Harvest

For both red and white grapes, 2018 offered near picture-perfect growing conditions, with mild spring and summer weather, and no significant heat events. The conditions were ideal for both our Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, which show beautiful tropical notes and ripe flavors at low sugars. While our Chardonnay harvest began about three weeks later than normal, the fruit arrived at the winery in pristine condition, producing dynamic and complex wines. The excellent growing conditions naturally resulted in a slightly larger than average crop for our red Bordeaux varieties, with fully lignified seeds at low sugars levels. With temperate weather throughout fall, we were able to pick each block at optimal ripeness, yielding exceptionally juicy and polished red wines, with plush, well-rounded tannins, and lovely overall structure.

Winemaking

Enticing aromas of cherry, wild strawberry, cranberry, raspberry and pomegranate leap from the glass, followed by hints of sweet leather, rhubarb, bay leaf and baking spices. On the palate, this wine is plush and inviting, with energetic acidity and dusty, fine-grained tannins providing structure and nuance to the voluptuous red fruit flavors, while carrying the wine to polished berry and spice finish.