Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier combines the vision of Anthony J. Terlato, the founder of luxury importer and marketer Terlato Wines International, and Michel Chapoutier, the esteemed Rhône grower and vintner whose compelling wines have been exalted by critics around the world. During the 13 year drought, there was not enough water to irrigate the vineyards and so in 2001 a decision was made to turn off the water to half of the vineyard. The L-Block and a portion of Saddleback were the only vines planted in this half of the vineyard which survived. As a result, the vines on these two blocks have lower yields that the others and have a deeper root system. This dry farmed "L" shaped block on a south exposed slope, has unique shale and iron rich soil which creates incredible complexity in the wine.