The highest-quality pinot noir and chardonnay in California is possible only when nature fashions a perfect terroir: cooling fog from the Pacific Ocean, soaring altitude, and exposure to the bright warming sun. In very few places do these elements all come together with copious intensity to fashion a truly unique site. Doc’s Ranch Vineyard is that exceptional place with its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, perfect elevation, and ideal slopes with southern exposure.
Doc’s Ranch Vineyard has played a notable role in the rise of the West Sonoma Coast as a distinctive wine-growing region and unique appellation. Vineyard-designated wines from its fruit have enjoyed critical acclaim for nearly two decades.
First planted in 1999 and then expanded in 2008, Doc’s Ranch Vineyard now comprises nine acres of densely planted vines on over twenty-one total acres. It is located in the West Sonoma Coast appellation, a 142,000 acre AVA located within the western portion of Sonoma County. You will find it perched on a ridge in “West County,” a pristine area of redwoods and fir trees south of the Russian River between the towns of Occidental and Bodega Bay. It is here where pinot noir is predominant, and it is here where growers and winemakers work feverishly to protect the landscape, culture, and history of the West Sonoma Coast.
The name originates from “Doc” van Alstyne, a long-time resident and former landowner of vast acreage encompassing the ridge where the vineyard is located. From the vineyard, one can clearly see both the Pacific Ocean and Point Reyes National Seashore – a constant reminder of the site’s coastal influence.
The Sheets family shares a passionate vision with their winery partners to faithfully express the unique site characteristics of Doc’s Ranch Vineyard. They are native Californians who find solace in the pristine serenity found on the northern California coast. After procuring the original blocks and home site in 2005, they acquired the neighboring parcel in 2008 and planted six new blocks encompassing three clones of pinot noir and a single clone of chardonnay. Aspiring to be good stewards of the land, they promptly put in place organic, sustainable and fish-friendly farming practices that continue to be used today to maintain a legacy for future generations.
Since founding Cobb Wines with his father in 2001, Ross Cobb has guided Cobb’s winemaking program, championing a complex, cool-climate style of Pinot Noir that captures the sophistication of the Sonoma Coast. Approaching his work with an extreme dedication to craft—in both viticulture and winemaking—Ross has quietly earned a reputation as a Pinot Noir specialist, producing benchmark single-vineyard wines. In the winery, Ross applies traditional techniques and a gentle hand to capture the personality of each vineyard, while emphasizing quality and complexity at every stage of winemaking.
Doc’s Ranch Vineyard is professionally managed by Paul Ardzrooni of Ardzrooni Vineyard Management, a fourth generation grape grower whose vineyard management company farms some of the most acclaimed vineyards in Anderson Valley and Sonoma County.
