The Lockwood Story
First released in 1989, Lockwood Vineyard was developed under the belief that world class estate produced wines are attainable through ideal vineyard location and quality winemaking.
The partners of Lockwood Vineyard, Paul Toeppen, Phil Johnson and Butch Lindley, who have cumulative vineyard management experience of over 90 years, first planted the large 1,850 acre San Lucas Vineyard in 1981 after concluding that the parcel was perfect for growing premium grapes. The vineyard is in a remote area nestled at the base of the Santa Lucia mountain range, in Monterey County, and is one of the largest premium estate vineyards in the world.
Lockwood Vineyard is devoted to producing high quality estate grown and estate bottled wines. To that end, Lockwood Vineyard’s winery was built in the middle of the San Lucas Vineyard property, where every component of the winemaking process is controlled, from viticulture to crush to the final blend; Lockwood Vineyard’s wines embody the true definition of “estate produced”.
The San Lucas Vineyard consists of a unique soil that was recognized by the U.S. Geological survey in 1946 and is only found in two small areas of Central California, San Lucas Vineyard and a coastal cliff region near Big Sur. The “Lockwood Shaly Loam,” consists of crushed fossilized seashells similar to chalk and limestone. This soil is uniform to depths of greater than 20 feet, and due to its low nutrient and mineral content, the vines are restrained and must work hard for survival. The added vine stress and excellent water drainage from this soil creates grapes with structure and complexity.
Due in part to San Lucas Vineyard’s proximity to the Monterey Bay and warmer weather to the south, the vineyard’s climate is designated “Warm Region 2” and experiences mornings of 50ºF and midday temperatures of 110ºF – a diurnal swing of 60ºF in a matter of a few hours. As a result of vineyard location, multiple varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Merlot thrive with unprecedented success.
Larry Gomez returned to Lockwood Vineyard as winemaker in 2004, to bring attention back to the excellent fruit character of its estate wines and less on the influence of oak.
"Lockwood has always produced premium quality grapes from the San Lucas Vineyard, but their character and finesse was previously covered up by strong oak influences,” said winemaker Larry Gomez. “The new wine style leans towards fresh, fruit driven wines with a great mineral component that has been hidden in the soil here for centuries.”
As Lockwood Vineyard evolves into the future, its commitment to quality estate grown and bottled wine at an affordable price will remain the same.
