DAVID BRUCE WINERY OLD
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Dr. David Bruce (dermatologist) |
| Winemaker | |
| Address | 21439 Bear Creek Road, Los Gatos, CA 95033 |
| Phone | (408) 354-4214 |
| Web Site | http://www.davidbrucewinery.com |
| dbw@davidbrucewinery.com | |
| First Vintage | 1964 |
| Current Production | 60,000 cases |
| Tasting Hours | Thu-Sun 11am-4pm (reservations required) |
1961: Dr. David Bruce, a dermatologist, established the winery after apprenticing under legendary winemaker Martin Ray.
1964: The winery was officially bonded and produced its first vintage. David Bruce planted 25 acres of vineyards in the hills above Los Gatos at 2,200 feet elevation.
1970s: David Bruce became known for technical and stylistic innovations in Pinot Noir winemaking, pushing boundaries and experimenting with extraction and ripeness levels. The winery gained a cult following.
1976: The 1973 David Bruce Chardonnay participated in the famous "Judgment of Paris" tasting, putting Santa Cruz Mountains wines on the international stage.
Present: One of the oldest and largest wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with an international reputation for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The winery's connection to Kathryn Kennedy is notable: in 1973, Kathryn Kennedy used David Bruce clone Cabernet Sauvignon material to plant her estate vineyard.
Estate Vineyard - 45 acres at 2,200 feet elevation in Santa Cruz Mountains:
- 9 acres Pinot Noir
- Remainder mainly Chardonnay
International reputation for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay since 1964. Sources from estate vineyard and other California appellations.
Santa Cruz Mountains Estate:
- Pinot Noir (primary focus)
- Chardonnay (primary focus)
Other offerings:
- Petite Sirah
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Zinfandel
Also produces Appellation Select and Central Coast wines.
- Martin Ray - David Bruce's mentor
- Kathryn Kennedy Winery - Used David Bruce clone Cabernet material (1973)
- Mount Eden - Contemporary of Martin Ray lineage