Purchased in 2017 by Karen and Stu Lerner from Tom and Jane (Armstrong) Byrne, the iconic Armstrong Ranch vineyard represents the cornerstone of Lerner Project. The Armstrong vineyard is situated over 1500 feet above the town of Calistoga on the steeply terraced, and sundrenched hillsides of the Diamond Mountain AVA. Planted with Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 6 in 1983 by the legendary grower, Dick Steltzner, it is also one of Napa Valley’s oldest mountain vineyards. Stu is proud to point out that the original 37-year-old planting comprises the vineyard to this day. The single-vineyard Armstrong Ranch 2017 represents Lerner Project’s first-ever estate bottling of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Located just to the southeast of the city of Napa, the Sugarloaf vineyard is on the receiving end of the breezes and cooling effects of the nearby San Pablo Bay, rising up to 1600 feet in elevation on what Russell Bevan lovingly describes as a “pile of rocks. Literally, it’s a vineyard on top of a quarry.” The steep mountainous terrain, diverse soils and varied exposures all provide an ideal growing opportunity for Merlot and Cabernet Franc with immense depth, energy and complexity. As a viticultural property, Russell and Stu find it quite useful for the spicy-minerally fruit character that predominates in the blending grapes. It tends to add complex notes to the rich, full-bodied Tench and RMS Cabernet bottlings.

The Houyi Vineyard is located on the iconic Pritchard Hill, just east of Oakville, rising above the fog layer on a perfectly situated southern facing slope. These well drained, rocky, volcanic soils produce intensely concentrated grapes with massive, mineral-laced black fruits and distinct varietal character. This pristine vineyard site has garnered a cult-like following among collectors in recent years and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after sources of Cabernet Sauvignon fruit in Napa Valley.