Oxlee Graham Wines
Get the Dirt from winemaker Jennie Murphy
“I decided I wanted to start my own winery in order to explore Pinot noir further – see what different regions, vineyards and clones could do.”
What was your first vintage year? Our inaugural vintage was 2022.
How many cases do you make per vintage? We average just around 900 cases per vintage, however our first vintage there were only 300 cases produced.
Do you have a Tasting Room? Not yet, but we hope to in the near future.
What wine made you want to become a winemaker/start your own winery?
I have had the pleasure of working with some fantastic vineyards and classic varietals throughout my career, but nothing captured my fascination quite like Pinot noir. It is a grape that really allows for experimentation and the resulting wine is such a calling card for the winemaker or winery where it was produced. It can be beautiful and delicate or bold and powerful. It has so many different expressions and it is such a fun grape. I decided I wanted to start my own winery in order to explore Pinot noir further – see what different regions, vineyards and clones could do.
What varietals do you work with?
I am currently working with Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot, Picpoul Blanc, Chenin Blanc and hopefully soon some Albariño. I have a blast working with all the varietals as they each provide their own unique challenges, but lately the Petit Verdot has been the most fun to make. I am using some non-traditional methods to pull out the beauty of this grape and accentuate the florals. Ultimately, we believe that genuine varietal expression in our wines comes from minimal intervention in the cellar and a great focus on detail.
What vineyards do you source from?
I source from smaller, family-owned vineyards that focus on sustainably and quality. It is important to me that each wine is able to share with the consumer it’s personality. I believe hand-tended vines are the way to do just that. Our Pinot noir currently comes from four different sites: Tanuda Ridge (Sonoma Coast), Gap’s View (Sonoma Coast), Alder Springs Vineyard (Mendocino County) and Gali Vineyards (Santa Cruz Mountains). Our Petit Verdot comes from McCoy Ranch Vineyard (Fountaingrove District). And our Picpoul Blanc/Chenin Blanc comes from Alder Springs Vineyard.
What type of oak treatment do you use?
I believe that every detail matters when it comes to making any fantastic wine, but the use of oak is one of the most important choices a winemaker can make. We range in oak usage from 0% to 40% depending on the varietal and style we are targeting, but even more important than the percentage is the type of oak we use. For my small brand, I am working with 8 different coopers, all French oak. Each cooper imparts their own texture, aromatics and structure to the wines. I believe by using a diverse set of barrels, the wines become more complex.
What do you love about your winemaking region? What makes it different special?
The winery is based in Sonoma County, so the majority of wine comes from this cooler climate, fog loving region, but I have also chosen other cool climate sites in Mendocino and the Santa Cruz Mountains. I like the coolness and the wind tattered effects of these cooler, more exposed wine-growing areas because I think it translates to magic in the glass.
What’s the story behind your winery name / label?
Oxlee Graham is a love letter to my grandmothers. The winery name uses their maiden names, Oxlee and Graham. They were both such strong women who led by example, were firm yet thoughtful and would do anything for their family and friends. I wanted to honor them, because their strength is what gave me the courage to carve out my own path as a woman winemaker in an industry that is not always easy for women. Each label also carries the name of a woman who has inspired me in some way. Oxlee Graham was born out of our passion for making unique wines that are ready to tell authentic stories.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about the wine business before you started your own winery?
I had been in positions in the industry where I wore a lot of hats before, but I underestimated the amount of time it would take to keep all the balls in the air as a one woman show. Lots of logistics to figure out for each area of the business.
Most importantly, what's so great about being small? What can you do as a small winemaker, that wouldn't be possible for larger wineries?
I can be extremely hands on and tend to every detail of the winemaking and the business as a whole. We can be creative and pivot when the need arises. It is so much fun to watch my vision come to life.
How do you view the future in the wine industry for small-lot winemakers?
I think the future is bright. There are still people who want to find uniqueness in the industry and want to feel the authenticity of the producer. Good quality wines made by good people. There aren’t many family run wineries left, so maybe the small-lot winemakers will have to hold down the fort.
If you could choose another wine region to work in what would it be?
I would love to explore what Oregon has to offer.
For more information about Oxlee Graham Wines, please visit their website or follow them on Instagram.