2023 Orchard Block Pinot Noir

VINTAGE HIGHLIGHTS
2023 was our 3rd warmest growing season on record after the 2015 and 2014 vintages. We had the warmest and driest August on record and if it was not for the rain in early September our harvest would have started before Labor Day Weekend. Three cheers for the rain! One of the interesting things about 2023 was the arrival of our first hailstorm right after bloom. We have never seen a damaging hailstorm in our vineyard since we started in 1971, so seeing it happen and the resulting damage was at first a little scary. While it looked like our yields might have been higher, the hailstorm helped reduce the crop to our desired amount. The resulting fruit was excellent, with the heat in August producing lower acid in the grapes and nice full flavors. - Winemaker Robin Howell

WINE PROFILE
The 2023 Orchard Block Pinot Noir opens with fruity red cherry, tea leaves, and a hint of vanilla on the nose. The palate is lively with cherry, clove, and cardamom, followed by delicate tannins.

SCORES
90 points Wine Spectator

THE STORY
Is there a perfect looking vineyard site that produces a vine that looks like it is in perfect balance? If so, the seven acres that make up the Orchard Block would be in the running for perfect looking vineyard. Balance is this site's middle name, and it’s that balance that is the thread that runs through this wine each and every year. Tannins too big? Nope, just right. Too fruity? Nope, just right. Goldilocks would love this wine!