Reflecting on the 2022 Vintage
The season started with below-average rainfall, extending California’s drought conditions for a third year. However, a few large rainfall events filled reservoirs in Napa and Sonoma, improving early growing conditions substantially from 2021. For the first time in several years, frost occurred at the beginning of the growing season, but vineyards were largely protected in coastal regions. Temperatures for the growing season through the start of harvest were moderate, ensuring good canopies and early ripening conditions across California.
2022 was an exciting vintage with warm weather resulting in an early and fast start to the season! Once we got started, we first harvested our white varieties and Pinot Noir, then worked our way through the red grapes, ending with Diamond Mountain and Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon. We’re expecting this vintage to be distinctive and chock-full of the deep flavors and robust aromatics that make Napa wines so great.
Winter at the Winery
Topping Up
Barrels need to be “topped off” one by one about every six weeks. Because oak is porous, wine naturally evaporates through the staves. Known as the “angel’s share,” this wine must be replaced promptly so that the barrel stays completely full and free of oxygen. While some exchange of air is beneficial and creates unique flavors, too much can interfere with the natural flavors from the fruit.
Racking and Returning
To clarify the wines and prevent reductive qualities, they undergo a process called “racking and returning” in which they are emptied from the barrel and into a tank. While they are in the tank the barrels are washed to clear the sediment that’s collected at the bottom. Once this is done the wine is pumped back into the barrel to continue its rest.
Blending
Winter is Winemaker Lauren Kopit's time to prepare the blends of the new vintages; she likes to say that she is "getting to know the wines again" as they've been aging in oak. This process is distinct for each wine but always involves careful calculations and sampling to find the perfect balance of aromas and flavors. Our winemaking team is currently tasting through the 2022 white and 2021 red wines and are pleased with the outcome of these vintages and can't wait to share these wines with you.
