Reflection of the 2024 harvest:

The 2024 harvest went smoothly, producing high-quality fruit. I collaborated with our trusted vineyards and growers, and I’m delighted with the results. We received an ample supply of Merlot, though slightly less Cabernet. Overall, the fruit was high quality from plentiful winter rainfall and warm summer temperatures.

In the vineyard:

To create exceptional wine, the relationships with growers and their grapes are crucial — “It all starts with the grapes.” This time of year, the vines are busy growing their canopy, and green grapes are growing in size on the vine. Cover crops have been mowed, and rows have been tilled, shoots have been thinned. I’ve have been visiting both vineyards where we will get fruit from this year gauge this season’s potential.

Pruning:

At Sonoma, a team of six skilled workers pruned last year’s shoots down to two spurs and buds per vine, which balances the vine, ensuring it produces the right amount of fruit. At Beatty Ranch, pruning took place a couple of weeks later due to the cooler growing conditions at the high elevation and everything is looking great!

In the cellar:

We recently completed the racking of our 2023 and 2024 wines in barrel, allowing us to assess their progress. I’m thrilled to report that the 2023 reds are tasting great! Initially, they were quite acidic with high tannins and minimal fruit expression. They needed time in barrel to blossom. Now, they are showing their potential. After oxygen exposure, they are beautifully integrated and balanced. We’re now purchasing supplies to bottle the 2023s in the next couple of months.