Mustard Creek Estate
Mustard Creek Vineyard was replanted 14 years ago from Chardonnay to Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Zinfandel sits on steep rocky slopes and gentle rolling hills for the Petite Sirah make for an optimum growing site. This vineyard was built to ensure each plant receives the perfect balance of sun exposure and air flow. One cluster per shoot provides the winery with even ripening amongst both varieties.
Vineyard Facts
Planted: Replanted in July 2003, purchased in 1997.
Varietals: Zinfandel - 6.28 acres, Petite Sirah - 2.15 acres
Spacing: Zinfandel — 10 ft x 6 ft; Petite Sirah — 9 ft x 6 ft
Yield: 2-3 ton/acre
Soil: Zinfandel — Deep soil, sandy with calcareous material; Petite Sirah — Calcareous material with a light layer of top soil
Rootstock: Zinfandel — Deaver NC 1103 P; Petite Sirah — Durif 03 Certified 1103 P
Vine Rows: Zinfandel — North to South on the hillside and East to West otherwise; Petite Sirah — East to West
Training: VSP System — helps with canopy management to avoid sunburn on the North to South facing rows. VSP is also easy to hand prune and pick.
Temperature: Very hot dry days and cool, breezy nights.