The 2023 season rewarded patience and precision. Generous winter rains of 22.5 inches, well above our typical 14 inches, replenished vines and fostered healthy canopies, minimizing irrigation needs. December 2022 and January 2023 were especially wet months, with rain continuing into March. From April onward, conditions turned dry. The winter rainfall contributed to healthy canopies throughout the season, which provided excellent ripening conditions but also required more management, including additional hedging.
Budbreak started on April 3, 2023, two weeks behind 2022, bloom occurred June 1 - June 15, 2023, also two weeks behind 2022, and veraison started on September 1, 2023, which is a little later than average. A mild spring and summer gave way to a long, gentle ripening period.
Sugar accumulation occurred slower than normal, however a brief warm spell in early October pushed the fruit to optimal ripeness, leading to a brisk harvest that was later than normal. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were harvested mid-October and Syrah early November.
In the cellar, fermentations were slow and steady, allowing the wines to develop beautifully. Across all varietals, the 2023s showcase the generous fruit characteristics we love from the Santa Lucia Highlands, while the cool growing conditions of the season left a polished and supple imprint on the wines.
These conditions reminded Gary of the 1999 and 2007 vintages, two of his personal favorites over the course of his winegrowing career.
