René and Laurence Schlatter purchased their Coombsville vineyard in 2023, bringing Merryvale’s total amount of estate-owned vineyards to 55 acres. The couple was drawn to the Coombsville AVA in southern Napa Valley because of its cooler climate, due to its proximity to the San Pablo Bay. Here, daily high temperatures can be as much as 10°F cooler during the growing months than other Napa Valley AVAs, and heat spikes are less severe. This climate produces the style of wines the Schlatters most enjoy: precise, refreshing, and textured with fine acidity and tannin. The couple is gradually replanting this vineyard, including the grafting of one acre to a beloved Swiss varietal, Petite Arvine, a delicate, aromatic, white wine with a hint of salinity.
“Nowhere in Napa Valley can you find more color compounds than in the Coombsville appellation. In the reds, you get this freshness of fruit, usually blue fruit, that is unmistakable. It’s so attractive and charming.”
– Jean Hoefliger, Consulting Winemaker
“In our other three estate vineyards, you’re essentially looking down from a high vantage point. But in Coombsville, you’re looking up. It’s closer to the valley floor, but the maritime influence from the San Pablo Bay keeps it very cool during the growing season.”
– Jeff Crawford, Winemaker
Planted: 1988. Replanted 2024
- Planted Acres: 13
- Elevation: 80 feet
-
Soil Types:
Cole
AVA: Coombsville
-
Notable Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Chardonnay
Petite Arvine
- Planted: 2024
- AVA: Coombsville
- Planted Acres: 13
- Elevation: 80 feet
-
Soil Types:
Cole -
Notable Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Chardonnay
Petite Arvine
