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Robert Young Winery Summary

4960 Red Winery Road
Geyserville ,CA 95441
United States
(707) 433-3131
ryew.com


Robert Young Winery Description

Founded in 1858, Robert Young Winery has established itself as one of the most esteemed wineries in California's Alexander Valley. Located in the heart of Sonoma County, this family-run winery boasts a rich history and a commitment to producing exceptional wines. The winery is renowned for its dedication to sustainable farming practices and the production of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Robert Young Winery sits on a picturesque estate spanning over 430 acres, with 317 acres dedicated to vineyards. The estate's unique combination of well-drained soils, ideal microclimate, and meticulous vineyard management make it an exceptional terroir for grape cultivation. The winery's commitment to sustainable farming is evident through practices such as cover cropping, irrigation management, and natural pest control methods that prioritize the health and longevity of their vineyards.

One of the standout offerings from Robert Young Winery is their signature Robert Young Vineyards Scion Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. This bold and complex wine showcases the true expression of the Alexander Valley terroir. With its deep purple color, enticing aromas of blackberries, and flavors of black currants and dark chocolate, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers an exceptional tasting experience. The winery also produces a range of other varietals, including Merlot, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc, each reflecting their dedication to crafting wines of exceptional quality.

Visitors to Robert Young Winery are invited to experience the warm hospitality and breathtaking beauty of the estate. The winery offers tastings and private tours, allowing guests to learn about the winemaking process and explore the vineyards that have been meticulously cared for by the Young family for generations. Whether you are a wine enthusiast looking to discover new favorites or a connoisseur seeking top-notch wines, Robert Young Winery is a must-visit destination for a truly memorable wine tasting experience.

What Makes Robert Young Winery Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Robert Young Winery stands out from other wineries in the region due to several distinguishing factors that set them apart.

First and foremost, the winery prides itself on its rich and storied history. With its establishment in 1858, Robert Young Winery is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in the United States. This legacy is reflected in their deep-rooted commitment to producing exceptional, high-quality wines that showcase the terroir of their vineyards.

One of the key distinguishing features of Robert Young Winery is its unique vineyard site. Situated in the Alexander Valley AVA of Sonoma County, the winery benefits from a prime location that encompasses diverse microclimates and distinct soil types. These factors contribute to the complexity and character of their wines. The vineyards are meticulously tended to ensure optimal grape ripening and flavor development.

Another aspect that sets Robert Young Winery apart is their vineyard practices. They adhere to sustainable farming methods, minimizing environmental impact and preserving the integrity of their land. The winery has implemented innovative techniques such as cover cropping, integrated pest management, and water conservation measures. This commitment to sustainability not only safeguards the environment but also enhances the quality of their grapes and wines.

Moreover, Robert Young Winery is renowned for its focus on the cultivation of Bordeaux varietals, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. These varietals thrive in the Alexander Valley's climate, resulting in wines that are known for their richness, depth, and structure. The winery's dedication to these specific varietals sets them apart as experts in their production, with each bottle showcasing the unique expression of the region.

In addition to their Bordeaux varietals, Robert Young Winery also produces other notable wines, including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. This diversified portfolio demonstrates their versatility and capability in crafting exceptional wines across different varietals.

Furthermore, Robert Young Winery is committed to providing visitors with an extraordinary wine tasting experience. The winery offers tastings that showcase their premium wines, allowing guests to savor the flavors and learn about their winemaking techniques. The friendly and knowledgeable staff make for a warm and inviting atmosphere, creating a memorable and educational visit for wine enthusiasts.

In summary, Robert Young Winery differentiates itself from other wineries in the region through its rich history, unique vineyard site, sustainable practices, focus on Bordeaux varietals, diversified portfolio of wines, and exceptional wine tasting experiences. These elements combine to create a truly distinctive and noteworthy winery in the heart of California's wine country.

What Some Possible Concerns About Robert Young Winery ?

