2025 Harvest Recap
As the next atmospheric river approaches, it’s Veteran’s Day – I never served for my country, but was next in line for the 1971 draft – all of my elders did and I greatly appreciate the commitment they gave.
Our modest harvest began on September 17th with the early morning pick of Sangiovese – can’t quit Sangio! – from Alexander Valley (more on that momentous decision in my next blog entry – stay tuned, it’s huge large). Beautiful, evenly ripened and small-berried fruit excites this winemaker! Our estate Dolcetto, in its fourth leaf, was next on September 20th. With a realtively cool summer, these young vines were telling us to go pink. Thus, a Dolcetto Rosato was crafted cuz everything is pretty in pink! Back by your popular demand, we picked Primitivo in Rockpile on September 22nd – a solid move.
The harvest concluded October 6th with the harvest of Mes Filles Pinot Noir grown in the southwesterly Sonoma Coast appellation-think Sebastopol hills. Ahh, the allure of Pinot Noir. After abundant winter rains and a mild frost-free spring, the vines awoke vigorous, yet balanced. A lingering marine layer and persistent fog stretched ripening into late September. With a late harvest come the likelihood of autumn rains, and while it rained lightly twice during harvest-it’s negative impact was minimal due to selective harvesting. Overall, the fruit came in clean, with gradual sugar development and full phenolic maturity.
