Is it time for a do-over? We finished harvest late, very close to Thanksgiving. Harvest started later, finished later, and it seemed that all the grapes got ripe at the same time. It took longer days, working Saturdays, to get things done.

I have already had my first chance to taste the new wines and I think it is going to be one of the best vintages ever. It seems that longer hang time led to very even maturity. We have already started pruning with a small crew and will be adding more people this week. It will take the next 75-80 days to get all the vines pruned, one of the most important jobs that we do. What you prune in January and February is what you get in September and October.

2022 Chardonnay, Goodchild: Chardonnay is the motherlode of white wines. It has the most acres in California. This is one of the better Chardonnays that we have ever made. It comes from Goodchild, our best Chardonnay vineyard. We took a little different approach, inspired by what Lane Tanner has been doing with the grapes that she buys from us. We picked the grapes earlier, at lower sugar levels, which means less alcohol. Santa Maria is in a climate district that is quite cool and you can get plenty of hang time, even with an early pick. I think you will find this wine to be very interesting. Let’s say it’s going to be refreshing.

2020 Cabernet Franc: My most pampered vineyard - it’s in my yard. We have a waiting list for people to buy the grapes. It has performed well over the years and has been very consistent. It gives you a good example of that dried leaf finish that Cabernet Franc is noted for. For those of you who have enjoyed the Carménère, it is from the family of Cabernet Franc.

2021 Pinot Noir, Estate: This one scored 91 points in Wine Enthusiast. It should have been higher because it is an outstanding wine. For the price, this one is a must. It deserves the “Estate” designation that we have given it. With this wine, you need to buy more than one.

At the end of this month, we will enjoy our Wickenburg wine retreat! I am trying to sneak in some of the unlabeled new vintage wines to taste together. In February, I hope to see you at our Valentine’s Wine Dinner at the Alisal here in Solvang. Bring your heartthrob with you!