Eisele…… in the day. Now, after all the different owners, not as much.
I can see Jasud being a CA grand cru/1st growth someday, but it just doesn’t have the track record (yet).
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The question was favorite vineyard. It is my favorite vineyard for a multitude of reasons. But I would still argue given the proximity to other grand cru vineyards, know how it was planted and farmed and most importantly tasting the wine that it is already at grand cru. Ketan would probably not…because he is modest!
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My favorite is Ronda’s Vineyard, another location from which Briceland sources grapes (I think Ronda’s sells exclusively to Briceland; I know it’s a relatively small vineyard). The Pinots are ethereal and the 2016 Ronda’s Reserve Chardonnay was the best white I’ve had from Andrew and among the top domestic whites I’ve tried.
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But there are ties in the NFL and NHL 
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Not when it counts, in the playoffs. This is about wine and vineyards. It counts!
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Can’t argue with anyone who chooses Ronda’s, especially when it comes to pinot noir. But the Ishi Pishi Ranch zin has captured my heart even before taking into account the rest of their consistently excellent portfolio.
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I don’t have one favorite California vineyard. There’s the vineyard where I first felt the numinous beauty of the sun breaking through the morning fog while carrying a 5-gal bucket to collect maturity samples. There’s the vineyard that made me believe in California Chardonnay. There’s the vineyard that makes me smile every time I drive past it for the sheer audacity of its existence. There’s the vineyard that makes my favorite example of my favorite grape.
But if I am only allowed to name one then on this day it will be Oppenlander. It’s none of the above, but it is the only Pinot Noir site in Northern California that always impresses me.
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I can’t pick just one and I reserve the right to change my post tomorrow (tough question), but tonight I would go with Thorevilos, Rochioli Riverblock, and Hyde.
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Bates Ranch or Rhys Horseshoe
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South of SF:
Sanford and benedict…
Talley Rosemary
Rosella
Mt Eden
Monte Bello
North of SF:
Another day
I loved Showket back in the day. Magical Cab Franc. That was also my introduction to Mr. Bevan.
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Dr. Crane - Cab
Eisele - SB
Eastside - Chard
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As mark k may or may not know I’m a sucker for ancient vines. I’ve loved Lytton Springs for over thirty years and any of the former deLoach vineyards could be here as well as Bedrock and Evangelho but I’ll pick just one and go with my favorite vineyard from which Mike Officer makes wine, Montafi.
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This is tough but my vote goes to Summa
Eisele back when I could afford it. Now Trout Gulch.
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I’d agree the previous owners weren’t achieving it’s potential (instead, the world’s best blueberry milkshake), but now? Classically styled, first growth quality. There’s a reason the price shot up and that they sell more in France than the U.S.
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The Trout Gulch Chard I had from Kutch is epic.
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Tough call, but I’m going with Rhys Horseshoe. Great Pinot and world-class Syrah and Chardonnay.
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I loved the Syrah