2022 Madam Preston

Winemaker Notes

A blend of the four white Rhone grapes we grow on the Estate, fermented separately and blended one month before bottling. The wine typically leads with the floral aromatics and stone-fruit flavors of Viognier, complemented by mineral and honey notes from a healthy dose of Marsanne, and supported by Roussannes rich structure and Grenache Blancs heartiness. In 2022 Grenache Blanc was fermented in a stainless steel tank; the remaining 80% of the wine fermented in french oak barrels (about 10% new) with full malolactic fermentation.

2022 began beautifully, and the Viognier and Grenache Blanc were harvested in late August under charming northern California conditions. That changed quickly, however, with a torrid stretch of heat that topped out at 115F and wreaked havoc on the Roussanne and a few other sensitive parcels of our vineyard. After careful selection of sound bunches, we managed to produce fantastic wines, though in smaller quantities, from the later-ripening Roussanne and Marsanne. The resulting 2022 Madam is typically rich and elegant, offering a generous nose of candied orange peel, honeysuckle, melon rind, and dulce de leche. On the palate it is full and round but not too weighty, with flavors of nectarine, clementine and nougat. We find its best enjoyed with spicy food, like Thai curry. -GH


Grapes are certified organic (CCOF).

Fermentation is initiated spontaneously without the addition of
commercial yeast or malolactic bacteria.

50% Viognier, 20% Grenache Blanc, 20% Marsanne, 7% Roussanne
13.8% Alcohol
TA 5.5 g/L
3.6 pH


Aging Potential: 3-5 years from vintage