Cumulus is the name of this vineyard, which the Krankls planted themselves, right next to their winery in Oak View, a good hour's drive north of Los Angeles. Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Touriga Nacional, together with Petit Manseng, nestle wonderfully gently on the relatively steeply sloping hill to the south. The soil here on the shores of Lake Casitas has a slightly reddish tinge and is therefore wonderfully mineral. However, the humus layer is not very thick, as the roots of the vines have to laboriously work their way through limestone after just thirty, forty or at most fifty centimetres. All in all, Cumulus is the vineyard that demands the most from the vines and "suffering" vines usually produce the most promising grapes. You see, another "hot spot" where nothing but great wines can grow!