Tench Vineyard

Tench Vineyard lies on the eastern edge of Oakville, where the valley floor begins to rise toward the rugged slopes of the Vaca Mountains. This location, just south of the Oakville Cross Road and just north of Screaming Eagle, offers a striking combination of alluvial bench and fractured volcanic rock. The site’s red, iron-rich soils are derived from ancient lava flows and tuffa, offering excellent drainage and low fertility that naturally curtail vigor and concentrate flavor.

Planting density is around 1,089 vines per acre, with major plantings dating from around 1990. Cabernet Sauvignon is the principal variety, supplemented by smaller blocks of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The vines benefit from full afternoon sun tempered by the upward slope toward the Vaca foothills, contributing to moderate canopy exposure, controlled ripening, and preservation of natural acidity.

This Vineyard is routinely found in the Double Blessings, with the 2022 vintage of Peter made of 100% Tench.