Failla
History and Background
Failla, located in Sonoma County, California, was founded in the late 1990s by winemaker Ehren Jordan. The estate is known for its exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah wines, which reflect the unique terroir of the region. Failla's commitment to quality and traditional winemaking practices has earned it a prestigious reputation among California wine producers.
Vineyards and Terroir
Failla's vineyards are located in various parts of Sonoma County and Napa Valley, California, benefiting from diverse microclimates and soil compositions:
Soil Composition: The vineyards feature a mix of volcanic, clay, and sandy loam soils, each contributing distinct characteristics to the wines.
Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah, producing wines known for their elegance and complexity.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Failla wines are defined by their refined elegance and intricate complexity. These wines typically showcase vibrant fruit notes, including blackcurrant, cherry, and plum, layered with nuances of spices, leather, and cedar. Their composition results in a medium to full body, characterized by lively acidity and well-structured tannins, which commend them to both immediate enjoyment and potential for aging.
- Winemaking Philosophy: Failla adheres to a philosophy that champions terroir expression, marrying traditional techniques with modern innovations to highlight the distinctive qualities of their vineyard sources. This approach emphasizes sustainable and organic farming practices, stressing the importance of maintaining the natural ecosystem within the vineyards. Minimal intervention during the winemaking process ensures that the pure expressions of the varietals and land are preserved.
- Influence on Style and Quality: The excellence of Failla's wines is directly influenced by their rigorous vineyard management practices and adept production techniques. The choice of specific clones and rootstocks, diligent canopy management, and optimal harvesting times are crucial for achieving the desired flavor profile and quality. In the winery, controlled use of French oak aging adds additional layers of complexity and finesse to the wines without overpowering the natural fruit flavors. This meticulous attention to each step of the viticultural and vinification processes results in wines that are not only powerful and flavorful but also maintain a graceful balance.
Reputation
Failla is a highly regarded winery in California, known particularly for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Located in the Sonoma Coast, Failla's reputation is bolstered by its meticulous focus on showcasing the distinct traits of specific vineyards and regions. The winery employs traditional winemaking methods, such as fermenting with indigenous yeasts and aging in French oak, which are revered for their ability to enhance the nuanced characteristics of each vineyard's grapes.
What sets Failla apart is its dedication to cool climate viticulture, positioning it at the forefront of exploring and capitalizing on the unique terroirs found in regions such as the Sonoma Coast, Fort Ross-Seaview, and Mendocino Ridge. The use of minimal intervention techniques in both the vineyard and the winery ensures that the wines express a clear sense of place.
The founder, Ehren Jordan, has a background in both European and Californian winemaking traditions, bringing a depth of knowledge and an innovative approach to his craft at Failla. Under his guidance, the winery has made strategic vineyard acquisitions and plantings, further enhancing the quality and complexity of its wines.
Moreover, Failla's boutique style and limited production quantities ensure meticulous attention to detail, fostering a consistent output of high-quality wines that reflect the best characteristics of Californian cool-climate viticulture. This, combined with critical acclaim and a devoted following, continues to cement Failla's esteemed status in the world of fine wines.
Final Thoughts
Failla stands out in the crowded world of wine production through its meticulous dedication to expressing the nuanced terroirs of the West Coast, particularly focusing on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Founded in the 1990s by winemaker Ehren Jordan, who honed his craft in both the vineyards of the Northern Rhône and Napa Valley estates, Failla's philosophy revolves around a careful, minimal-intervention approach, enabling each vineyard's unique characteristics to shine distinctively. They prioritize cool-climate sites along the Sonoma Coast and recently expanded into Oregon's fertile Willamette Valley, always with a reverence for sustainable viticulture. Their efforts have earned numerous accolades, underscoring Ehren's capability to craft wines of profound complexity and memorable finesse, helping to elevate the status of California and Oregon as premier regions for authentically expressive and globally competitive wines.