About Row Eleven Pinot Noir

The roots of Row Eleven stretch back many years touching hundreds of grape growers and winemakers. In 1987, after fifteen years of crushing grapes in the United States and Chile, Winemaker/Founder Richard de los Reyes (also known as Ricky or Ricardo) swore he would never make wine again. Instead, he became a partner in two companies which assisted other winemakers as they searched California appellations for vineyards, grapes, and wines. Richard’s training in winemaking and unique position representing hundreds of winemakers and growers allowed him insight into techniques and vineyard access that no other winemaker had or probably will ever have. In 2003, while watching California growers plant new Dijon clones in new appellations, Richard became interested in making Pinot Noir again.

In 2004, Richard partnered with Ken Conner to create Row Eleven Wine Company. Their plan was simple. Turn Richard loose and let him find the best vineyards, in the best appellations, and take the best rows. We chose Row Eleven.

We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for three wonderful friendships: Bob Miller (Founder Bien Nacido Vineyards and Solomon Hills Vineyard), Dale Hampton (considered the “father” of vineyards on the south central coast), and Mel Sanchietti (one of the most respected industry veterans and growers in the Russian River) pledged their best grapes if Richard ever made wine again. Our quality is the direct result of their hard work.

Pinot Noir Vineyard Philosophy

A vineyard is limited to its own distinct flavors and characteristics. I think of each vintage as a jazz concert, and each vineyard as an instrument. Drums are okay alone, but add guitars, bass, piano and horns and you are cooking. I prefer vineyards with more than one clone and I use multiple vineyards to make wine that is as complex as it is rich, delicious and special.

Our growers are experts and industry veterans. Mel Sanchietti’s family were pioneers in the Russian River Valley. He has wonderful old vines. Dale Hampton and Bob Miller were the first to plant grapes in Santa Maria/Santa Barbara County. They have been advising others how and where to plant grapes for over thirty years. We take the best grapes that each man grows. Every bottle we make has over 70 collective years of winemaking and grape grower experience.

Our vineyards:
Sanchietti, Riverbench, Bien Nacido, Sierra Madre, Torres
- a blend of Pommard and Dijon clones.