The 2023 growing season was bookended by warm weather in June and September but there were multiple plot twists in between. Taken in isolation, the mean values for precipitation and warmth suggest a straightforward vintage. The vines, however, had other ideas and the problem posed was how best to manage oversized bunches. Crop thinning was meticulous, the task requiring bunch-by-bunch appraisal. Only small clusters were retained to benefit from a high light environment. The final twist of the vintage was the high incidence of Asian fruit flies, though Chardonnay and some Pinot clones were largely spared. Careful netting and triage ensured only clean fruit was harvested.

The wines now in bottle reflect September’s generosity: Chardonnay is ripe and expressive, while the Estate Pinot, softened by extended barrel ageing, may be our best yet. 

The 2023 Pinot Noir opens with bright, lifted red fruits - cranberry, wild strawberry, and a hint of pomegrante, layered with delicate floral notes and subtle spice. The palate is medium-bodied and graceful, with softer, more polished tannins than the 2022 vintage that lend a silky texture from start to finish. The fruit feels pure and • Alcohol: 13% finely etched. The finish is long and refined, carrying a lingering note of rose petal and fresh forest floor.

Aged 100% in French oak, though young this is already very attractive, more open than the 2022 at the same stage with brighter, almost sweeter fruit, spice and oak very well integrated.