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Explore the story behind our wine, a tale interwoven with history, family, and heritage, all deeply rooted in our love for the land.

Year: 1821

The very beginning

Shortly after Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821, Alta California became a Mexican Federal Republic territory. Between 1821 and 1848, over 600 land grants were awarded to rancheros throughout California.

As a reward for his military service, Don Fernando Feliz received one of these grants from the Mexican government. Don Fernando Feliz stood atop the pinnacle of his new land where all the eye could see was his to cultivate. The highest point on which he stood would later become known as Duncan Peak.

Year: 1858

Duncan peak ranch

After the conclusion of the Mexican-American war in 1848, California became a territory of the United States. During this time, Elijah Duncan had moved to Mendocino County, where he purchased land from Don Fernando Feliz. This newly acquired land by Elijah would become Duncan Ranch.

For generations, the Duncan family used most of the land for ranching. Duncan Ranch was home to countless cattle and sheep throughout its untamed plains. The Duncan family used the fertile grounds along the Russian River to grow hops. This popular crop would later lend its name to the town of Hopland.

Year: 1962

The Lenczowski

In 1962 the Lenczowski family acquired Duncan Ranch from Bessie Duncan. The Lenczowski's would continue using the land for cattle and sheep for many years. The head of the family, Hubert Lenczowski would spend his formative years growing up on Duncan Ranch before deciding he wanted something different for this coveted patch of land.

Year: 1987

A Rising Star in The World of Wine

In 1987, Hubert Lencsowski and his wife, Resa Lenczowski, both Harvard graduates, began growing Cabernet Sauvignon. Hubert and Resa became inspired by the elegant wines of the Bordeaux region of France. Soon after the first harvest, the Lenczowski's became a certified and bonded winery with the state of California. Duncan Peaks Vineyards was born and made its first marvelous appearance in the winemaking world.

Year: 2012

Mendocino Fire

Tragedy struck in 2012 as the Mendocino Fire claimes the southern block of Duncan Peak Vineyards. Within this block were the two acres of Cabernet Sauvignon planted by Hubert and Resa Lenczowski. Hubert had reached retirement age when the fire swept Duncan Peak Vineyard. With no family willing to take over the vineyard, Hubert decided he would sell both the ranch and the winery.

Year: 2014

A New Era Arises From The Ashes

In 2014, the Jiang family purchased Duncan Peak Vineyards from Hubert Lenczowski. With their knowledge and experience spanning three generations in china, the Jiangs saw untapped potential in Duncan Peak Vineyards. With much work ahead of them, the family began to plan the future of the winery and vineyard.

Year: 2015

Dormancy and Rebuilding

Due to the growing business overseas in China, Max Luo would return home after completing his Master's Degree at UCLA. His sister, Jane Jiang, would take the reins as she studied alongside some of California's most revered educators in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. Duncan Peak Vineyards would enter a five-year dormancy during this period.

Year: 2020

Rebirth of Duncan Peak Vineyards

During the five-year dormancy of Duncan Peak Vineyards, Max established valuable business partners throughout Asia. Following Jane's success at UC Davis, she worked with over ten different wineries spanning the United States and Australia.

Max and Jane would oversee the rebirth of Duncan Peak and restore the vineyard to its previous glory. Together, this brother-sister duo could combine their collective experiences and share this hidden gem with the world again.

Year: 2021

California’s best-kept secret

Utilizing modern technology and traditional winemaking methods, combined with the vineyard's unique characteristics, a new chapter for Duncan Peak Vineyard begins. In 2021, renowned winemaker Kale Anderson was brought onto the team as the lead winemaker. With Kale Anderson being the youngest winemaker to receive 100 points from Robert Parker Jr, the sky became the limit for Duncan Peaks.

  • 1821
    1821
  • 1858
    1858
  • 1962
    1962
  • 1987
    1987
  • 2012
    2012
  • 2014
    2014
  • 2015
    2015
  • 2020
    2020
  • 2021
    2021

107

ACRES

Over 70 Percent of the land on Duncan Peak Vineyards is unplanted and serves as a habitat for wildlife and native plants. Four residential homes also occupy the property, with a winery converted from a barn and storage for our various equipment.

40mi

TO SANTA ROSA

Duncan Peak Vineyards resides in Hopland, CA. Bordering both Sonoma and Mendocino counties, you're always just a hop and skip away via the 101 highway. Duncan Peak Vineyards is only a short drive north of Santa Rosa and south of Ukiah.

110

CASES OF WINE WERE MADE in 2021

With a focus on ultra-premium wines, Duncan Peak Vineyards is about quality over quantity. Using sustainable farming methods and remaining highly selective throughout the winemaking process, we can fully express the terroir unique character. These elements are essential to Duncan Peak Vineyards' extraordinary wines.

Duncan Peak2443 ft elevation

Unplanted wildlife habitat80 acres of unplanted natural habitat for wildlife
A Perfect place for hiking, camping and mountain biking

North blockPlanted in 1984
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Clone: Scharffenberger
Root stock: SO4

Petite Sirah block Planted in 1996
Variety: Petite Sirah
Clone: St. George
Root stock: Durel

Reservoir 10 acre feet pond that collects rainfall for irrigation purpose

West block Planted in 1998
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Clone: 337(lower 1/2); 15(upper 1/2)
Root stock: 1103P

Young block Planted in 2019
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Clone: 337
Root stock: 1103P

East blockPlanted in 2007
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Clone: 337
Root stock: 110

Vineyard

Duncan Peak Vineyards

Composition

Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite sirah

  • ACIDITY
  • BODY
  • DRYNESS
  • ALCOHOL
Featured
Duncan Peak MAX

Choosing only the richest parcels of land, Duncan Peak Vineyard has created a genuinely iconic reserve wine.

The prevailing drought conditions led to limited water availability, creating a challenging situation for the grapes. Despite this, the grapes thrived under stress, producing exceptional fruit characterized by smaller-sized berries that possess intense flavors and concentrated characteristics.

The wine opens up with a rich and lush texture, with silky tannins that coat the palate beautifully. The finish is extended, leaving a lingering impression that is sure to delight any wine lover.

Team

Jane Jiang

CEO, Proprietor

Max Luo

Proprietor

Kale Anderson

Winemaker

Marc Ayers

Property manager

Leonardo Soto

Vineyard manager

Discover Centuries of History

Balancing Complexity, Elegance, Finesse

Organic and Sustainable

Join Allocation

With limited quantities available, Our wines are available for purchase by allocation.

Each year we offer our new vintage at pre-release pricing to members of our private allocation list.

Join the list today to gain access to our limited edition wines.

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