OUR STORY
A lifetime of appreciation. Orinda Hayes values lasting relationships and sustainable farming. Here we create wines that transmit a sense of place and time.
WINEMAKER NOTES
The Orinda Hayes portfolio is a commitment to quality, distinction and wines that exhibit fantastic harmony. All the reds showcase an inviting rich fruit rusticity and the whites a seamless opulent freshness. Wines that meet the demands of the most discerning enthusiast.WINEMAKING
This distinctive portfolio of wines is focused around growers that meet our demands for sustainability. Vineyards span the California coastline from Paso Robles to the Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco appellation.WINEMAKER
Chad Alexander has overseen the production since inception and uses modern cutting edge equipment to produce non-interventionist wines that are naturally fermented and bottled un-fined and un-filtered.APPELLATION
Paso Robles: Known for its extreme growing conditions and well-drained, gravelly and sometimes chalky limestone soils, Paso Robles is one of three California appellations producing Bordeaux and Rhône varietals worthy of international acclaim.Central Coast: Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco appellation has proved ideal for growing layered, complex Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Brisk winds and fog off Monterey Bay, stony, well-drained soils, and a lack of damaging fall rains all combine to produce grapes with fruit intensity and bright balancing acidity.
2021 Paso Robles Proprietary RedWINEMAKING NOTES
At Orinda Hayes we prioritize sustainable and eco-friendly winemaking practices. Careful pruning, canopy management and irrigation techniques are used to ensure our grapes are of the highest quality. Harvested by hand from our finest vineyards we use open-top fermentation practices then blend to perfection.TASTING NOTES
A medium to full-bodied profile, with a velvety and smooth texture. Giving way to a harmonious blend of fruit flavors, including the dark fruits detected on the nose complemented by nuances of black currants and blueberries. The wine has well-integrated tannins, providing structure and depth to the palate. A balanced acidity lends freshness, while a gentle touch of oak adds complexity and contributes to a lingering finish.VINTAGE & VITICULTURE
Our 2021 Paso Robles grapes are grown under ideal conditions. Our vineyards are renowned for their diverse microclimates and wide range of varietals. We saw little-to-no spring frost and a warm summer which led to an early bud break, but cool spells slowed the maturation process and brought balance to our crops.Winemaker: Chad Alexander
Varietals: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot
Fermentation: 14 months in 100% French Oak$25 - BUY NOW
2018 Paso Robles MerlotWINEMAKING NOTES
Our 2018 Paso Robles Merlot exhibits the classic bold Paso Robles spirit, resulting in a great concentration of not only color but taste proven by the low yields of 2018. Dark berry fruits intermingle with pepper and spice to create a really delicious treat. This wine is really coming into its own right now.TASTING NOTES
We absolutely love this wine. It’s a polished well-made Merlot that time will always be kind to, with mellow fruit and fresh characteristics keeping things lively. Dried boysenberry, plum, leather and dried earth aromas show on the nose. Tangy plum skin flavors show on the palate. It’s an easy-drinking, soft and approachable red with a cascade of exuberant fruit.VINTAGE & VITICULTURE
Bud break occurred two weeks earlier than normal in 2018. Cooler conditions during fruit set resulted in lower yields than normal; mother nature thereby ensuring the vines were in good balance with no need to drop fruit to achieve ripening. Throughout the rest of the season, growing conditions were near perfect; the very small crop produced more concentrated flavors and achieved ripeness earlier than any previous vintage.Winemaker: Chad Alexander
Varietals: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Fermentation: 12 months in oak (20%)$25 - BUY NOW
2021 Paso Robles Cabernet SauvignonWINEMAKING NOTES
Our Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the noblest grapes on the planet and creates a wine of incredible depth and longevity. It is grown under ideal conditions and has the perfect climatic and soil conditions in Paso Robles to produce world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.TASTING NOTES
Dark fruit intrigues with blackberry, cassis, and hints of lavender and bramble on the nose. On entry the fruit is crisp, with lively acidity that brings a beautiful freshness. Loads of black cherry and raspberry come through on the rich, full mid-palate. Bright red berries lead into a deeply complex and balanced finish with layers of rhubarb, pepper, roasted coffee and dark chocolate.VINTAGE & VITICULTURE
The 2021 vintage will be remembered for low yields with intensely-flavored, small-sized berries and a smooth and uneventful harvest season. The season started off with very little rain, leading to the 2nd year of drought conditions in Napa Valley.The drought resulted in a more natural load on the vines, requiring less pruning and dropping of fruit. The resulting grapes are packed full of flavor and it is likely the smaller yields per vine and smaller berry size will result in another amazing vintage from Napa Valley.Winemaker: Chad Alexander
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Fermentation: 14 months in 100% French Oak$32 - BUY NOW
2018 Paso Robles MerlotWINEMAKING NOTES
