About the producer
Founded in 2012, Defiance Vineyard is a boutique vineyard nestled to the east of Paso Robles, and is known in the area for growing premium Petite Sirah and Bordeaux varieties. Its terrior offers a diurnal temperature swing, providing optimal growing conditions, coveted by others in the region. Dedicated to sustainability, Defiance Vineyard is all farmed and harvested by hand with the utmost attention to detail. The result is our grapes are featured in high-rated and award-winning wines. Clients are located from Napa to Colorado: Ecluse, Dilecta, Cinnabar, Daou, Sinegal, Barbieri, Ladron, LaZarre, Pali Wine Co., Sunstone, Defiance.

In September 2020, Defiance Vineyard announced the launching of its estate wine, after seeing their perfectly concentrated and coveted fruit produce wines full of richness and natural balance. The Estate portfolio includes: Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Malbec varieties.

The vineyard rests on an east facing hillside well above the Creston Valley. The elevation spans up to 1500 feet with most rows on a 35 degree slope and a row orientation of North - South. 

In 2019, our fruit matured beautifully on a 15 degree south facing slope at 1000 feet elevation. The vines enjoyed a cool winter with ample rain leading into a shy spring, with a later bud break. The conditions during flowering were average, and did not limit yields. The grapes endured a typically hot summer followed by a warm fall with our notably cool nights. Harvest began in early September with our intentional rosé. Crushing operations went smoothly. Bottling dates were challenging due to COVID-19 restrictions, though it did not impact the quality or complexity of the wines.

THE WINE: blackberry, herbs de Provence, mint, lilac, cherry, plum

Our second vintage of our first in the Defiant Blend Series and tribute to Proprietor and Dad, Bill Faulkner, this Bordeaux Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc keeps its namesake as it is evokes characteristics of all who are defiant: bold, intelligent, structured, fierce and unique.

The name Whipper-In comes from the Faulkner Family's love and history with horses. The painting pictured on the bottle label is Bill as a young man, and former president of the West Hills Hunt Club from a news clipping in the LA Times.

This wine encompasses the best of the vineyard with notes of blackberry, herb de Provence, mint, lilac, cherries and plums. The lushness and acidity provide staying power in the mouth with interest that never disappoints.

Defiant meets Refinement.