Scott Shirley of JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery
Tell us about the sustainable and eco-friendly practices at the vineyard: Since 2011, JUSTIN Estate Vineyards have been Sustainable In Practice (SIP) Certified which is a rigorous, sustainability-focused, annual audit program, covering everything from soil health to employee wellness. While farming has its challenges, the sustainable efforts we make daily ensure our vines and properties are here for future generations. Vineyard technology has come a long way in the past decade and most recently we’ve concentrated our efforts on adapting for climate change in both our short- and long-term practices. Working with climatologists and weather dashboards to predict extreme heat events within three months allows us to better plan and anticipate what could have been extreme yield loss. We use materials such as shade cloth to protect the fruiting area or–from a long-term perspective–evaluate planting vineyards which, in the past, may have been unfit for the cold but with increasing temperatures, now may thrive. Our Estate Vineyards also collect ‘waste-water’ when barrels or tanks are cleaned, which is then then diluted and mixed with well water and used to irrigate our vines, typically in the spring and summer. Finally, our winemaking facilities utilize solar energy year-round, especially during Harvest time to help offset the increased amount of electricity needed.
Tell us about the varietals you make: JUSTIN has always focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties. When Baldwin planted the Estate Vineyards, he envisioned making a Left-bank Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, which eventually became our flagship wine, ISOSCELES. A Right-bank Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot naturally followed, JUSTIFICATION. Malbec, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Petite Sirah are also now planted on the Estate, allowing for unique, California red blends. RIGHT ANGLE is a fun, proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. JUSTIN also offers varietals, such as Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier.
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