Let’s start with the hard part first.  Devastating wildfires hit parts of Sonoma and Napa Valley, starting with a gut punch of dry lightning in late August– so absurdly 2020. As a result, we are saddened to report that our prized Pinot Noir source Terra di Promissio vineyard in Petaluma suffered too much smoke taint. We (and other wineries) lost the entire crop from that vineyard, but remain extremely thankful that owners Diana, Charles & their family are safe and did not see any destruction of land or property.  

Some good news

We successfully harvested early from the superlative home of our Chardonnay, Bacigalupi Vineyards. Thankfully, the decision to pick early saved the harvest. The result will be a bright, evocative Chardonnay with slightly lower alcohol than normal.  As for the status of Napa Cabernet…. it is still too early to tell the final outcome, but we’ll share news once we know.

“This years harvest has brought sharply into focus the fact that winemaking will always remain firmly in the hands of Mother Nature” – Winemaker Martin Reyes M.W.

Terra di Promissio owner Diana Karren talking with Martin amongst the Pinot Noir vines in July. 

Vintage Report / Three New-Releases

How good was 2019 for Chardonnay & Pinot Noir?

After watching how well 2018 performed, the 2019 season simply said “hold my beer.” This year provided almost flawless growing conditions across Sonoma & Napa County. The result was an outstanding harvest with distinctly deep colors and sensual flavor development. 2019 might be a year we speak about for a long time. Good news too, in case 2021 tells 2020 to hold its beer.

2019 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Sourced from two distinct sites – Carneros and Russian River. After a gentle, direct-press, the Carneros portion retained its inherent lively fruit aromas. Meanwhile Bacigalupi built a rich, meditative home inside new barrels, providing a balancing textural deftness. After partial malolactic fermentation, both stainless steel and oak-aged components were blended and lightly fined a month prior to bottling to marry their respective character.

Winemaker’s Notes: There’s a taut cohesion between indulgent citrus/stone liveliness and the creamy textural hint of the well-dressed, oak-aged Bacigalupi element. Don’t overchill, this has lots going on.

~300 cases made

2019 Gravenstein Highway Sonoma Pinot Noir

For Gravenstein Highway, we always seek to achieve a balance between aromatic purity, graceful complexity, and a refreshing bright style of Pinot Noir. Of note, this was our fourth vintage with the TDP site, which has established itself as the undisputed backbone of our Pinot Noir program. It provides the sneaky gravitas in our Gravenstein Highway bottling.

Winemaker’s Notes: The job of Pinot Noir in this style is to be light without being simple. As a testament to the vintage, I believe this bottling of Gravenstein Highway nailed it, perhaps even more so than the exciting 2018.

~550 Cases Made

2017 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Following HOT on the heels of one of the Best US Cabernets according to Wine & Spirits Magazine, the 2017 is no slouch! Simply put, it is brimming with confidence. Soaring aromatics are the first striking thing you’ll notice. Next, fine-tuned layers of red & black fruits, roasted herbs & spices, unsweetened cocoa develop in the glass with a particularly beautiful potency. With time in the glass, the touch of austerity yields to a delicious and cerebral complexity.

Winemaker’s Notes: Our 2017 Napa Cabernet shares many of the qualities we loved about the well-publicized, high-scoring 2016, including soaring aromas and rockstar structure. Drink over 5-8 years – decant if opening before 2022.

~500 cases Made