While most wines are still in barrel, the 2023 vintage shows tremendous promise, and the early release wines are thus far proving out the quality of the year and the vineyards we source from. After three short vintages we finally had a good fruit set in 2023. Flowering was a bit later than average, but after that the vineyards double-timed it right through to harvest about 2 weeks ahead of expected pick dates. Acid maturity was fantastic with lower malics in almost all the fruit, sugars stayed remarkably modest, skin tannins were very good, stems lignified quickly, and flavors developed quickly. We picked with a pace and have been happy with everything so far. Pinot Noirs will lean old-world and the whites are nervy and delicious. Somewhat reminiscent of 2019.
Aromatic whites released so far include theTsai vineyard Pinot Blanc, bright, refreshing, and juicy at 11.1% alcohol. Pinot Blanc naturally has a lovely textural element and this allows us to have such a low abv but the body to be enjoyable. Very refreshing now. The 2023 Whistling Ridge Riesling is very close ot a Trocken style, 2.8 g/l residual sugar and a pH of 2.97, the nose is full of quicksilver and woodland herbs. Hints of tangerine and Meyer lemon give the wine a very long finish. This is early in development and should be held for a few years.