While it is important to highlight the positive aspects of a winery, it is also essential to provide a comprehensive overview that includes any potential concerns or criticisms. Here are some potential issues that some people may have with Robert Young Winery:

1. Limited Wine Selection: Some visitors have expressed disappointment with the winery's limited wine selection. They may feel that the winery could offer a greater variety of wines to cater to different tastes and preferences.

2. Lack of Food Options: Some guests have mentioned that the winery does not offer a wide range of food options. This might be an issue for those looking to pair their wine tasting experience with diverse culinary offerings.

3. Cost: Robert Young Winery is known for producing premium wines, which can come with a higher price tag. Some visitors have expressed concerns about the cost of their wines compared to similar quality wines produced by other wineries in the region.

4. Limited Public Tours: Unlike many other wineries in the area that offer public tours, Robert Young Winery primarily focuses on private, by-appointment tours. This might not be suitable for visitors who prefer a more flexible or spontaneous wine tasting experience.

5. Accessibility: A few visitors have mentioned challenges regarding disabled accessibility, such as lack of ramps or accommodations for wheelchairs. This could be a limitation for those with mobility issues.

It's worth noting that these concerns may vary from person to person, and many visitors may have entirely different experiences based on their individual preferences and expectations.

Robert Young Winery History

The Robert Young Winery, located in the heart of the Alexander Valley in California, has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a century. Founded by Robert Young and his wife, Corrine, in 1858, this winery has made significant contributions to the development and growth of the Californian wine industry.

The story of the Robert Young Winery begins with the Young family's arrival in California from New York in the early 1850s during the famous gold rush. Like many others seeking opportunity in the West, Robert Young was initially drawn to the possibility of striking it rich as a gold miner. However, recognizing the vast potential of the region's fertile soil and favorable climate, Young pivoted his attention toward agriculture.

Robert Young purchased a 206-acre parcel of land in the Alexander Valley, located in Sonoma County, and began planting vineyards. He quickly became known for his meticulous approach to farming, innovative techniques, and commitment to quality. Young's investment and expertise in the vineyards paid off when he won a prestigious award at the California State Fair in 1889 for his exceptional grapes.

The Young family had a pioneering spirit, always looking for new ways to improve their winemaking practices. In 1963, Robert Young's grandson, Richard Young, decided to replant the vineyards with premium grape varietals. This bold move, substituting the traditional field blend with individual grape varieties, was groundbreaking at the time. Richard saw enormous potential in this approach, as it allowed for greater control over wine quality and the ability to make exceptional single varietal wines.

Under Richard's guidance, the winery introduced their first estate-bottled wine in 1972, labeled with the Robert Young Estate designation. This marked the beginning of a new era for the winery, firmly establishing their reputation for producing high-quality wines. The focus on exceptional terroir-driven wines made from estate-grown fruit became a defining characteristic of the Robert Young Winery.

Throughout the years, the winery has remained a family affair. In 2003, Richard's daughter, Susan Young, and her husband, Fred Young, took over the winemaking operations. As stewards of the estate, they continue the tradition of sustainable farming practices, innovative winemaking techniques, and dedication to producing terroir-driven wines.

Today, the Robert Young Winery has grown to encompass nearly 500 acres of vineyards in the Alexander Valley, with a special focus on Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Their estate-grown wines are highly sought after by both critics and wine enthusiasts, known for their balance, complexity, and expression of the unique terroir.

The Robert Young Winery's commitment to quality and innovation has not gone unnoticed. It has received numerous accolades and awards over the years, solidifying its position as one of California's premier wineries. The Young family's dedication to sustainable farming practices and preserving the land for future generations further underscores their commitment to excellence.

As the Robert Young Winery continues to thrive and evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring legacy of the Young family and their contributions to the California wine industry. With its rich history, exceptional wines, and stunning vineyards, this winery stands as a true gem in the Alexander Valley and a must-visit destination for wine lovers from around the world.

Introduction

Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!

I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....

After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.

Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.

Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.

As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.

Cheers! - Franklin Laurel