vines. 2009 is our first harvest from these amazing old roots at McCormick Ranch.

2008 El Nido Vineyard Pinot Noir
(23 cases produced)
The El Nido vineyard was planted with Pinot Noir on the slopes of Rancho Santa Fe in 2002 and comprises a mere 1.5 acres of fast-draining sandy loam soil. Located at 210' in elevation and less than 3 miles from the Pacific Coast, the site is significantly influenced by layers of marine fog. Starting with the 2008 harvest, this special vineyard became our first designate and catapulted Vesper past an idea and into a future of making fine wines.