The wine
Francis Ford Coppola’s Archimedes Vineyard
In 2006, Francis and Eleanor Coppola purchased what would eventually become known as Francis Ford Coppola Winery, marking their initial foray into Sonoma County winemaking. After an extensive two-year renovation that began in 2008, Francis reintroduced his eponymous Geyserville winery in July 2010.
In April 2017, the Coppola’s purchased their first major Sonoma County vineyard, a 100-acre parcel in the Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak American Viticultural Area.
The purchase included the high-elevation, 13-acre Silverwood Vineyard, an ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec producing vineyard whose fruit had contributed to Coppola’s highly-acclaimed flagship Archimedes wine for several vintages. The Coppola’s purchased the property from Silverwood Ranch owners Barry and Jackie Hoffner, pioneers of the distinguished AVA, and were instrumental growers in the Coppola’s grapegrower portfolio for years. A pivotal vineyard to the Archimedes wine for years, it only made sense to rename the Silverwood Vineyard The Archimedes Vineyard.
Archimedes Vineyard
Planted in 2005, the Archimedes vineyard encompasses 13 acres including 10 1/2 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and 2 1/2 acres of Malbec. Ranging from 2,300 – 2,600 feet above sea level, the vineyard blocks are mostly planted on a gentle hillside of Southwest orientation. Planted on the Sonoma County side of Pine Mountain, the vineyard encompasses one Malbec block and five distinct blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, each with different soil profiles. Each block in the vineyard has its own microclimate, protected from strong winds and cold weather by a high elevation ridge.
The vineyard is home to natural springs which are used to irrigate the vineyards throughout the year. A variety of wildlife also calls the Archimedes vineyard home including wild pigs, deer, coyotes and an occasional black bear.
The Wine
Archimedes is the flagship wine of Francis Ford Coppola Winery. A tribute to Francis’s “Uncle Archie” who was named Archimedes after the legendary mathematician and inventor known for developing the Archimedes heat ray, a device that takes advantage of the sun’s rays. This technology was made famous during the Siege of Syracuse which is depicted on the wine’s label.
Produced in very limited quantities, Archimedes is crafted from small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals. Archimedes has consistently shown success as a highly acclaimed premium wine, having received multiple 90+ scores from wine critic Robert Parker.
