The Vintage: The 2023 vintage was one of
the coolest and latest vintages Ive seen in the
last two decades. The much-needed rain was
more than 55 inches in the Russian River
Valley. The precipitation brought extra canopy
growth in the vineyards, and led to 5%15%
higher yields for most varieties. Overall, the
season was late from bud break through
verasion; nally ripening and harvest. As a
result of the long and slow ripening, the 2023
vintage wines are intensely avorful,
beautifully colored, dense, concentrated, and
moderate in alcohol. The tannin, structure,
and acidity of these wines resembles some of
the best European vintages. 2023 is the most
age-worthy and memorable vintage in a long
time. Winemakers Description: The wine has
very distinct blueberry and blackberry aromas,
a hint of violets, followed by subtle aromas of
cocoa beans, maple syrup, cinnamon, and
slight toast and smokiness. The mouthfeel is
solid, medium-bodied, with very soft and
elegant (for Petite Sirah) tannins that
accentuate the wines long and juicy nish. The
wine is delicious now; with some patience and
proper cellaring, in four to eight years it will be
even better.