MADE IN KNIGHTS VALLEY
Moran Manor wines have been grown in Knights Valley since its founding in 1996, with an initial planting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Syrah. We have been making our signature field blend, Anagram, since our first bottling in 2002.
Terroir
Knights Valley is the warmest part of Sonoma County, situated in the beautiful expanse of land between Calistoga and Healdsburg. The warm days and cool evenings make this the ideal climate for growing Bordeaux grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The summer heat accelerates the grape ripening schedule while the chilly nights help the grapes maintain their natural acidity and brightness.
The history of volcanic activity around Mt. St Helena gives the soil a rich volcanic makeup that makes for full-bodied reds. Knights Valley soils are known for their rich mineral content and are well suited for growing an array of fruits and vegetables. The soil is fine and well-drained and turns to “moon dust” in the peak of Summer. That’s our indication to irrigate (minimally) until right before harvest.
“Overall I would describe the conditions for grape growing in Knights Valley as “forgiving.” Mildew pressure is low, so few or no sprays are required. Daytime heat and sunshine are basically a guarantee, so we rarely worry about late ripening. The cool nights are the real key to keeping the wines bright and lively. Knights Valley was made for growing these Bordeaux varieties.”
– Brady Moran, Vineyard Manager
Farming Practices
Our farming is straightforward: We do all the work by hand. We only use sprays when absolutely necessary. We mow in the Spring and Summer. We sow straw, chicken manure, and cover crop seeds in the Fall. Much of our farming practices follow the natural farming guidelines of Masanobu Fukuoka’s “One Straw Revolution.” We have practiced these natural farming techniques since 2019.
Our most important decision each year is the pick date, and we try to choose the moment that will best capture the growing season that we experienced that year. In the winery, we integrate just enough new French oak each season to lift and frame the wines but not overpower the naturally bright red and black fruit notes. We age both the Cabernet and Merlot anywhere from 18-24 months in all French Oak to smooth out the tannins while elevating the weight of the wines.
Our vines are more than 25 years old – they know more than we do. We do our best not to mess with them and ruin it. Our yields are moderate, but we get incredible concentration in the grapes from our Estate.
Though our wines will easily age for 10+ years in the bottle, we make them with the goal that you could drink them right away.
We are blessed to have cooperative and encouraging neighbors in Knights Valley. In years with moderate or low yields, we incorporate harvests from our neighbors, and keep the wine grown in Knights Valley.