Wine Notes
Vintage:
2022
Appellation:
Sonoma Coast
Vineyards:
Our 2022 Rosé is a blend of 100% Pinot Noir grapes from the Sonoma Coast appellation along with vineyards in Russian River and Anderson Valley. Microclimates vary widely but add to the diversity of aromas and nuanced flavors. Several clones are represented including Dijon 114, 115 & 828, Pommard, Swan, Mt. Eden, Calera, and the newer French ENTAV 777 & 677 clones.
Vintage:
Every season in 2022 held a surprise. Winter rainfall was 16-17”, about half of normal. Spring bud break was “on time” but in late April, northern California experienced extreme cold below 35F and several vineyards had some to severe frost damage. Our estate vineyard was cold (34F) but had no frost. Summer weather was normally warm until September 5-7 when the western states experienced a “heat dome” with temperatures hitting 114-120F three afternoons in a row. After this event, the season progressed normally and finished on a very positive note.
Fermentation & Aging:
Individual lots were identified as excellent quality, blended, then fermented to dryness with a special yeast from Bandol, a coastal Rosé region in southern France near Côte d’Azur. Harvest commenced in late August and ended in early October. Harvest sugars ranged from 22.1° Brix to 28.5° Brix, and the pH from 3.1 to 3.7. Total acids were generally high, averaging 7.5 g/L. Skin contact averaged 48-50 hours, then the juice was drawn off; the saignée (or bleeding) process. Fermentation temperature was 58-60°F, taking about 2 weeks in stainless steel. The wine was lovingly bottled on February 14, 2023, just in time for sweethearts to toast!