FEATURED WINE OF THE 12-WINES-OF-XMAS PACKAGE = WEEK TWO VIRTUAL

The 2023 vintage is a testament to the resilience of the region’s vineyards and the craftsmanship of its winemakers. Despite some challenges posed by weather fluctuations, the overall quality of the wines from this vintage is exceptional.

A mild winter followed by a warm spring led to an early bud break, raising hopes for an abundant harvest. However, the summer brought some unexpected challenges, including sporadic heatwaves and intermittent rainfall. The careful management of the vines, coupled with the utilization of ad­vanced viticultural practices, ensured the grapes reached optimal maturity. Conditions for harvest were quite favourable. September was dry and reasonably warm. Crop size was small, but fruit quality was excellent and the grapes that were brought in had us wishing for more.

Harvest was prolonged and extended through the fall, well into late November. Luckily, the weather held and was relatively mild and dry. The harvest season was characterized by a series of careful decisions and precise timing. We had to be vigilant in choosing the optimal moment to pick each grape variety to preserve the balance of flavors and acidity. Our winemaker monitored sugar levels, acidity, and phenolic ripeness carefully to determine the optimal moment for harvest.

The vintage benefited from extended hang time, allowing flavors and aromas to fully develop. The grapes that were harvested displayed excellent phenolic development, promising wines with depth and complexity.

WINEMAKER NOTES: South facing slopes of the Proprietor’s Block capture the full day’s sun and produce award quality fruit. The wine presents a compelling nose with notes of white pepper spice, delicate notes of lavender and violets, and a core of dark ripe plum. The wine has a rich, fruit forward profile with notes of dark berries and spicy complexity that lingers on the palate. Enjoy on its own or pair with hearty meat dishes.