Lone Buffalo Vineyards

First Vintage: 2007

Owned by: The Maddux family. . .Phil, Jill and Jocelyn

Winemaker: Phil Maddux, who made the leap as a pro after more than 30 years as a home winemaker

Phil and Jill Maddux invite you to visit their winery—by appointment only—in South Auburn’s Shirland Tract.

Tasting Room: By appointment only; no charge to taste. Lone Buffalo is also open during special weekend events sponsored by the Placer Wine & Grape Association

Estate: Five acres, two in vines, on-site winery

Events: Private tastings for small groups

Grapes cultivated: Syrah, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Viognier (vineyard planed in 2004)

Wines produced: “Noble Beast” Cabernet Sauvignon, “Bison Blanc”Viognier, “Thunder Beast” Zinfandel, “Tatonka Tempranillo, “Buffalo Rose” Sangiovese Rosé

Total annual case production: 500

Notable features: New tasting room just opened in Michael Kent Murphy addition to the Maddux home in Shirland Tract, south of Auburn off of Auburn Folsom Road. Ample evidence that five acres can bring you independence.

Contact & Visit:

2682 Burgard Lane,
Auburn, CA 95603
(916) 663-4486
pjm@lonebuffalovineyards.com
www.lonebuffalovineyards.com

Gary’s Comments:

lone buffalo Another classic family winery operation, Phil, Jill and Jocelyn Maddux do it all. Phil is an attorney practicing in Auburn by day, but the bulk of his out-of-court hours are consumed with tending his vineyard, making wine or working the tasting room on weekends. . .plus participating in a never-ending schedule of tasting events around the region.

Visitors to the tasting room enjoy a relaxed setting in a facility that is adjacent to the Maddux residence.

As noted above, Phil got his start as a home winemaker--a hobby and passion that fueled his desire to someday open his own bonded facility. With the support of his family, he was able to do just that in 2008. What I really appreciate about Phil’s winemaking is his personal philosophy that he adheres to faithfully. From his web site: ”Our vineyard management and winemaking philosophies are similar - let nature do the work and be a good, careful caretaker. . . As for what happens in the winery, we believe that the less done, the better. Ninety-five percent of good wine is made in the vineyard before the fruit is harvested.” Bottom line is don’t mess with Mother Nature.

lone buffalo I really like the fact that the Maddux family does everything—from spending untold hours in the vineyard managing the vines and coddling the fruit—to sweating over every phase of the winemaking. The family is committed to the project and it shows.

Phil tells the Lone Buffalo story during a private tasting.

Then there is the wine. I think Phil’s zinfandel is outstanding and he has done a remarkable job with his tempranillo. . .amazing stuff made in very small quantities which makes selling this juice in Carpe Vino a no-brainer.