Napa Valley, CA (September 24, 2019) — Gaylon Lawrence, Jr. has acquired a revered vineyard within the Coombsville sub-appellation of Napa Valley on Sept. 24, 2019.
The historic Haynes Vineyard, originally purchased by James Whitford from Nathan Coombs in 1885, is comprised of a 43-acre parcel and includes 32 acres planted to vine. James Whitford was the great uncle of Duncan Haynes, who planted the vineyard in the nineteen sixties at the encouragement of Louis Martini. Over the last 134 years, the property has been continuously owned by generations of the Haynes family, who farmed prunes, almonds, peaches and wine grapes. Louis Martini recommended the varietals to Duncan Haynes and in 1967, the Haynes family planted Wente Clone Chardonnay followed by the Martini Clone Pinot Noir in 1968. Louis Martini purchased the entire production from the vineyard for the first few years. In the early 1990’s, production of the Haynes Pinot Noir wines was overseen by the legendary winemaker, Andre Tchelistcheff. These heritage vines, now fifty-two years old, still thrive on the property. “We are honored to have the opportunity to preserve the history and legacy of such a great vineyard. We are thrilled to bring on a new team to craft wines for this new estate,” states Lawrence.
President and CEO, Carlton McCoy, is equally pleased with acquiring the Haynes Vineyard. “Upon my first visit to the Haynes Vineyard, walking the rows of old vines planted in pristine volcanic soils, I was overwhelmed by the significance of the place. To be able to walk the same rows advised on by Louis Martini and from which wines were produced under the tutelage of Andre Tchelistcheff comes with an enormous obligation. It is our intention to preserve the soul of the place which lives within the old vines. The vines are our connection to our Napa Valley Pioneers. As a sommelier, I have been fortunate to enjoy the Haynes Vineyard wines for years, crafted by winemakers that I admire most in California. While we look forward to continuing our relationship with these wineries, we will be developing our own independent estate, creating a unique and elegant expression of the ancient vines at the Haynes Vineyard,” said McCoy.
