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Introduction
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In the heart of Adelaida, west of Paso Robles, Whalebone vineyard derives its name from the many whale and marine fossils trapped in the vineyards’ broken shale and limestone. Calcareous treasures were left behind after the underwater canyons and basins retreated, and when the earth shifted and folded during the Miocene, some six million years ago. In 1986 Bob and Janalyn Simpson [History] purchased 128 acres from the King Vidor Estate. In 1989, well ahead of the Paso Robles vineyard boom Bob and Jan decided to plant a small vineyard. Pebble Smith, a local vineyard expert, selected an entirely south facing rocky hillside situated 1800 feet above sea level. Ten acres were ripped to four feet yielding large calcareous rocks laden with whalebones and other marine mammal fossils, still evident in the vineyard today. Hot summer days ending with cool evenings yield an average diurnal swing of 50° creating perfect growing conditions. Today, the vines have lost their youthful exuberance and are gracefully transforming into a harmonious, low vigor vineyard, which needs little manipulation to produce low yields and the high concentrations required for quality wine.
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Copyright © 2008 Whalebone Vineyard
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