2023 Sauvignon Blanc

Youve likely heard theres never a bad vintage in California, and thats almost true: a lot has to go wrong for grapes to refuse to ripen in our sunny clime. Less proclaimed is that the flipside is also likely true that a truly exceptional vintage is just as rare. Grapevines like consistency and moderation in weather, with cool nights and warm days. While they can tolerate late Spring storms and both the blistering sunshine and hot nights of a heat wave, this kind of weather whiplash leaves its mark on the wine as the grape physiology shapeshifts to react to the abrupt changes. What a blessing, then, to experience such a gloriously temperate exceptional year as 2023 and see it reflected in this complete, balanced, and expressive Sauvignon Blanc.

We enjoyed our latest start to harvest in over a decade, beginning on August 29th and lasting five days. As usual, we loaded some batches directly into the press to draw off crystalline juice, and foot-crushed some others a few hours before pressing; a brief maceration that brings mouthfeel and minerality to the finished wine. Fermentation took place in about 3/4 stainless steel tanks, and 1/4 French and Austrian oak barrels, which were encouraged to complete malolactic fermentation before being reunited with the stainless portion at bottling.

A nose of lemon peel, lemongrass, orange blossom and a subtle herbal element of cut orchard-grass and wild thyme. Broad and ample but quite focused on the palate, with rich, lemon-oil acidity, orange candy, lemongrass and gooseberry. And the true marker of this incredible vintage: a stunningly long, delightful finish; persistent and quenching. GH


Grapes are certified organic (CCOF).
Fermentation is initiated spontaneously without the addition of commercial yeast or malolactic bacteria

100% Sauvignon Blanc
13.4% Alcohol
TA: 7.0 g/L
pH: 3.20
Aging: 3-4 years from vintage
Cases produced: 1088