Klipsun
Pedigree
Early 1980's
Napa’s famed winemaker, Andre Tchelistcheff, known as “the Maestro,” arrived in Washington. He saw potential in the region's untapped land and dedicated 20 years to nurturing the fledgling wine industry. Working closely with locals, he identified a specific site on Red Mountain as the “greatest Cab land in WA,” laying the foundation for what would become the legendary Klipsun Vineyard.
Photo: Wine Spectator Archives
1982-1984
Working alongside Tchelistcheff and inspired by his vision, a local couple, Patricia and David Gelles, raced to purchase the land and planted the Klipsun Vineyard. By 1984, they planted 40 acres.
1990-2016
Through the years, the Klipsun Vineyard gained a reputation as one of the top vineyards in Washington state, a “Grand Cru” vineyard where grapes deliver bigger and riper wines. As the years unfolded, fruit was reserved for Washington’s premier winemakers and used in some of the most acclaimed wines.
2002
Wine & Spirits magazine named Klipsun Vineyard one of the Top 25 Vineyards in the world. The only vineyard from Washington recognized.
2016
The vineyard’s reputation attracted the fine wine, quality driven Terlato Family, who, eager to contribute to the site’s rare sense of place, seized the opportunity to acquire the Klipsun Vineyard.
2017 - Present
The Terlato Family pursued a visionary approach to vineyard innovation, enhancing fruit quality and preserving the vineyard's legacy. Their efforts include pursuing vine balance, replanting with a 45-degree from North row orientation, introducing untapped disease-resistant rootstock, grafting diverse Cabernet clones, and applying precise irrigation to stress vines, all to produce fruit that is voluptuous and the richest in character.
2019
The Terlato Family officially launched the Klipsun wine brand with a boutique first bottling of the 2016 Altimus Klipsun Cabernet, which quickly earned critical acclaim.
2022
Klipsun releases an inaugural bottling of 2020 Klipsun Red Blend – showcasing varieties that thrive on the Estate: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot.
2024
Klipsun releases an inaugural bottling of a 2nd tier 2022 Klipsun Cabernet.
Terlato
Family
A Family Legacy of Quality
Since starting a retail store in 1938, the Terlato Family has evolved into one of the leading importers and marketers and producers of luxury wine in the U.S., achieving success in every aspect of the fine wine industry. As a multi-generational family business, they remain dedicated to curating and offering only the highest quality wine character. Since the Terlato Family assumed sole ownership of the Klipsun Vineyard in 2017, they have had a clear vision of enhancing the potential of this iconic site. They have steadfastly supported and shepherded only the highest standards in viticulture and winemaking.
Terlato Family Philosophy:
"Consider quality as a way of life. We do."
Doug
Fletcher
“Red Mountain allows for more exciting vineyard control. Most vineyards worldwide are more controlled by natural elements. In the Red Mountain, the winemaker is in control.”
A rarity among winemakers, a true winegrower who is as comfortable and gifted in the vineyard as he is in the cellar.
With nearly 50 years of prestigious winemaking experience in California's most revered AVAs, Doug has developed a deep expertise in Bordeaux varietals. He’s worked closely with Stags Leap District fruit since 1978. He oversaw the replanting of the original estate vineyard, as well as 65 acres of additional plantings done under the Terlato Family's leadership in 2001. In 2006, Fletcher was appointed Vice President of Winemaking for the Terlato Wine Group overseeing all aspects of winemaking at the Terlato Family properties - including Chimney Rock, Rutherford Hill and Sanford in Santa Barbara County. Crafting the ultimate expression of ultra-luxury Washington red wine has become his latest passion project.
Over the years, Doug has aimed to produce Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals First Growth Bordeaux, focusing on small, intensely flavored berries with deep pigmentation and rich, ripe flavors. To achieve this, he selected grape varieties and clones suited to the first growth style, matched them with appropriate rootstocks, and pioneered the 'Fletcher Lyre' to optimize fruit maturation and elevate quality.
At Klipsun Vineyard, Doug’s extensive knowledge, global experience, and passion for creating balanced and refined Cabernet truly shine.
