story of law
Why are we ‘Here’? One, we have long had a passion for Rhone inspired blends. Two, Paso Robles is ‘America’s Rhone’. Those parts were easy. Our mantra was to find a vineyard site that could produce ultra-premium, limited production, Rhone and Priorat style wines that would be a true expression of the site. After two years of evaluating many potential sites (almost to exasperation), we finally found our Holy Grail. The analysis of 42 soil pits on this site revealed coveted limestone with low vigor soils. This, combined with the high elevation and steep slopes, was the unique and remarkable property that would produce the premium fruit we desired. Critical to our goal is a winery that can manifest the quality of the terrific fruit and create a world-class wine. We also believe that the Tasting Room should be an environment much like your home living room, where you can relax with friends and family while enjoying our Law Estate wines. As we continue to showcase and share the best that our estate has to offer, we will always be honored to have you joining us in the adventure.
– Don and Susie Law, Proprietors
the Site
We are committed to making exceptional wines through sustainable and certified organic farming practices with minimal inputs. Located above Peachy Canyon Road on the west side of Paso Robles, the vineyard is one of the highest in the area at 1,600 to 1,900 feet. It is planted in high density, small-lot blocks. The extreme slopes, limestone soils, and multiple aspects create the distinct canvas and palette from which we work.
With slopes reaching 35%-40% grade, our fruit is halld hand-picked. We will make at least 10 passes through each block every growing season to keep a watchful eye om growth. The hills are predominantly south-facing, exposing vines to optimal afternoon sun.
the vineyard
At 86 acres planted, multiple clones of Grenache and Syrah account for the majority of the vineyard acreage. Accompanying that are Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Graciano, Petit Verdot, and Tempranillo. The vast majority of our vines were planted in 2008. In 2013, we planted Clairette Blanche, Marsanne, and Roussanne, as well as a Syrah, Viognier, Roussanne field blend. Our most recent planting was in June of 2019 where we added Grenache Blanc.
Multiple clonal selections across each varietal were agreed upon and planted with the intent to produce wines that were far mare complex and thought-provoking.
winery
The winery was designed by BAR Architects using a minimalist approach to wine making and the Law’s preferred clean and contemporary style. The focal points of the design are an unobstructed view of the remarkable estate vineyard and a simple process flow for our handcrafted winemaking approach.
Solar panels provide nearly all of the facility’s electrical needs. Ample natural light on the crush pad and in the fermentation room decreases energy usage. We utilize gravity for movement of wine instead of traditional pumping methods. Our subterranean concrete building for processing and barrel storage aids in temperature control and decreases energy demands. The butterfly design roofs collect rainwater, and the bio-reactor recycles production waste water, both of which contribute to irrigating our vineyards.
winemaking
Winemaker Philipp Pfunder embraces the values of classical winemaking in the embodiment of an international scholar, drive by site, organic farming, gravity flow production, native yeast fermentation and the ongoing pursuit on the intangible perfection.
Phil and the winemaking team’s philosophy allows our wines to express a sense of place and terroir without any manipulation. Juice is drained and pressed before being transferred into the appropriate vessel, ranging from a selection of French oak barrels, puncheons, and foudres, or concrete egg. The wine remains on its lees for an aging of 19-27 months before bottling, unfined and unfiltered. Our wines then remain in bottle for an additional year and a half before they are released.