A drive along the rustic, winding private lane, just off Chalk Hill Road, leads to Medlock Ames at Bell Mountain Ranch. Located at the southwestern tip of Alexander Valley, the ranch also extends into another iconic winegrowing region, the Russian River Valley. While it covers 338 acres, only 55 are planted to vines, a deliberate choice by its founding partners, Chris Medlock James and Ames Morison, who are committed to keeping the ranch in a natural state, reserving it for California oaks and wildflowers.
The story behind Medlock Ames begins in the ’90s. Chris and Ames were roommates in college and continued the arrangement after graduation, sharing an apartment in New York City. As the story goes, one night after a little too much vino an idea took hold: produce the elegant Bordeaux wines they were drinking, but with California grapes. And just like that, the two friends packed up and moved to California to search for the ideal location. After looking at more than 100 properties, they found a parcel of land on a private country lane off Chalk Hill Road and knew right away this was the place to bring their vision into reality.
Since the winery’s earliest beginnings in 1998, its founding partners have remained true to its values to use sustainable farm practices and preserve the land. These values are so ingrained within the very nature of the business that it remains steadfast to its principles. “Preservation of the land is at the heart of what we do and the core of all decision-making practices,” says president Julie Rothberg. As far as winemaking, Morison is a purist. “What inspires me is the connection between the land and what’s in the glass. Tapping into nature’s power, rather than using chemistry.”
A tasting at Medlock Ames begins with a splash of welcome wine and a tour of the ranch. On this day in late autumn, the first taste happens to be the winery’s 2019 Rosé, a Merlot-based wine with a deep pink hue. Fresh and crisp with a lush mouth-feel, it’s a beautiful beginning to the tour, guided by Morison and Rothberg, as we stop on a path up hill to take in a sweeping vineyard view.
Next, we tour the barrel room, and Rothberg pours another splash of wine—the 2019 Newcomb Sauvignon Blanc, an aromatic blend of ripe pear and grapefruit with floral notes. “Sauvignon Blanc does well here,” says Morison. After harvest, the grapes are macerated overnight, rather than going direct-to-press. The brief skin contact from the fruit provides just enough structure, which resolves into a long, creamy finish on the palate.
The seated tasting portion of the experience takes place at a barn on the property, and the wines are paired with a selection of artisanal cheeses and nuts. There, we move to the reds, beginning with a sample of the 2016 Heritage Merlot, a varietal that tragically fell from grace following the movie Sideways. This member-exclusive wine is sourced with fruit known as the Jefferson Merlot Clone (yes, the late President Thomas Jefferson). The clone is notable for it strength, ability to adapt to its surroundings and its spice. At the ranch, it’s grown on a hilly, upper slope of the estate with heavy clay soil. In the glass, it offers lush, fresh aromas of dark berries and plum on the nose, followed by floral and toasty notes. A beautiful wine to sip with a lingering finish, it garnered 92 points from the Wine Advocate.
And finally, we sample the winery’s two flagship wines, which beautifully express the masculine and feminine characteristics possible with the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. The 2017 Fifty Tons Cabernet Sauvignon is a nod to the 50 tons of rocks the founders, along with Chris’ dad, moved by hand to restore the natural terraces for the vine rows. Just like its name, this Cab is big and bold with fresh, juicy dark fruit aromas with a luxurious chocolate character. In contrast, the 2017 Kate’s and B’s Cabernet Sauvignon, is the hallmark of the winery’s founding partners and their dream of producing elegant, balanced wines. “We named the blocks after our wives,” says Morison with a smile. “They are the prettiest blocks.” A lovely, fragrant wine, it has notes of black currant and black cherries with a rich, silky finish.
If you’re looking to take a drive to the country, schedule a seated tasting at Medlock Ames at Bell Mountain Ranch and experience the subtle, healing alchemy of spending time outdoors, while enjoying exquisite wines. “The grapes we grow at Bell Mountain are full of personality,” says Morison. “We love the flavors that the soils in this special spot in the world impart into the grapes.” Special spot, indeed. Medlock Ames offers a wine-tasting adventure where you can sink into the experience and let the world slip away.
Did You Know?
Medlock Ames at Bell Mountain Ranch is a family-owned winery, committed to maintaining a natural balance in the vineyards, organic farming practices and protecting wildlife.
This means no artificial chemicals, fertilizers or pesticides are used on the vines. The winery also makes its own compost on site to build soil fertility, and encourages the support of wildlife to help with farming. Owl boxes are strategically installed on the property, providing homes for the barn owls that patrol the vineyards, assisting with pest control. An insectary blend of plants, including Sweet Alyssum, Purple Tansy, Buckwheat and Queen Anne’s Lace, which have a long flowering period, attract beneficial insects.
At-a-Glance
Medlock Ames at Bell Mountain Ranch
13414 Chalk Hill Road
Healdsburg, Calif. 95448
(707) 431-8845
medlockames.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Daily
Tasting Fee: Bell Mountain Ranch Tour $75/per person
Wines Offered: 2019 Rosé, 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 Newcomb Sauvignon Blanc,
2016 Heritage Merlot, 2017 Fifty Tons Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017 Kate’s and B’s Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc.
Reservations: Yes
Picnics: No
Pets: Yes, well-behaved dogs on a leash.
