Cabernet #43, grown on the Asti Ridge Vineyard and planted by the late Stephen Johnson and Ulises Valdez, is a wine that tells a story of both land and legacy. Nestled in the hills of Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, Asti Ridge combines rocky, volcanic soils with steep slopes and ideal diurnal shifts—elements that are critical for producing powerful, balanced Cabernet Sauvignon. But it’s Ulises Valdez’s precise farming that transforms this site into something truly exceptional.

Steve Johnson and Ulises Valdez selected and planted Block 43 with intent: precise row orientation, and rootstocks matched to the site’s demanding soil profile. His farming techniques—dry farming when possible, aggressive thinning, leaf pulling for even ripening, and constant hands-on attention—ensured that the grapes from Block 43 ripened slowly and evenly, developing dark fruit character, fine tannins, and vibrant acidity.

The resulting Cabernet #43 is bold yet refined. Its structureelegance and energy are a direct result of Valdez’s touch. This wine isn’t just from Sonoma—it’s from Ulises Valdez’s Sonoma, and every vintage is a tribute to his mastery of vineyard craft.