Our 2018 Paso Robles Merlot exhibits the classic bold Paso Robles spirit, resulting in a great concentration of not only color but taste proven by the low yields of 2018. Dark berry fruits intermingle with pepper and spice to create a really delicious treat. This wine is really coming into its own right now.TASTING NOTES
We absolutely love this wine. It’s a polished well-made Merlot that time will always be kind to, with mellow fruit and fresh characteristics keeping things lively. Dried boysenberry, plum, leather and dried earth aromas show on the nose. Tangy plum skin flavors show on the palate. It’s an easy-drinking, soft and approachable red with a cascade of exuberant fruit.VINTAGE & VITICULTURE
Bud break occurred two weeks earlier than normal in 2018. Cooler conditions during fruit set resulted in lower yields than normal; mother nature thereby ensuring the vines were in good balance with no need to drop fruit to achieve ripening. Throughout the rest of the season, growing conditions were near perfect; the very small crop produced more concentrated flavors and achieved ripeness earlier than any previous vintage.Winemaker: Chad Alexander
Varietals: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Fermentation: 12 months in oak (20%)$25 - BUY NOW
2020 Red Hills Lake County Cabernet SauvignonWINEMAKING NOTES
Hand harvested in the cool early morning hours, the fruit is immediately subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, including our cutting-edge optical sorter, with a goal of eliminating less-than-perfect berries. Cold soaks lasted approximately five days, and fermentations were managed by pump-overs.TASTING NOTES
Dark fruit intrigues with blackberry, cassis, and hints of lavender and bramble on the nose. On entry, the fruit is crisp, with lively acidity that brings a beautiful freshness. Loads of black cherry and raspberry come through on the rich, full mid-palate.VINTAGE & VITICULTURE
Our 2020 Red Hills grapes are grown under ideal conditions and Lake County has the perfect climatic and soil conditions to produce world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.Winemaker: Chad Alexander
Varietals: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot
Fermentation: 14 months in 100% French Oak$35 - BUY NOW
2018 Paso Robles MerlotWINEMAKING NOTES
Our 2018 Paso Robles Merlot exhibits the classic bold Paso Robles spirit, resulting in a great concentration of not only color but taste proven by the low yields of 2018. Dark berry fruits intermingle with pepper and spice to create a really delicious treat. This wine is really coming into its own right now.TASTING NOTES
We absolutely love this wine. It’s a polished well-made Merlot that time will always be kind to, with mellow fruit and fresh characteristics keeping things lively. Dried boysenberry, plum, leather and dried earth aromas show on the nose. Tangy plum skin flavors show on the palate. It’s an easy-drinking, soft and approachable red with a cascade of exuberant fruit.VINTAGE & VITICULTURE
Bud break occurred two weeks earlier than normal in 2018. Cooler conditions during fruit set resulted in lower yields than normal; mother nature thereby ensuring the vines were in good balance with no need to drop fruit to achieve ripening. Throughout the rest of the season, growing conditions were near perfect; the very small crop produced more concentrated flavors and achieved ripeness earlier than any previous vintage.Winemaker: Chad Alexander
Varietals: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Fermentation: 12 months in oak (20%)$25 - BUY NOW
2020 Red Hills Lake County Proprietary RedWINEMAKING NOTES
Our 2020 Red Wine is a classic Bordeaux blend. Showing bold character, with a textural depth from the 2020 vintage. Displaying all of the savory, spicy notes that we love with a tannic structure that provides allure glass-after-glass. It is a wine built for drinking immediately but, expect with a year or two, it will really come into its own.TASTING NOTES
Alluring aromas of ripe blueberries, black cherry, star anise, baking spices and minerality. Elegant and dark, this 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 5% Zinfandel blend gracefully dances across the palate with flavors ranging from lush blackberry preserve, black cherry, and sage. Supple and layered with refined tannins, the mid-palate is enhanced with notes of mocha leading to chocolate-covered cherries on the finish.VINTAGE & VITICULTURE
Our 2020 Red Hills grapes are grown under ideal conditions and Lake County has the perfect climatic and soil conditions to produce world-class wines.Winemaker: Chad Alexander
Varietals: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 5% Zinfandel
Fermentation: 18 months in 100% French Oak$25 - BUY NOW
2018 Paso Robles MerlotWINEMAKING NOTES
Our 2018 Paso Robles Merlot exhibits the classic bold Paso Robles spirit, resulting in a great concentration of not only color but taste proven by the low yields of 2018. Dark berry fruits intermingle with pepper and spice to create a really delicious treat. This wine is really coming into its own right now.TASTING NOTES
We absolutely love this wine. It’s a polished well-made Merlot that time will always be kind to, with mellow fruit and fresh characteristics keeping things lively. Dried boysenberry, plum, leather and dried earth aromas show on the nose. Tangy plum skin flavors show on the palate. It’s an easy-drinking, soft and approachable red with a cascade of exuberant fruit.VINTAGE & VITICULTURE
