The 2020 vintage began with substantial rainfall in December of 2019, which re-filled our soil’s water table and allowed for beneficial mineralization of nutrients throughout the early part of winter. Below average rainfall in the first quarter of 2020, combined with above average temperatures, led to an early budbreak across our four estate vineyards. The last rains in May left us with only close to half of our typical annual rainfall for the season. Apart from March, each month of the growing season was warmer than our average, which led to a hastened season that resulted in smaller canopies and an accelerated ripening pace following an early and uniform veraison.

Despite the low rainfall, and the historically warm spring, summer and fall, we were able to dry farm 68% of our vineyards. The dry and warm year yielded smaller berries showing a high degree of intensity and concentration. This allowed for our earliest harvest dates on record beginning on August 14th and finishing on September 22nd. There were two significant heat waves through our picking period – the first in the middle of August and the second around Labor Day – that impacted the cadence and intensity of our successful harvest of pristine grapes.

Dark ruby swirling in the glass, the bouquet reveals dark cherry, plum and cassis, complemented by notes of violets, cedar and iron. Dark fruit flavors envelop a sanguine mineral core on the palate, framed by fine, supple tannins and a refreshing vibrancy. Balanced and classically poised, the wine shows an intricate, chalky minerality that brings elegance and persistence. Accessible in the near term, the wine will continue to develop over the next ten years.