The Vintage: The 2023 vintage was one of the coolest and latest vintages Ive seen in the last two decades. The much-needed rain was more than 55 inches in the Russian River Valley. The precipitation brought extra canopy growth in the vineyards, and led to 5%15% higher yields for most varieties. Overall, the season was late from bud break through verasion; nally ripening and harvest. As a result of the long and slow ripening, the 2023 vintage wines are intensely avorful, beautifully colored, dense, concentrated, and moderate in alcohol. The tannin, structure, and acidity of these wines resembles some of the best European vintages. 2023 is the most age-worthy and memorable vintage in a long time. Winemakers Description: The wine has very distinct blueberry and blackberry aromas, a hint of violets, followed by subtle aromas of cocoa beans, maple syrup, cinnamon, and slight toast and smokiness. The mouthfeel is solid, medium-bodied, with very soft and elegant (for Petite Sirah) tannins that accentuate the wines long and juicy nish. The wine is delicious now; with some patience and proper cellaring, in four to eight years it will be even better.