Bud break occurred two weeks earlier than normal in 2018. Cooler conditions during fruit set resulted in lower yields than normal; mother nature thereby ensuring the vines were in good balance with no need to drop fruit to achieve ripening. Throughout the rest of the season, growing conditions were near perfect; the very small crop produced more concentrated flavors and achieved ripeness earlier than any previous vintage.Winemaker: Chad Alexander
Varietals: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Fermentation: 12 months in oak (20%)$25 - BUY NOW
2020 Mendocino Provencal RoséWINEMAKING NOTES
Our Mendocino Provencal Rosé is made using the traditional method of Provence, allowing the grapes to have a short period of skin contact and then gently pressed to achieve the desired color, this dry, medium-bodied rosé shows crisp cherry-pomegranate flavors on the palate. Mendocino’s cooler temperatures mean a longer hang time and outstanding berry concentration. Enjoy well-chilled.TASTING NOTES
Aromas and flavors of ripe strawberry, nectarine, fig, and honey with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a seamless, interesting, medium-long finish that shows overtones of almond skin, orange, and peppered cranberry with no oak flavor. A refined and pure Rosé that plays well with food and all on its own.Winemaker: Chad Alexander
Varietals: 72% Pinot Noir, 28% Zinfandel
Oak Profile: 50% French Oak$20 - SOLD OUT
2018 Paso Robles MerlotWINEMAKING NOTES
Our 2018 Paso Robles Merlot exhibits the classic bold Paso Robles spirit, resulting in a great concentration of not only color but taste proven by the low yields of 2018. Dark berry fruits intermingle with pepper and spice to create a really delicious treat. This wine is really coming into its own right now.TASTING NOTES
We absolutely love this wine. It’s a polished well-made Merlot that time will always be kind to, with mellow fruit and fresh characteristics keeping things lively. Dried boysenberry, plum, leather and dried earth aromas show on the nose. Tangy plum skin flavors show on the palate. It’s an easy-drinking, soft and approachable red with a cascade of exuberant fruit.VINTAGE & VITICULTURE
Bud break occurred two weeks earlier than normal in 2018. Cooler conditions during fruit set resulted in lower yields than normal; mother nature thereby ensuring the vines were in good balance with no need to drop fruit to achieve ripening. Throughout the rest of the season, growing conditions were near perfect; the very small crop produced more concentrated flavors and achieved ripeness earlier than any previous vintage.Winemaker: Chad Alexander
Varietals: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Fermentation: 12 months in oak (20%)$25 - BUY NOW
2021 Central Coast ChardonnayWINEMAKING NOTES
Our Central Coast Chardonnay displays the complexity and poise we have come to expect from the deep, sandy soils of our growers' vineyards. Our winemaker employs traditional, natural techniques - native yeast fermentation, native malolactic conversion and sur lie aging. Practices that elevate and enhance the distinctive character of this region, accenting its fine balance between richness and vivacity.TASTING NOTES
The wine dances across the palate delivering everything promised by the bouquet including layers of ripe peach, granny smith apples and candied cedar notes. As you enjoy this wine, it continues to evolve beautifully, finishing with silky tones and refreshing minerality; notes of citrus zest, toasted brioche and limestone.VINTAGE & VITICULTURE
Winemakers across California predict that the 2021 vintage will be one of the best in recent memory, while the California winegrowers enjoyed a smooth harvest following a moderate and consistent growing season.Picking began early in many regions, including the North Coast — ranging from a week to several weeks ahead of average. Central Coast appellations experienced a cool year that prompted a later-than-average start.Winemaker: Chad Alexander
Varietals: 100% Chardonnay
Fermentation: 11 months in French Oak (5% New), 6 months in stainless steel$32 - BUY NOW
Introducing RLS Palisades
Celebrating a new region, diversifying our regional impression and portfolio with this latest designation.
2018 North Coast Cabernet SauvignonWINEMAKING NOTES
The RLS Palisades Winery portfolio demonstrates our wine's commitment to quality and distinction that exhibit fantastic harmony. All the reds showcase an inviting rich fruit rusticity and the whites a seamless opulent freshness. Wines that meet the demands of the most discerning enthusiast.WINEMAKER
Chad Alexander has overseen the production since inception and uses modern cutting-edge equipment to produce non-interventionist wines that are naturally fermented and bottled un-fined and un-filtered.NOTES
Our North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most noble grapes on the planet and creates a wine of incredible depth and longevity. It is grown under ideal conditions and has the perfect climatic and soil conditions. We focus on three growing regions; Lake County, Alexander Valley and Mendocino County all known for growing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Inspired by the great Cabernets of Napa Valley, we age this wine for a minimum of 12 months in barrel. Ample structure and harmony. Dark fruit intrigues with blackberry, cassis, and hints of lavender and bramble on the nose. On entry, the fruit is crisp with lively acidity that brings a beautiful freshness. Loads of black cherry and raspberry come through on the rich, full mid-palate.$38 - BUY NOW